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Frequent nighttime urination
Pain when urinating
I feel urine remained after urination
Stomachache
Discharge of pus from vagina
Itchy
Have a fever
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
What is Urethritis?
Bacterial infection of the urethra (tube from which urine exits the body) leading to pain and penile discharge. It is most often caused by sexually transmitted diseases like Gonorrhea and Chlamydia infections as well as viruses like herpes.
Typical Symptoms of Urethritis
- Burning or painful urination with reduced urine volume
- Pain or burning during urination
- Pus comes out from urethra - the opening when urine exits from
- Been sexually active with multiple partners during the past 1 month
- Fever
- Itchy skin
- Pain at the start of passing urine
- Feeling that the bladder is not completely emptied after urination
Diagnostic Questions for Urethritis
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Have you experienced burning or painful urination along with a decrease in urine volume?
- Are you experiencing pain or burning when you urinate?
- Is there pus coming out of your urethra?
- Have you had sexual intercourse with anyone other than your regular partner in the past month?
- Do you have a fever?
Treatment of Urethritis
Treatment involves antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria. It's important to abstain from sex during treatment and to screen for other sexually transmitted diseases simultaneously. Sexual partners should also be informed and encouraged to get screened to prevent reinfection.
Reviewed By:
Kenji Taylor, MD, MSc (Family Medicine, Primary Care)
Dr. Taylor is a Japanese-African American physician who grew up and was educated in the United States but spent a considerable amount of time in Japan as a college student, working professional and now father of three. After graduating from Brown, he worked in finance first before attending medical school at Penn. He then completed a fellowship with the Centers for Disease Control before going on to specialize in Family and Community Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) where he was also a chief resident. After a faculty position at Stanford, he moved with his family to Japan where he continues to see families on a military base outside of Tokyo, teach Japanese residents and serve remotely as a medical director for Roots Community Health Center. He also enjoys editing and writing podcast summaries for Hippo Education.
Nao Saito, MD (Urology)
After graduating from Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Dr. Saito worked at Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital, Toda Chuo General Hospital, Tokyo Women's Medical University Yachiyo Medical Center, and Ako Chuo Hospital before becoming Deputy Director (current position) at Takasaki Tower Clinic Department of Ophthalmology and Urology in April 2020.
Content updated on Mar 31, 2024
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- Urination pain with little urine
- Pained urination with a reduced urine flow
- Pus discharge from urethra
- Burning sensation with little urine
- Pee pain
- Pained urination with a reduced urine flow
- Pus coming out of pee hole
- Discomfort when urinating
- Pain during peeing
- White discharge from urethra
- Painful when urinating
- Pus in the urine
- Pain at the beginning of urine
- Pain when I start peeing
- Purulent penile discharge
See full list
Symptoms Related to Urethritis
Diseases Related to Urethritis
FAQs
Q.
Still Hurting? Why Mycoplasma Genitalium Persists & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Persistent symptoms after treatment for Mycoplasma genitalium are common and often driven by antibiotic resistance, an outdated regimen, reinfection, or lingering inflammation, and other conditions can cause similar discomfort; there are several factors to consider, so see below for details that may change your next steps. Recommended next steps include prompt follow up with a clinician, a test of cure at least 3 weeks after finishing antibiotics, resistance guided therapy that typically uses doxycycline first then azithromycin if susceptible or moxifloxacin if resistant, ensuring partners are treated, avoiding sex until cleared, and seeking urgent care for severe pain, fever, or pelvic or testicular swelling.
References:
* Jensen JS, Cusini M, Gomberg M, Moi H, Wilson J, Unemo M. European guideline for the management of Mycoplasma genitalium infections. Int J STD AIDS. 2022 Oct;33(11):922-933. doi: 10.1177/09564624221111032. Epub 2022 Aug 4. PMID: 35929654.
* Moi H, Reinton N, Bjørknes R. Mycoplasma genitalium: An Update on Resistance and Treatment. J Clin Microbiol. 2021 May 19;59(6):e00045-21. doi: 10.1128/JCM.00045-21. Epub 2021 May 19. PMID: 33737380; PMCID: PMC8133989.
* Sáez-Bueno J, Clavijo-Frutos E, Montaño-Mata N, Pardo-Ruiz J, García-Martín R. Mycoplasma genitalium: current issues in diagnosis and management. Future Microbiol. 2021 Feb;16:119-129. doi: 10.2217/fmb-2020-0255. Epub 2020 Nov 3. PMID: 33140510.
* Cazanicchi L, Fanti D, Zecchi M, Miramare E, Accogli M, De Tommaso L, Viale P, Mazzetti M. Emergence and Spread of Macrolide and Fluoroquinolone Resistance in Mycoplasma genitalium: An Update on Mechanisms, Prevalence, and Clinical Implications. J Clin Microbiol. 2023 Feb 22;61(2):e0013922. doi: 10.1128/jcm.00139-22. Epub 2022 Nov 22. PMID: 36416175; PMCID: PMC9948013.
* Larsen J, Jørgensen JCS, Schou E, Stensballe LG, Andersen TE, Frimodt-Møller N. Global prevalence and determinants of Mycoplasma genitalium resistance to macrolides and fluoroquinolones: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Microbe. 2023 Apr;4(4):e267-e278. doi: 10.1016/S2666-5247(23)00007-4. Epub 2023 Feb 15. PMID: 36796245.
Q.
Urethritis? Why Your Urethra is Inflamed & Medical Next Steps
A.
Urethritis is inflammation of the urethra, most often from STIs like chlamydia or gonorrhea but sometimes from irritants or procedures, and it commonly causes burning with urination, penile or vaginal discharge, and urinary frequency. Next steps include prompt STI testing and clinician evaluation, treatment based on cause such as antibiotics, avoiding sex until cleared and ensuring partners are treated, and seeking urgent care for fever, severe pelvic or testicular pain, blood in urine, or inability to urinate; there are several factors to consider, and key details that can affect your care are explained below.
References:
* Marra, M. A., & Goldberg, M. (2018). Diagnosis and Management of Urethritis in Men: A Clinical Review. *JAMA*, *319*(2), 170-177. PMID: 29318789. DOI: 10.1001/jama.2017.19532.
* Workowski, K. A., Bachmann, L. H., Chan, P. A., Johnston, J., Mehta, A., Rompalo, A., ... & Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021. *MMWR Recommendations and Reports*, *70*(4), 1-187. PMID: 34292926. DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.rr7004a1.
* Taggart, R. W., & Van Der Pol, B. (2022). Mycoplasma genitalium: a review of current trends in diagnostics and therapeutics. *Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy*, *20*(11), 1413-1422. PMID: 36269273. DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2022.2137637.
* Harkins, K. R., & Taylor, S. N. (2023). The Role of Ureaplasma Species in Urogenital Tract Infections. *Urology*, *173*, 3-8. PMID: 36179976. DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2022.09.020.
* Lisby, G., & Shokrollahi, P. (2019). Nongonococcal Urethritis in Men. *Sexually Transmitted Diseases*, *46*(8), 525-532. PMID: 31219665. DOI: 10.1097/OLQ.0000000000001007.
Q.
Urethra Burning? Why Your Body Is Reacting and Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Urethral burning most often signals irritation or inflammation from treatable causes such as a UTI, urethritis or other STIs, chemical irritants, dehydration, kidney stones, or in men prostatitis. There are several factors to consider; key symptoms and what they mean are outlined below. Seek prompt care if you have fever, severe or back pain, blood or discharge, recent unprotected sex, or symptoms lasting more than 2 to 3 days; meanwhile drink water, avoid irritants and sexual activity if infection is suspected, and expect urine and STI testing with targeted treatment, with complete next steps detailed below.
References:
* Mandell, J. N., & Goldberg, P. D. (2019). Dysuria: Differential diagnosis and management. *American Family Physician*, *99*(11), 693-700.
* Hooton, M. L., & Hooton, T. M. (2017). Diagnosis and Treatment of Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection. *Infectious Disease Clinics of North America*, *31*(4), 653-667.
* Sood, S. K., & Gupta, J. K. (2023). Urethritis. In *StatPearls*. StatPearls Publishing.
* Kim, T. N., Park, D. J., & Jo, K. J. (2020). Current Diagnosis and Management of Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome. *International Neurourology Journal*, *24*(Suppl 2), S77-S84.
* Winer, J. D., & Soliman, M. (2020). Chronic Pelvic Pain in Women: Differential Diagnosis and Management. *American Family Physician*, *101*(10), 596-604.
Q.
That Specific "Inner" Itch: Why It Stings and Itches When You Pee (But Isn't Always a UTI)
A.
Stinging or an inner itch when you pee is not always a UTI; common non-UTI causes include urethritis from STIs or irritation, yeast infections that make inflamed tissue sting with urine, and vulvar skin irritation from products, moisture, or friction. There are several factors to consider, including look-alike symptoms, negative urine tests, and red flags that mean you should see a clinician; see below for specific clues, relief tips, and the right next steps for your situation.
References:
* Hooton TM. Acute Dysuria in Women: A 2020 Update. Curr Urol Rep. 2020 Jan 14;21(1):2. doi: 10.1007/s11934-020-09351-4.
* Sharma D, O'Sullivan DM, O'Reilly BA. Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) in women: a review of current concepts and management strategies. Int Urogynecol J. 2023 Feb;34(2):221-230. doi: 10.1007/s00192-022-05423-0.
* Zeybek B, Zeybek A. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM): An Overview. Medicina (Kaunas). 2023 Aug 1;59(8):1395. doi: 10.3390/medicina59081395.
* Griebling TL. Urethral Syndrome: Still a Challenge for Clinicians. Curr Opin Urol. 2018 Sep;28(5):472-477. doi: 10.1097/MOU.0000000000000523.
* Palomba S, Materazzo M, Palomba L, Pilone G, Della Corte L, Saccone G, Serriani M, Zullo F, Zullo G. Vulvodynia: A Comprehensive Review. Pain Ther. 2023 Apr;12(2):331-351. doi: 10.1007/s40122-023-00481-9.
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Eyer de Jesus L, Fazecas T, Anderson KM, Dekermacher S. Idiopathic hemorrhagic urethritis of childhood. J Pediatr Urol. 2020 Oct;16(5):690-699. doi: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2020.07.021. Epub 2020 Jul 22. PMID: 32762951.
https://www.jpurol.com/article/S1477-5131(20)30432-0/fulltextDegheili JA, Dickson AP. Childhood and adolescent idiopathic urethritis: what does the current literature say? J Pediatr Urol. 2020 Jun;16(3):276-283. doi: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2020.02.001. Epub 2020 Feb 11. PMID: 32156472.
https://www.jpurol.com/article/S1477-5131(20)30022-X/fulltextVives A, da Silva GVM, Alonso-Tarrés C, Suarez JB, Palmisano F, Cosentino M. Haemophilus urethritis in males: A series of 30 cases. Rev Int Androl. 2021 Jul-Sep;19(3):160-163. doi: 10.1016/j.androl.2020.01.002. Epub 2020 Jun 17. PMID: 32563585.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1698031X20300212?via%3Dihub