Urethritis

What is urethritis?

Urethritis is a urinary condition in which the tube that drains the urine from the bladder to the outside becomes inflamed or infected. In the case of a male, semen also passes through the urethra. Urethritis often leads to painful urination, just like in the case of urinary tract infection, but it is different in the way that in the case of UTI, the whole of the tract is infected.

It is caused by bacteria or viruses, or a chemical irritant may be.

Urethritis may occur in people of all age groups. Both males and females may get equally affected with urethritis. However, women are at the risk of urethritis more than men do. This is due to the fact that men’s urethras, which are the length of the penis, is longer than women’s. It is difficult for the bacteria to enter the urethra and travel up to.

Bacteria that usually cause urethritis may include:

  • Chlamydia trachomatis is also a sexually transmitted bacteria that causes chlamydia.
  • Gonococcus, a bacteria sexually transmitted through sex and causes gonorrhea.
  • Bacteria in and around the stool.

It can be transmitted through unsafe sex practices. If a woman has a vaginal infection during sexual intercourse, she can pass it to her partner.

What are the causes of urethritis?

Both men and women can suffer from urethritis, but the effect can be different on both. Some people may experience no onset of signs while others may notice:

Signs in men include:

  • Painful ejaculation
  • Penile discharge
  • Blood in urine or semen
  • Burning sensation while urinating
  • Itching, tenderness, or swelling in the penis
  • Enlarged lymph nodes in the groin area
  • Fever is possible in men, but it is rare.

Signs in women include:

  • Vaginal discharge
  • Itching
  • Pelvic and abdominal pain
  • Painful intercourse
  • Frequent or urgent urination
  • Fever and chills
  • Stomach pain

In men, if symptoms may not be apparent if the urethritis developed as a result of trichomoniasis infection or chlamydia.

For this reason, it is important to get yourself examined or diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

What are the types of urethritis?

There are different types of urethritis, gonococcal urethritis and nongonococcal urethritis.

Gonococcal urethritis. It is caused by the same bacterium that causes the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea.

Nongonococcal urethritis. This type of urethritis is caused by infections other than gonorrhea. Chlamydia is a common cause of nongonococcal urethritis.

What are the causes of urethritis?

Generally, it is the infection from a bacteria or virus that leads to urethritis. Bacteria are put to blame for the occurrence of urethritis. Bacteria that cause that bladder and kidney infections also cause urethritis. Bacteria in the genital area when enter the urinary tract also cause urethritis.

Viruses also elevate the risk of urethritis, such as the cytomegalovirus (CMV), the human papillomavirus (HPV), the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

The risk factors

There are some people likely to get urethritis more than other people. Those who

  • Have a history of sexually transmitted diseases
  • Engage in high-risk sexual activities

According to a study, oral sex can be the causative factor for nongonococcal urethritis (NGU).

Urethritis is not always caused during sexual intercourse, but a person who undergoes sex with multiple partners is at a greater risk.

Diagnostic tests

Your doctor will begin by asking about your symptoms. Physical examination includes checking the genital area for tenderness, swelling, sores, discharge, any other signs of an STI. This can help them draw conclusions.

They may order urine tests or a swab drawn from the urethra or vaginal area. If the doctor gets that you have a specific STI, he will begin with additional testing for conditions like HIV. The blood test is also done at times to rule out SIT.

Ayurvedic treatment for urethritis

According to the Ayurveda, passing urine out is related to Apanavayu. Any disturbance in the Apanavayu is the cause behind problems in urination. VataMootrakruchhra is one such disease, causing severe pain in urination. PittajMootrakruchhra is severe burning with blood in the urine or yellowish urine. KaphajMootrakruchhra leads to swelling and heaviness in the pelvic region. SannipatikMootrakruchhra is due to the vitiation of all three Doshas.

The ayurvedic treatment helps in the treatment of urethritis by cleaning and removing the toxins buildup causing obstruction in the urine.