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Ency. home > Disease > U > Urethritis

Urethritis    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Treatment

Treatment is usually on an outpatient basis. Antibiotics are prescribed for bacterial urethritis. Because of the common association of sexually transmitted diseases, medications that will adequately treat Chlamydia and gonorrhea are most frequently used. Abstinence from intercourse 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.

Prognosis

With prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment, urethritis usually clears up without any complications. However, urethritis can lead to permanent damage to the urethra.

Complications

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

Call Your Health Care Provider If:

Call your health care provider if urethritis symptoms occur.

Ency. home > Disease > U > Urethritis

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