Urethritis

Book
In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan.
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Excerpt

Urethritis is a lower urinary tract infection (UTI) that causes inflammation of the urethra—the fibromuscular tube responsible for expelling urine from the body in both males and females. In males, the urethra serves as the passage for the expulsion of semen from the body as well. Urethritis is commonly associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and is classified as either gonococcal or nongonococcal. Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis are the main causative agents of this condition and are considered STIs.

The most common symptom of urethritis is a urethral discharge. The etiology of urethritis varies depending on geographical location and sexual practices, underscoring the importance of obtaining a detailed patient history. Furthermore, appropriate testing is essential to corroborate the patient's medical history.

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