WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Urethritis (YOO-ree-THRI-tis) is a swelling and
inflammation of the urethra, the duct that drains the bladder.
""Nonspecific'' is the medical way of saying that the exact
cause may not be known. Once you begin treatment, the problem
should begin to clear up in about a week.
Causes
Nonspecific urethritis is often
an aftermath of unprotected sex. It is frequently the result of
an infection with bacteria--most often chlamydia
(clah-MID-ee-uh)--yeast, or other germs. Injury to the urethra
by trauma, surgery, or chemicals can cause urethritis. It can
also be triggered by bubble baths or bath oils.
Signs/Symptoms
Typical symptoms include pain or
burning during urination; a cloudy, white, or yellow-green
mucous discharge from the penis; or pain during sex. In men
older than 50, urinary dribbling may be a
problem.
Care
If the doctor suspects an
infection, you will be given antibiotic medicine.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
If you are taking antibiotics, finish the entire
prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop taking
the drug too soon, some germs may survive and re-infect
you.
-
Do not have sex until the infection is gone. If you
do have sex, use a condom to prevent the spread of
infection.
-
To help ease the pain, sit in a hot bath for about 15
minutes at least 2 times a day.
-
Do not squeeze or otherwise irritate the penis. If
you are not circumcised, leave the foreskin alone. Do not
pull it back to see if discharge is still
present.
-
Keep the penis clean. Use plain, unscented
soap.
-
Drink at least 8 soda-can sized glasses of water
every day. Also, drink cranberry juice to make your urine
more acidic. This may increase the effectiveness of your
medication.
-
During treatment, don't drink liquids that contain
alcohol or caffeine.
-
Tell all partners with whom you had sex before
treatment that you have this infection so that they can get
treatment, too.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
You get a high temperature.
-
You start bleeding from the urethra or have blood in
your urine.
-
Your symptoms last longer than 1 week or get worse
during treatment.
-
You develop any new or unexplained
symptoms.
-
You have any problems that may be related to the
medicine you are taking (for example, a rash, swelling, or
trouble breathing).
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