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Urethritis
DefinitionUrethritis is an inflammation (irritation with presence of extra immune cells) of the urethra.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Urethritis may be caused by the same organisms that cause urinary tract infections (for example, E. coli or klebsiella) and by some sexually transmitted diseases (for example, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and Ureaplasma urealyticum infections). Viral causes of urethritis include herpes simplex virus and cytomegalovirus. Urethritis may also develop because of a chemical irritation (such as spermacide in condoms or contraceptive jelly, cream, or foam). Trauma 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 as lack of condom use, particularly during active anal intercourse) are at higher risk.
Young women in their reproductive years are also at risk. In women, common bacterial causes include gonorrhea, chlamydia, mycoplasma hominis, ureaplasma urealyticum, and mycoplasma genitalum. Risk factors include age younger than 20, unmarried status, inner-city population, multiple partners, and a prior history of STDs (sexually transmitted diseases).
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• Definition
• Urethritis Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Urethritis Symptoms & Signs
• Urethritis Prevention
• Urethritis Diagnosis & Tests
• Urethritis Treatment
• Urethritis Prognosis
• Urethritis Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Chlamydia
• Epididymitis
• Gonorrhea - Female
• Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis)
• Urinary Tract Infection
Tests & Exams
• Urinalysis
Other Topics
• Blood in the Semen
• Chemical Burn or Reaction
• Fever
• Pain Medications
• Penis
• Physical Examination
• Sexual Intercourse - Painful
• Swelling
• Urinary Frequency/Urgency
• Urination - Painful
Review Date : 5/27/2002
Reviewed By : Young Kang, M.D., Department of Urology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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