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Urethritis

Urethritis is inflammation of the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside of the body (urethra). It can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection (like some sexually transmitted diseases), irritation from soap or spermicide, or injury.

Symptoms of urethritis can include:

  • Pain or burning during urination (dysuria).
  • An urgent need to urinate.
  • A need to urinate more often than usual.
  • A clear, yellow, or green discharge from the urethra.

When urethritis is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotic medicine is used to treat it.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Avery L. Seifert, MD - Urology
Last Revised May 16, 2011

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 16, 2011
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
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