Urethritis is inflammation of the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside of the body (urethra). It can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection (like some sexually transmitted diseases), irritation from soap or spermicide, or injury.
Symptoms of urethritis can include:
- Pain or burning during urination (dysuria).
- An urgent need to urinate.
- A need to urinate more often than usual.
- A clear, yellow, or green discharge from the urethra.
When urethritis is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotic medicine is used to treat it.
Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated, P.O. Box 1989, Boise, ID 83701. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. For more information, click here. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed.

