Urethritis - NYC Health

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Urethritis

Urethritis is inflammation (irritation) of the lining of the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). Urethritis can be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Infections of the urethra include chlamydia and gonorrhea.

If left untreated, urethritis caused by an STI can result in:

Severe pain

Infertility (inability to have children)

Painful or swollen testicles

An increased risk of getting or spreading HIV

Symptoms

Some people with urethritis do not have symptoms.

If symptoms occur, they can include:

Burning or pain during urination

Clear or white discharge from the penis

Pain and swelling in the testicles

Prevention

Condoms can prevent the spread of STIs known to cause urethritis, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Testing

Your health care provider can diagnose urethritis with a urine sample, or by swabbing fluid from the tip of the penis.

Treatment

Your health care provider may prescribe antibiotics to treat the STI that is causing the urethritis.

Sex Partners

If your urethritis is caused by an STI, your sex partner(s) also need to be treated so they do not develop serious health problems, re-infect you or pass the infection on to others. Tell all of your sex partners from the previous two months about your infection so they can be examined and treated.

Additional Resources

Urethritis Brochure (PDF)

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More Information

Sexual Health Clinics

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Gonorrhea

Chlamydia