• Home

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Toggle: English / Spanish

Urethritis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Definition:

Urethritis is inflammation of the urethra from any cause.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Urethritis may be caused by bacteria or a virus. The same bacteria that cause urinary tract infections (E. coli) and some sexually transmitted diseases (chlamydia, gonorrhea) can lead to urethritis. Viral causes of urethritis include herpes simplex virus and cytomegalovirus.

People who are sensitive to the chemicals used in spermicides or contraceptive jellies, creams, or foams may develop urethritis.

Injury may also cause urethritis.

Men between the ages of 20 and 35, those with multiple sexual partners, and those who engage in high-risk sexual behavior (such anal sex without a condom) have the highest risk for urethritis. Young women in their reproductive years are also at risk. A prior history of sexually transmitted diseases raises one's risk of urethritis.

References:

Lyon CJ . Urethritis.  Clin Fam Pract . 2005 Mar; 7(1); 31-41.

Walsh PC. Campbell's Urology . 8th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Sanders; 2002:673-678. 

• Review Date: 5/3/2006
• Reviewed By: Neil D. Sherman, MD, Urologist, Essex County, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.