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Published on: 5/6/2025

What Are Common Causes of Irritation in the Urethra?

Urethral irritation is often caused by infections—especially sexually transmitted ones like gonorrhea and chlamydia—or by non-infectious factors such as chemical irritants and physical injury. You should talk to a healthcare provider if you are having this symptom consistently.

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Explanation

Irritation in the urethra can happen for a few reasons. One major cause is infection. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and even Mycoplasma genitalium are known to inflame the urethra. These infections can bring about symptoms like burning or discomfort during urination and sometimes discharge. Additionally, bacteria that cause urinary tract infections, like E. coli, can also irritate the urethra. Another group of causes relates to non-infectious factors. For instance, some chemicals found in soaps, bubble baths, or spermicides might irritate the sensitive tissues of the urethra. Physical trauma is another possible cause; injuries from activities like vigorous sexual actions, catheter use, or even tight clothing may contribute to irritation. Understanding these common causes is important because treatment may vary depending on whether the irritation comes from an infection or from non-infectious sources.

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