Urethritis

Inflammation of the urethral mucosa characterized clinically by dysuria, urethral irritation, and urethral discharge.

Causes

• Sexually transmitted infections

  • Chlamydia trachomatis

  • Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonorrhea)

  • Trichomonas vaginalis

• Viral infections

  • Herpes simplex virus (HSV)

  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

• Bacterial infections: Escherichia coli (E. coli)

• Traumatic causes: Urethral catheterization

• Chemical and allergic causes

  • Soap sensitivity

  • Spermicide

  • Lotion

  • Bubble bath products

  • Other chemical irritants

• Reactive or inflammatory urethral disorders