Why is my urethra itchy as a male, and what should I do?

An itchy urethra may be a sign of urethritis, which means the tube that carries urine out of your body is irritated. Sometimes infections like those from gonorrhea or chlamydia can cause this itch, and this is known as a sexually transmitted infection. Other times, the itch might come from non-infectious causes—for example, harsh soaps, chemicals in lotions, or even friction from clothing can irritate the skin. If you have an itchy urethra, it is very important to see a doctor. They might ask you questions about your symptoms and if you have had unprotected sex or noticed any unusual discharge. Before your appointment, you can use Ubie's free AI symptom checker to help identify potential causes and prepare for your doctor visit. You might need a simple test, such as a urine test, to figure out if an infection is present. Once the cause is known, your doctor can suggest the right treatment, like antibiotics if there's an infection. Until you get a clear answer, it's a good idea to avoid sexual contact so you don't risk spreading an infection. Remember, a proper check-up is the safest way to get healthy again.