Urethritis overview: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
Urethritis is due to [[inflammation]] of the [[urethra]]. Based on [[etiology]] it is classified into two main groups, [[infectious]] and non-infectious. [[Infectious]] [[causes]] are further classified into [[gonorrheal]] and [[non-gonorrheal]]. Urethritis is an [[inflammation]] of the [[Sex organ|genital tract]] that is mostly due to [[infectious]] [[causes]]. Its [[pathogenesis]] depends on the causative [[pathogen]]. [[Microscopic]] findings for gonococcal urethritis include, presence of [[gram-negative]] [[intracellular]] [[diplococci]] ([[GNID]]), invaded [[epithelial cells]], [[vacuoles]] that contain multiple [[organisms]], and >2 [[WBC]] per oil immersion field. [[Nongonococcal urethritis]] (NGU) is [[microscopically characterized by [[signs]] of [[inflammation]] with absence of [[gram-negative]] [[intracellular]] [[diplococci]]. If [[symptoms]] are present but no evidence of [[urethral]] [[inflammation]] is present, Nucleic Acid [[Amplification Tests]] (NAATs) for [[C. trachomatis]] and [[N. gonorrhoeae]] might identify [[infections]].The most potent [[risk factor]] for urethritis is unprotected sex, especially among men who have sex with men. Other risk factors include low socioeconomic status, history of [[sexually transmitted diseases]], and multiple sex partners. Urethritis is primarily [[diagnosed]] based on [[symptoms]], [[signs]] of [[urethral]] [[inflammation]] and [[microscopic]] findings. Symptoms may comprise of [[dysuria]], [[urethral pruritus]], burning, [[Signs]] of [[urethral]] [[inflammation]] include urethral discharge, which can be mucoid, mucopurulent, or purulent. [[Microscopic]] findings in gonorrheal urethritis include, identification of [[gram-negative]] [[intracellular]] [[diplococci]] ([[GNID]]) or purple [[intracellular]] [[diplococci]] on [[methylene blue]], or [[gentian violet]] stain. Presence of Invaded [[epithelial cells]], [[vacuoles]] that contain multiple [[organisms]] and >2 [[WBC]] per oil immersion field. Nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) is [[microscopically]] characterized by [[signs]] of [[inflammation]] with absence of [[gram-negative]] [[intracellular]] [[diplococci]]. If [[symptoms]] are present but no evidence of [[urethral]] [[inflammation]] is present, Nucleic Acid [[Amplification Tests]] (NAATs) for [[C. trachomatis]] and [[N. gonorrhoeae]] might identify [[infections]].Once the [[diagnosis is confirmed]], the appropriate [[antibiotic]] regimen should be initiated to reduce the risk of complications. [[Doxycycline]] 100 mg PO bid for 7 days is administered to treat [[Non-gonococcal urethritis|Non-gonococcal Urethritis]], as an alternative therapy [[azithromycin]] 1 g PO in a single dose or [[azithromycin]] 500 mg orally in a single dose; then 250 mg orally daily for 4 days is recommended. For gonococcal urethritis, [[ceftriaxone]] 500 mg IM in a single dose (for [[patients]] weighing ≥150 kg (300 lbs) [[ceftriaxone]] 1 g IM in a single dose), for alternate therapy [[gentamicin]] 240 mg PO in a single dose plus [[azithromycin]] 2 g PO in a single dose, or cefixime 800 mg PO in a single dose is recommended. | |||
==Historical Perspective== | ==Historical Perspective== | ||
The first known case of urethritis was described by Albert Neisser, a German doctor, in 1879. In 1904, Ludwig Waelsch described mild non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU). In the 1930s and later, Philip Thygeson and others in the United States confirmed the [[vertical transmission]] of nongonococcal urethritis (NGU). | The first known case of urethritis was described by Albert Neisser, a German [[doctor]], in 1879. In 1904, Ludwig Waelsch described mild non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU). In the 1930s and later, Philip Thygeson and others in the United States confirmed the [[vertical transmission]] of nongonococcal urethritis (NGU). | ||
==Classification== | ==Classification== | ||
Urethritis is classified into two main groups of infectious and non-infectious based on the etiology. Infectious causes further classified into gonorrheal and non-gonorrheal. | Urethritis is classified into two main groups of [[infectious]] and non-infectious based on the [[etiology]]. [[Infectious]] causes are further classified into gonorrheal and non-gonorrheal. | ||
==Pathophysiology== | ==Pathophysiology== | ||
Urethritis is an [[inflammation]] of the [[Sex organ|genital tract]] that is mostly due to infectious causes. Its pathogenesis depends on the causative pathogen. ''[[Neisseria gonorrhoeae|N. gonorrhea]]'' is usually transmitted via the [[Sex organ|genital tract]] to the human host. Following attachment to host cell, which is mediated by [[pili]], [[Gonorrhea|''gonococci'']] become engulfed in a process known as parasite-directed [[endocytosis]]. This [[organism]] will survive inside the [[Vacuole|vacuoles]] and replicate. Among non-gonorrheal causes, ''[[Chlamydiae|Chlamydia trachomatis]]'' is the most common. The infectious process begins with cell surface attachment and [[phagocytosis]] by the host cell. The [[pathogen]] survives inside the [[Cell (biology)|cell]] by debilitating the cellular [[lysosomes]] and replicating as elementary bodies which is considered as the infective form of the [[pathogen]]. | Urethritis is an [[inflammation]] of the [[Sex organ|genital tract]] that is mostly due to infectious causes. Its pathogenesis depends on the causative pathogen. ''[[Neisseria gonorrhoeae|N. gonorrhea]]'' is usually transmitted via the [[Sex organ|genital tract]] to the human host. Following attachment to host cell, which is mediated by [[pili]], [[Gonorrhea|''gonococci'']] become engulfed in a process known as parasite-directed [[endocytosis]]. This [[organism]] will survive inside the [[Vacuole|vacuoles]] and replicate. Among non-gonorrheal causes, ''[[Chlamydiae|Chlamydia trachomatis]]'' is the most common. The infectious process begins with cell surface attachment and [[phagocytosis]] by the host cell. The [[pathogen]] survives inside the [[Cell (biology)|cell]] by debilitating the cellular [[lysosomes]] and replicating as elementary bodies which is considered as the infective form of the [[pathogen]]. [[Microscopic]] findings for gonococcal urethritis include, presence of [[gram-negative]] [[intracellular]] [[diplococci]] ([[GNID]]), invaded [[epithelial cells]], [[vacuoles]] that contain multiple [[organisms]], and >2 [[WBC]] per oil immersion field. [[Nongonococcal urethritis]] (NGU) is microscopically characterized by [[signs]] of [[inflammation]] with absence of [[gram-negative]] [[intracellular]] [[diplococci]]. | ||
==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
Urethritis may be caused by either infectious or non-infectious causes. Infectious causes are divided into gonorrheal and non-gonorrheal. Non-gonorrheal pathogens are the most common cause of urethritis; [[Chlamydia trachomatis|''Chlamydia trachomatis'']] is the most common among them. | Urethritis may be caused by either infectious or non-infectious causes. Infectious causes are divided into gonorrheal and non-gonorrheal. Non-gonorrheal pathogens are the most common cause of urethritis; [[Chlamydia trachomatis|''Chlamydia trachomatis'']] is the most common among them. | ||
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==Epidemiology and Demographics== | ==Epidemiology and Demographics== | ||
Urethritis is the cause of several millions of healthcare visits in the United States. ''[[Chlamydia trachomatis]]'' is the most common reportable disease in the US. In 2014, a total of 350,062 [[gonorrhea]] cases were reported to the CDC in the US. Based on The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the overall prevalence of [[chlamydia]] among persons aged 14–39 years was 1.7% during 2007-2012. Urethritis has a very good prognosis with proper treatment. Mortality is very uncommon in patients with [[Gonorrhea|gonococcal]] and non-gonococcal urethritis. Almost two-thirds of [[chlamydia]] | Urethritis is the cause of several millions of healthcare visits in the United States. ''[[Chlamydia trachomatis]]'' is the most common reportable [[disease]] in the US. In 2014, a total of 350,062 [[gonorrhea]] cases were reported to the CDC in the US. Based on The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the overall [[prevalence]] of [[chlamydia]] among persons aged 14–39 years was 1.7% during 2007-2012. Urethritis has a very good [[prognosis]] with proper [[treatment]]. [[Mortality]] is very uncommon in [[patients]] with [[Gonorrhea|gonococcal]] and [[non-gonococcal urethritis]]. Almost two-thirds of [[chlamydia]] [[infections]] occur among youths aged 15-24 years. The highest [[prevalence]] rates of [[Gonorrhea|gonococcal]] urethritis were found in ages 20 to 24 years both in men and women. In 2014, the overall rate of [[chlamydia]] [[infection]] in the United States among women was 627.2 cases per 100,000 females, over two times the rate among men (278.4 cases per 100,000 males). In 2014, the [[incidence]] of [[gonorrhea]] in the United States was reported as 120 cases per 100,000 males, while it was reported as 100 cases per 100,000 [[females]]. | ||
==Risk Factors== | ==Risk Factors== | ||
The most potent risk factor for urethritis is unprotected sex, especially among men who have sex with men. Other risk factors include low socioeconomic status, history of [[sexually transmitted diseases]], and multiple sex partners. | The most potent [[risk factor]] for urethritis is unprotected sex, especially among men who have sex with men. Other risk factors include low socioeconomic status, history of [[sexually transmitted diseases]], and multiple sex partners. | ||
==Screening== | ==Screening== | ||
High-risk individuals should be screened for [[sexually transmitted diseases]]. The U.S. Preventive Service Task Force ([[USPSTF]]) developed recommendations for the screening of for [[Chlamydia trachomatis|''Chlamydia trachomatis'']] and [[N. gonorrhea|''N. gonorrhea'']]. | High-risk individuals should be screened for [[sexually transmitted diseases]]. The U.S. Preventive Service Task Force ([[USPSTF]]) developed recommendations for the screening of for [[Chlamydia trachomatis|''Chlamydia trachomatis'']] and [[N. gonorrhea|''N. gonorrhea'']]. | ||
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==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
===Diagnostic Study of Choice=== | ===Diagnostic Study of Choice=== | ||
Urethritis is primarily [[diagnosed]] based on [[symptoms]], [[signs]] of [[urethral]] [[inflammation]] and [[microscopic]] findings. Symptoms may comprise of [[dysuria]], [[urethral pruritus]], burning, [[Signs]] of [[urethral]] [[inflammation]] include urethral discharge, which can be mucoid, mucopurulent, or purulent. [[Microscopic]] findings in gonorrheal urethritis include, identification of [[gram-negative]] [[intracellular]] [[diplococci]] ([[GNID]]) or purple [[intracellular]] [[diplococci]] on [[methylene blue]], or [[gentian violet]] stain. Presence of Invaded [[epithelial cells]], [[vacuoles]] that contain multiple [[organisms]] and >2 [[WBC]] per oil immersion field. Nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) is [[microscopically]] characterized by [[signs]] of [[inflammation]] with absence of [[gram-negative]] [[intracellular]] [[diplococci]]. If [[symptoms]] are present but no evidence of [[urethral]] [[inflammation]] is present, Nucleic Acid [[Amplification Tests]] (NAATs) for [[C. trachomatis]] and [[N. gonorrhoeae]] might identify [[infections]]. | |||
===History and Symptoms=== | ===History and Symptoms=== | ||
A detailed history | A detailed history, particularly with regard to [[sexual]] activity, must be taken. Symptoms suggestive for urethritis include [[dysuria]] and urethral [[discharge]]. | ||
History should specifically include, recent sexual activities, number of sex partners, or any new partner, use of condoms, history of prior [[STD]]s, and history of recent urethral instrumentation (e.g., urethral [[catheters]]). | |||
===Symptoms=== | ===Symptoms=== | ||
[[Symptoms]] suggestive of urethritis include [[dysuria]] and [[urethral discharge]]. | |||
===Physical Examination=== | ===Physical Examination=== | ||
The most common physical finding in urethritis is [[urethral discharge]]. The entire [[genital area]] must be examined in order to rule out other possibilities. [[Patients]] should be examined for [[Inguinal region|inguinal]] [[lymphadenopathy]], [[ulcers]], and [[urethral discharge]]. | |||
===Laboratory Findings=== | ===Laboratory Findings=== | ||
Urethritis may be considered on the basis of any of the following | Urethritis may be considered on the basis of any of the following, mucoid, [[mucopurulent]], or [[purulent]] discharge on [[examination]], [[gram staining|Gram stain]] of urethral [[secretions]] demonstrating ≥2 [[WBC]] per field, positive [[leukocyte]] [[esterase]] test on first-void urine or [[microscopic]] [[examination]] of sediment from a spun first-void [[urine]] demonstrating ≥10 [[WBC]] per high power field. | ||
=== Electrocardiogram === | === Electrocardiogram === | ||
There are no [[ECG]] findings associated with urethritis. | |||
=== X-ray === | === X-ray === | ||
There are no [[x-ray]] findings associated with urethritis. | |||
=== Echocardiography and Ultrasound === | === Echocardiography and Ultrasound === | ||
There are no [[echocardiography]]/[[ultrasound]] findings associated with urethritis. | |||
=== CT scan === | === CT scan === | ||
There are no [[CT]] [[scan]] findings associated with urethritis. | |||
=== MRI === | === MRI === | ||
There are no [[MRI]] findings associated with urethritis. | |||
=== Other Imaging Findings === | === Other Imaging Findings === | ||
There are no other [[imaging]] findings associated with urethritis. | |||
=== Other Diagnostic Studies === | === Other Diagnostic Studies === | ||
There are no additional [[diagnostic]] findings for urethritis. | |||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
===Medical Therapy=== | ===Medical Therapy=== | ||
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the appropriate [[antibiotic]] regimen should be initiated to reduce the risk of complications. | Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the appropriate [[antibiotic]] regimen should be initiated to reduce the risk of complications. [[Doxycycline]] 100 mg PO bid for 7 days is administered to treat [[Non-gonococcal urethritis|Non-gonococcal Urethritis]], as an alternative therapy [[azithromycin]] 1 g PO in a single dose or [[azithromycin]] 500 mg orally in a single dose; then 250 mg orally daily for 4 days is recommended. For gonococcal urethritis, [[ceftriaxone]] 500 mg IM in a single dose (for [[patients]] weighing ≥150 kg (300 lbs) [[ceftriaxone]] 1 g IM in a single dose), for alternate therapy [[gentamicin]] 240 mg PO in a single dose plus [[azithromycin]] 2 g PO in a single dose, or cefixime 800 mg PO in a single dose is recommended. [[Metronidazole]] 2 g PO in a single dose is used for patients with recurrent and persistent urethritis. Following treatment, patients should be instructed to return for evaluation if symptoms persist or recur after completion of therapy. Providers should be alert to the possibility of chronic [[prostatitis]]/chronic pelvic pain syndrome in male patients experiencing persistent pain ([[perineal]], penile, or [[pelvic]]), discomfort, irritating voiding symptoms, pain during or after ejaculation, or new onset premature ejaculation lasting for >3 months. All sex partners within the preceding 60 days should be referred for evaluation, testing, and empiric treatment with a drug regimen effective against [[Chlamydia]]. Clinicians must report both [[chlamydia]] and [[gonorrhea]] to health departments. | ||
===Interventions=== | ===Interventions=== | ||
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===Primary Prevention=== | ===Primary Prevention=== | ||
Effective measures for the [[primary prevention]] of urethritis include limiting the number of sex partners and using condoms. | |||
===Secondary Prevention=== | ===Secondary Prevention=== | ||
In order to prevent transmission to one's partner and decrease the risk of [[antibiotic resistance]], all patients must be instructed on safe sex practices and screening requirements after treatment. | In order to prevent transmission to one's partner and decrease the risk of [[antibiotic resistance]], all patients must be instructed on safe sex practices and screening requirements after treatment. | ||
Latest revision as of 16:08, 27 August 2021
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Seyedmahdi Pahlavani, M.D. [2]
Overview
Urethritis is due to inflammation of the urethra. Based on etiology it is classified into two main groups, infectious and non-infectious. Infectious causes are further classified into gonorrheal and non-gonorrheal. Urethritis is an inflammation of the genital tract that is mostly due to infectious causes. Its pathogenesis depends on the causative pathogen. Microscopic findings for gonococcal urethritis include, presence of gram-negative intracellular diplococci (GNID), invaded epithelial cells, vacuoles that contain multiple organisms, and >2 WBC per oil immersion field. Nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) is [[microscopically characterized by signs of inflammation with absence of gram-negative intracellular diplococci. If symptoms are present but no evidence of urethral inflammation is present, Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs) for C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae might identify infections.The most potent risk factor for urethritis is unprotected sex, especially among men who have sex with men. Other risk factors include low socioeconomic status, history of sexually transmitted diseases, and multiple sex partners. Urethritis is primarily diagnosed based on symptoms, signs of urethral inflammation and microscopic findings. Symptoms may comprise of dysuria, urethral pruritus, burning, Signs of urethral inflammation include urethral discharge, which can be mucoid, mucopurulent, or purulent. Microscopic findings in gonorrheal urethritis include, identification of gram-negative intracellular diplococci (GNID) or purple intracellular diplococci on methylene blue, or gentian violet stain. Presence of Invaded epithelial cells, vacuoles that contain multiple organisms and >2 WBC per oil immersion field. Nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) is microscopically characterized by signs of inflammation with absence of gram-negative intracellular diplococci. If symptoms are present but no evidence of urethral inflammation is present, Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs) for C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae might identify infections.Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the appropriate antibiotic regimen should be initiated to reduce the risk of complications. Doxycycline 100 mg PO bid for 7 days is administered to treat Non-gonococcal Urethritis, as an alternative therapy azithromycin 1 g PO in a single dose or azithromycin 500 mg orally in a single dose; then 250 mg orally daily for 4 days is recommended. For gonococcal urethritis, ceftriaxone 500 mg IM in a single dose (for patients weighing ≥150 kg (300 lbs) ceftriaxone 1 g IM in a single dose), for alternate therapy gentamicin 240 mg PO in a single dose plus azithromycin 2 g PO in a single dose, or cefixime 800 mg PO in a single dose is recommended.
Historical Perspective
The first known case of urethritis was described by Albert Neisser, a German doctor, in 1879. In 1904, Ludwig Waelsch described mild non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU). In the 1930s and later, Philip Thygeson and others in the United States confirmed the vertical transmission of nongonococcal urethritis (NGU).
Classification
Urethritis is classified into two main groups of infectious and non-infectious based on the etiology. Infectious causes are further classified into gonorrheal and non-gonorrheal.
Pathophysiology
Urethritis is an inflammation of the genital tract that is mostly due to infectious causes. Its pathogenesis depends on the causative pathogen. N. gonorrhea is usually transmitted via the genital tract to the human host. Following attachment to host cell, which is mediated by pili, gonococci become engulfed in a process known as parasite-directed endocytosis. This organism will survive inside the vacuoles and replicate. Among non-gonorrheal causes, Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common. The infectious process begins with cell surface attachment and phagocytosis by the host cell. The pathogen survives inside the cell by debilitating the cellular lysosomes and replicating as elementary bodies which is considered as the infective form of the pathogen. Microscopic findings for gonococcal urethritis include, presence of gram-negative intracellular diplococci (GNID), invaded epithelial cells, vacuoles that contain multiple organisms, and >2 WBC per oil immersion field. Nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) is microscopically characterized by signs of inflammation with absence of gram-negative intracellular diplococci.
Causes
Urethritis may be caused by either infectious or non-infectious causes. Infectious causes are divided into gonorrheal and non-gonorrheal. Non-gonorrheal pathogens are the most common cause of urethritis; Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common among them.
Differentiating Urethritis from Other Diseases
Urethritis must be differentiated from other causes of dysuria and urethral discharge, which include acute cystitis, epididymitis, prostatitis, cervicitis, and vulvovaginitis.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Urethritis is the cause of several millions of healthcare visits in the United States. Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common reportable disease in the US. In 2014, a total of 350,062 gonorrhea cases were reported to the CDC in the US. Based on The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the overall prevalence of chlamydia among persons aged 14–39 years was 1.7% during 2007-2012. Urethritis has a very good prognosis with proper treatment. Mortality is very uncommon in patients with gonococcal and non-gonococcal urethritis. Almost two-thirds of chlamydia infections occur among youths aged 15-24 years. The highest prevalence rates of gonococcal urethritis were found in ages 20 to 24 years both in men and women. In 2014, the overall rate of chlamydia infection in the United States among women was 627.2 cases per 100,000 females, over two times the rate among men (278.4 cases per 100,000 males). In 2014, the incidence of gonorrhea in the United States was reported as 120 cases per 100,000 males, while it was reported as 100 cases per 100,000 females.
Risk Factors
The most potent risk factor for urethritis is unprotected sex, especially among men who have sex with men. Other risk factors include low socioeconomic status, history of sexually transmitted diseases, and multiple sex partners.
Screening
High-risk individuals should be screened for sexually transmitted diseases. The U.S. Preventive Service Task Force (USPSTF) developed recommendations for the screening of for Chlamydia trachomatis and N. gonorrhea.
Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis
Urethritis has a good prognosis and most patients are treated with appropriate antibiotics. If left untreated, it can resolve within 3 months in 95% of people with gonococcalurethritis. The symptoms of nongonococcal urethritis generally abate within 3 months in 30-70% of untreated people. Rarely, complications such as epididymitis, prostatitis, urethral stricture, chronic gonorrhea carrier state, may occur.
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Study of Choice
Urethritis is primarily diagnosed based on symptoms, signs of urethral inflammation and microscopic findings. Symptoms may comprise of dysuria, urethral pruritus, burning, Signs of urethral inflammation include urethral discharge, which can be mucoid, mucopurulent, or purulent. Microscopic findings in gonorrheal urethritis include, identification of gram-negative intracellular diplococci (GNID) or purple intracellular diplococci on methylene blue, or gentian violet stain. Presence of Invaded epithelial cells, vacuoles that contain multiple organisms and >2 WBC per oil immersion field. Nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) is microscopically characterized by signs of inflammation with absence of gram-negative intracellular diplococci. If symptoms are present but no evidence of urethral inflammation is present, Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs) for C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae might identify infections.
History and Symptoms
A detailed history, particularly with regard to sexual activity, must be taken. Symptoms suggestive for urethritis include dysuria and urethral discharge. History should specifically include, recent sexual activities, number of sex partners, or any new partner, use of condoms, history of prior STDs, and history of recent urethral instrumentation (e.g., urethral catheters).
Symptoms
Symptoms suggestive of urethritis include dysuria and urethral discharge.
Physical Examination
The most common physical finding in urethritis is urethral discharge. The entire genital area must be examined in order to rule out other possibilities. Patients should be examined for inguinal lymphadenopathy, ulcers, and urethral discharge.
Laboratory Findings
Urethritis may be considered on the basis of any of the following, mucoid, mucopurulent, or purulent discharge on examination, Gram stain of urethral secretions demonstrating ≥2 WBC per field, positive leukocyte esterase test on first-void urine or microscopic examination of sediment from a spun first-void urine demonstrating ≥10 WBC per high power field.
Electrocardiogram
There are no ECG findings associated with urethritis.
X-ray
There are no x-ray findings associated with urethritis.
Echocardiography and Ultrasound
There are no echocardiography/ultrasound findings associated with urethritis.
CT scan
There are no CT scan findings associated with urethritis.
MRI
There are no MRI findings associated with urethritis.
Other Imaging Findings
There are no other imaging findings associated with urethritis.
Other Diagnostic Studies
There are no additional diagnostic findings for urethritis.
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the appropriate antibiotic regimen should be initiated to reduce the risk of complications. Doxycycline 100 mg PO bid for 7 days is administered to treat Non-gonococcal Urethritis, as an alternative therapy azithromycin 1 g PO in a single dose or azithromycin 500 mg orally in a single dose; then 250 mg orally daily for 4 days is recommended. For gonococcal urethritis, ceftriaxone 500 mg IM in a single dose (for patients weighing ≥150 kg (300 lbs) ceftriaxone 1 g IM in a single dose), for alternate therapy gentamicin 240 mg PO in a single dose plus azithromycin 2 g PO in a single dose, or cefixime 800 mg PO in a single dose is recommended. Metronidazole 2 g PO in a single dose is used for patients with recurrent and persistent urethritis. Following treatment, patients should be instructed to return for evaluation if symptoms persist or recur after completion of therapy. Providers should be alert to the possibility of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome in male patients experiencing persistent pain (perineal, penile, or pelvic), discomfort, irritating voiding symptoms, pain during or after ejaculation, or new onset premature ejaculation lasting for >3 months. All sex partners within the preceding 60 days should be referred for evaluation, testing, and empiric treatment with a drug regimen effective against Chlamydia. Clinicians must report both chlamydia and gonorrhea to health departments.
Interventions
There are no recommended therapeutic interventions for the management of urethritis.
Surgery
Surgical intervention is not recommended for the management of urethritis.
Primary Prevention
Effective measures for the primary prevention of urethritis include limiting the number of sex partners and using condoms.
Secondary Prevention
In order to prevent transmission to one's partner and decrease the risk of antibiotic resistance, all patients must be instructed on safe sex practices and screening requirements after treatment.