by Samantha Giving

Created on: July 13, 2008   Last Updated: July 14, 2008

Urethritis, quite simply, is an inflammation of the urethra, the tube which carries urine from the bladder. There are two common types: gonococcal urethritis (GU) and nongonococcal urethritis (NGU).

Contracting Urethritis

20-35 year old males with multiple sexual partners and those who practice high risk sexual behaviour are at the most risk of contracting urethritis. Next are women in their reproductive years; as well as those with a history of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Gonococcal urethritis (GU)

GU accounts for 80% of all cases. It is caused by the bacteria N. gonorrhoeae, and is commonly known as gonorrhea or "the clap". Symptoms for GU appear much quicker, as the incubation period is shorter than in NGU cases. These infections are passed from person to person through sexual activity.

Nongonococcal urethritis (NGU)

NGU is also known as Non Specific Urethritis (NSU). It is caused by bacteria other than gonorrhea; most commonly Chlamydia. These patients have a longer incubation period and are more likely to have no symptoms at all.

Symptoms of Urethritis

In men, the most common symptoms are:
Dysuria burning pain during urination;
Increased urinary frequency or urgency;
Swelling, itching or tenderness in the penis or groin;
The meatus (opening of the penis) is closed due to dried secretion, and/or red in color;
Discharge from penis (moderate in volume, clear, yellow, green brown or tinged with blood in color);
Orchalgia heaviness in the genitals;
Painful intercourse or ejaculation;
Bloody urine or semen; and
Occasionally, fever.

In women, the most common symptoms are:
Dysuria - Burning during urination;
Increased urinary frequency or urinary urgency; and
Worsening symptoms during their menstrual cycle.

Most symptoms appear 4 14 days after contact with an infected partner. Patients may also be asymptomatic (have no symptoms).

Diagnosing Urethritis

If you have any of the above symptoms, you need to make an appointment with your health care professional. GU and NGU type urethritis require medical treatment.

In males, the urethra is inspected for abnormal discharge, as well as the abdomen, bladder area and scrotum. A digital rectal exam will also be performed. For females, expect an abdominal and full pelvic exam which will attempt to identify any tenderness, redness or abnormal discharge from the vagina and cervix.

Your doctor will require a swab for diagnosis. This may require inserting a cotton swab 1-4 mm into the urethra, and rotating it once. Urinary cultures

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