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Urethritis - chronic

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Urethral syndrome

Treatment:

If there is an infection, you will be given antibiotics. A follow-up urinalysis or culture will be done after you finish all of the medicine.

Women who have repeated episodes of intercourse-related urethritis or cystitis may be prescribed a dose of preventive antibiotics. Such therapy is called peri-coital treatment, and involves taking the medicine shortly before or after intercourse.

Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) may be prescribed to decrease urinary discomfort .

You should stop using any possible chemical irritants.

Expectations (prognosis):

In the majority of cases, the cause of the urethritis can be found and treatment will be given. Chronic urethritis, despite the cause, can lead to urethral strictures (narrowing) and may require surgery or another medical procedure to correct the problem.

Complications:

Prolonged, untreated infection may progress to continued narrowing of the urethra, resulting in difficulty in completely emptying the bladder. Recurrent urinary tract infections may also occur. Less commonly, pyelonephritis ( kidney infection ) or structural damage to the urinary tract system, including impairment of renal (kidney) function can occur.

Calling your health care provider:

See your health care provider if symptoms of chronic urethritis occur.

• Review Date: 6/13/2006
• Reviewed By: Neil D. Sherman, MD, Urologist, Essex County, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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