Urethritis

Treatment:

Antibiotics are prescribed for urethritis. Because of the common association of sexually transmitted diseases, medications that will adequately treat Chlamydia and gonorrhea are most frequently used. Abstinence or use of condoms should be recommended throughout the course of treatment. Partners may be treated as well.

Urethritis caused by trauma or chemical irritants is treated by avoiding the precipitating factors.

Analgesics (pain relievers) and urinary tract-specific analgesics (such as phenazopyridine) may be used as concurrent therapy for urethritis of any cause.

Expectations (prognosis):

With prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment, urethritis usually clears up without any complications.

Complications:

Urethritis may proceed up the genito-urinary tract to develop cystitis (bladder infection), pyelonephritis (kidney infection), epididymitis, or prostatitis.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if urethritis symptoms occur.