Urethritis is a chronic or acute inflammation of the urethra (urethra). The disease can occur in an infectious or non-infectious form.

What is the cause of the development of urethritis, what are the symptoms in adults, and what is prescribed as a diagnosis and treatment, we will consider further.

What is urethritis?

Urethritis is an inflammation of the wall of the urethra. Usually it is infectious in nature. It rarely develops without the presence of an infectious agent (radiation, toxic, allergic). Sometimes the cause of the onset of the disease is trauma during a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure (catheterization of the bladder in men, administration of drugs, etc.).

In men, urethritis occurs slightly more often than in women, and always proceeds in more severe forms. This is due to the anatomical features of the male and female urinary system.

Common signs of urethritis are pains of varying intensity during urination, mucous or purulent discharge from the urethral canal and redness of the tissues that surround the outlet of the urethra. The severity of symptoms depends on the clinical form of the disease - acute, subacute or chronic.

Views

There are primary and secondary urethritis.

1. In primary inflammation of the urethra, the infection penetrates directly into the urethra, most often during sexual intercourse with a partner who has a sexually transmitted disease.
2. Secondary urethritis occurs when the infection spreads from an inflammatory focus located in another organ (from the pelvic organs, seminal vesicles, bladder, prostate).

In accordance with the localization of the inflammatory process, urethritis is of the following types:

• front - if the inflammation is localized in the area from the external opening to the external urethral sphincter;
• posterior - with damage to the urethra, located between the sphincter and the opening that opens into the bladder cavity;
• total.

Gonorrheal urethritis

The causative agent of the disease is gonococci that enter the body during intercourse. In addition, contamination can occur through shared items such as a towel.

The main signs are discharge from the urethra and acute pain when urinating. At first, the discharge of the urethra is rather scanty and mucous, but quickly turns into abundant and purulent. It is these signs that distinguish gonococcal urethritis from non-gonococcal.

Candida urethritis

Yeast-like fungi act as a causative agent. Inflammation of the urethra of fungal etiology is rare, usually a complication after prolonged treatment with antibacterial drugs. Sometimes it develops after sexual contact with a woman who suffers from candidiasis vulvovaginitis.

The risk of infection increases with a history of inflammatory diseases or damage to the urethra.

Patients complain about:

• slight burning sensation
• slight itching
• whitish scanty discharge from the urethra.

Trichomonas

The causative agents of Trichomonas urethritis are considered to be unicellular microorganisms Trichomonas vaginalis that enter the urethra during sexual contact with an infected partner. The waste products secreted by Trichomonas damage the epithelial tissues in the infected zone, allowing toxins to freely penetrate into the intercellular space.

Symptoms do not appear immediately, but after about 5-15 days. This species is characterized by a whitish, foamy discharge from the urethra, as well as mild itching in the genital area.

Chlamydial form

The reason is infection with chlamydia. Discharge from the urethra may contain pus or mucus, or it may not appear at all. Chlamydial urethritis, unnoticed or not cured in time, can lead to complications.

In men, symptoms of this type may not appear at all, which makes such patients the main source of Trichomonas urethritis infection.

Causes of occurrence

The causative agents of the disease are bacteria and viruses. Often the cause of inflammation of the urinary tract is E. coli, as well as infections that cause sexually transmitted diseases (,).

Viral causes include cytomegalovirus and virus.

Among the infectious agents that provoke the development of urethritis, the following are most common:

• herpes simplex virus;
• colibacillus;
• gonococcus (diplococcus of the family Neisseriae);
• trichomonas;
• staphylo-, entero-, pneumo-, streptococci;
• mushrooms of the genus Candida;
• chlamydia;
• mycoplasma;
• gardnerella.

Quite often, it is not possible to isolate the only pathogen that caused urethritis, a combination of several pathogenic microorganisms is determined.

Non-infectious urethritis is provoked by hypothermia, the influence of allergens, and may be the result of injury to the mucous membrane of the urethra or exposure to aggressive chemical compounds.

The main risk factors for the development of urethritis include:

• Reproductive age;
• Promiscuous sex life;
• Repeated venereal diseases.

Symptoms of urethritis in adults

Symptoms to watch out for:

• One of the first symptoms of urethritis is painful urination. Contacting a specialist is desirable at this stage, since it is highly likely to prevent the further spread of inflammation.
• If you continue to ignore the discomfort that occurs during urination, the next symptom is purulent discharge.
• In some cases, inflammation of the external opening of the urethra can be observed.

With each subsequent exacerbation of the disease, inflammation affects an increasingly significant part of the mucous membrane of the urethra. Therefore, the symptoms of urethritis with each exacerbation become more pronounced. If the disease is not treated with adequate methods, complications may occur.

Acute urethritis

Signs of acute urethritis appear after a few days (the duration of the period depends on the type - from 2-3 days to 5-20 days). Appear:

• discharge from the urethra,
• worried about pain during urination.

Common signs:

• itching and other discomfort during urination;
• pain in the pubic area - periodic, aching;
• in men - violation of urination, difficulty in the outflow of urine, up to acute retention;
• purulent discharge from the urethra;
• impurities of blood in the urine - hematuria;
• the external opening of the urethra is glued together in the morning.

Chronic urethritis

With chronic urethritis, which manifests itself as a result of an incorrect approach to treatment or the complete absence of such, neurotic phenomena are possible. Most often, with this form of urethritis, there are: small discharge from the urethra.

They are become more abundant subject to the presence of some factors that provoke an exacerbation of the disease. It can be heavy drinking, agitation, hypothermia.

The course of the disease can be long-term, which implies not only months, but also years, which, ultimately, may cause a visit to a doctor (if this was done earlier, before the transition of the disease to this form).

The prolonged course of this form of urethritis can provoke a stricture of the urethra, in which the urethra in the lumen begins to narrow, which is why urination is accompanied by a change in the urine stream (it becomes weak) and pain.

Complications

A complication of urethritis can be:

• chronization of the process;
• prostatitis, couperitis, epididymitis, vesiculitis, erectile dysfunction, balanitis, balanoposthitis, etc. in men;
• periurethral abscess;
• ascending infection (cystitis, nephritis);
• paraurethritis;
• deformation of the urethra (scarring).

Diagnostics

Diagnostics include:

1. Laboratory diagnostics of bacterial urethritis is carried out using microscopic and microbiological analysis of urine. The presence of red blood cells, mucus and bacteria in the samples proves the fact of a urinary tract infection.
2. It is recommended to conduct a bacterial culture of urine and a smear from the urethra, to determine the sensitivity of the pathogen to antibiotics. This allows the treatment to be carried out more efficiently and accurately.
3. In sexually active people, the exclusion of sexually transmitted diseases is mandatory. The best method is polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The technology makes it possible to diagnose any infections quickly and accurately.

How is urethritis treated?

The identification of any symptoms indicating the development of urethritis is the basis for seeking advice from a urologist. Clarification of the diagnosis is made based on the patient's complaints, the results of examination of his genitals and a number of laboratory tests (OAC, OAM, taking a smear from the urethra, culture for sensitivity to antibacterial drugs).

Treatment of urethritis begins with antibiotics. The medicine is selected depending on the pathogen and the severity of the inflammation. In an acute process, antibiotics of a wide spectrum of action are immediately prescribed, then they switch to drugs to which the sensitivity of the microflora is revealed in a particular case.

As the main measures of treatment, lavages with the use of antiseptic preparations are used, aimed directly at the area of ​​the urethra, and antibiotics can also be used. The effectiveness in the treatment of urethritis is determined by the use of erythromycin and tetracyclines.

An additional effect is achieved due to:

• physiotherapy procedures (warming applications, electrophoresis, etc.),
• local treatment (for example, sitz baths based on a decoction of herbs),
• taking immunostimulants and immunomodulators.

Areas of treatment for chronic urethritis:

1. the use of antibacterial drugs- the same as in acute urethritis, taking into account the sensitivity of microorganisms to antibiotics (control is periodically carried out - smears are taken from the urethra for bacteriological examination and determination of the sensitivity of microorganisms to antibacterial agents);
2. instillation (washing) the urethra with antiseptic solutions, for example, furacillin;
3. immunocorrectors- drugs that increase the body's defenses;
4. vitamin and mineral complexes- are necessary to maintain the defenses and restore the mucous membrane of the urethra.

Folk remedies only complement the main treatment. Chamomile tea, parsley roots and herbs, carrots and celery, lingonberries and cranberries, beets - these products are introduced into the daily diet. Separately, herbal preparations are prepared and taken for at least a month (St. John's wort, sage, horsetail).

After a course of treatment for urethritis, an examination is carried out, as a result of which it is established whether the patient is healthy. The criteria for healing are:

• Absence of extraneous discharge from the urethra within two weeks after the course of treatment.
• Absence of inflammation of the urethra.
• The disappearance of itching and burning during urination.

Prevention

The likelihood of a disease can be minimized if you follow some simple rules:

• First of all, you should avoid casual relationships.
• Practicing good personal hygiene also reduces the chances of infection.
• Quitting bad habits: smoking and excessive drinking.
• Regular preventive follow-up by a urologist.
• Diet: do not abuse spicy, pickled, salty foods.
• Timely treatment of infectious diseases of the genitourinary system.
• Avoid hypothermia of the body.

Urethritis, like any other urological disease, requires timely treatment. In case of unpleasant symptoms during urination, be sure to visit a urologist for an accurate diagnosis.

Urethritis is an inflammatory process that affects the mucous membrane of the urethra. This pathology is one of the most common inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system.

Depending on the etiology of the development of inflammation, all urethritis is usually divided into infectious and non-infectious. The overwhelming number of urethral inflammations is associated with the action of an infectious agent (as a rule, these are bacterial urethritis), less often the disease is caused by trauma, allergic reactions, exposure to chemical factors, etc.

This article discusses what urethritis in men is, the symptoms and treatment of the disease, as well as methods for its prevention.

The onset of urethritis is accompanied by inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the urethra. The clinical signs of urethritis in men are burning pains that intensify during urination, false urge to urinate, mucous membranes, the appearance of pathological discharge, etc.

In the absence of timely therapy, acute urethritis in men can take on a chronic course, which is much less treatable, accompanied by frequent relapses and complications such as the development of urethral strictures (its cicatricial narrowing), sexual dysfunction, phimosis, balanitis, balanoposthitis, etc.

It should also be borne in mind that bacterial urethritis in men may be accompanied by the addition of an ascending infection (prostatitis, inflammation of the kidneys, bladder, etc.).

Causes of urethritis in men

The reasons for the development of mucosal inflammation can be:

• infections;
• violation of personal hygiene rules (the most common cause of urethritis in boys);
• trauma;
• allergic reactions;
• autoimmune or endocrine pathologies, etc.

The predisposing factors contributing to the development of urethritis in men are:

• alcohol abuse;
• smoking;
• hypothermia;
• decreased immunity;
• unprotected sex;
• frequent change of sexual partners;
• the presence of genital infections.

Viral, fungal and bacterial urethritis in men

The leading causes of the development of urethritis are infectious agents. Non-infectious urethritis are less common and may be associated with allergic reactions, autoimmune pathologies, endocrine diseases, trauma (traumatic urethritis in men often develops after diagnostic or therapeutic medical procedures - cystoscopy, urethral catheterization, etc.), mechanical damage to the urethra (urolithiasis , oxalaturia).

In this regard, infectious urethritis in men is divided into specific (gonorrheal urethritis in men, tuberculous, Trichomonas urethritis) and nonspecific. Nonspecific urethritis can be:

• bacterial (ureaplasmic urethritis in men, mycoplasma, gardnerella, etc.);
• viral (herpetic urethritis, candidiasis of the urethra);
• mycotic (candidal urethritis);
• mixed (chlamydial urethritis in men, combined with Trichomonas, etc.);
• transient (often accompanied by the development of an ascending infection in the form of prostatitis).

Transient urethritis, as a rule, are accompanied by a lightning-fast course and are caused by chlamydia, ureaplasma, mycoplasma, gardnerella, herpes viruses of the second type (viral urethritis in men of a transient nature is quite rare).

It should be noted that urethritis in men can be caused both by conditionally pathogenic microflora (bacteria normally present in the microflora of the genital tract) and by sexually transmitted microorganisms.

The most common causes of urethritis in men are chlamydia and neisseria gonorrhea. Moreover, in patients with gonorrheal urethritis, in the overwhelming majority of cases, chlamydia is also found. In this regard, when detecting gonorrheal urethritis, it is advisable to prescribe anti-chlamydial drugs.

Non-gonorrheal, non-chlamydial urethritis is usually caused by Trichomonas or mycoplasmas. Genital mycoplasmas are detected in about 30 percent of patients with urethritis and in 10% of patients without symptoms of urethritis (mycoplasma carriage).

Carriage of Trichomonas in men occurs in 25-30% of cases. Trichomonas can inhabit the mucous membranes of the urethra, prostate and seminal vesicles.

Other bacterial urethritis is most often caused by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Serration, Proteus, Providence, Staphylococcus aureus, rarely streptococcus.

Staphylococcal urethritis is often accompanied by layering of other pathogenic microflora. Such microbial associations lead to lingering recurrent urethritis and are difficult to treat.

The most common cause of viral urethritis in men is a virus:

• herpes simplex of the second type;
• causing genital warts.

Infection with these viruses occurs during unprotected sexual intercourse. In this case, infection can occur from a patient without clinical signs of the disease (asymptomatic carriage).

After the end of the acute phase of the inflammatory process, the transition of the virus to a latent form is noted.

After suffering a viral urethritis, relapses are observed in about eighty percent of patients.

Candidal urethritis in men develops much less frequently than in women, as a rule, against the background of endocrine pathologies (fungal urethritis often develops in patients with diabetes mellitus) or immunodeficiency states. The cause of the development of candidal urethritis is a fungus of the genus Candida. Unlike women, in whom candidal urethritis can develop against the background of prolonged antibiotic therapy, in men, candidal urethritis most often occurs after unprotected sexual intercourse.

Gardnerella urethritis in men rarely develops and is usually combined with chlamydial, ureaplasmic, mycoplasma, fungal, etc. infection.

Symptoms of urethritis in men

Depending on the duration of the disease, urethritis is divided into acute and chronic. An inflammatory process lasting less than 2 months is called acute urethritis, more than two months - chronic.

Acute urethritis in men

The disease can be manifested by the appearance of:

• streaks of blood in semen and urine;
• cloudy urine with long, whitish filaments or sediment;
• discharge from the urethra of a mucous or purulent nature;
• yellowish crusts on the head of the penis;
• redness and swelling of the glans penis;
• redness and swelling of the sponges of the urethra;
• pain and burning sensation in the urethra, aggravated during urination;
• frequent urge to urinate;
• pain and itching in the groin;
• fever (rare);
• pain during intercourse;
• decreased sex drive;
• painful erection.

Chronic urethritis in men

The manifestations of chronic inflammation practically do not differ from the symptoms of acute. In chronic inflammation, less abundant discharge is noted, but cloudy urine, often with a pungent unpleasant odor, is characteristic.

Low back pain may occur, as well as decreased sex drive and erectile dysfunction. When cicatricial narrowing of the urethra is attached, urinary retention is noted.

Candidal urethritis in men

Candidal urethritis is accompanied by the appearance of cheesy plaques or films on the head of the penis, thick mucous secretions with cheesy flakes.

There is also severe itching and burning of the urethra, flushing of the head of the penis and other symptoms of acute inflammation.

Effective drugs for the treatment of urethritis in men

Urethritis therapy is carried out in a comprehensive manner and is prescribed by the attending physician. Depending on the cause of the inflammation, etiotropic and pathogenetic therapy is prescribed.

To prevent re-infection with viral, fungal and bacterial urethritis, all treatment should be carried out simultaneously with the treatment of the sexual partner.

Medicines for urethritis in men are prescribed taking into account the causative agent of the disease, as well as the severity of the patient's condition, the duration of inflammation and the presence of an ascending infection.

All drug treatment of urethritis in men is carried out only after receiving tests for the pathogen and its sensitivity to the drugs used.

It is also recommended to eliminate the accompanying factors contributing to the development of urethritis (alcohol abuse, metabolic disorders such as oxaluria, uraturia, phosphaturia, etc.), an increase in the volume of fluid consumed (2-2.5 liters), taking multivitamin preparations, immunomodulators and immunostimulants (according to indications).

Antibiotics for urethritis in men are prescribed after receiving tests. For urethritis caused by the coccal flora, the use of drugs of the penicillin series and cephalosporins is recommended. With a gram flora, from urethritis, prescribe tablets. If necessary, drugs, macrolides or.

• Nitrofurans (furazolidone) are often used to treat Trichomonas urethritis.
• For mixed infections, combinations of nitroimidazoles (,) with fluoroquinolones () may be recommended.
• For the treatment of staphylococcal urethritis, not only antibiotics can be used, but also staphylococcal toxoids and staphylococcal immunoglobulins.
• With the development of Reiter's syndrome (chlamydial urethritis), glucocorticoids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and drugs to improve microcirculation are prescribed.
• For herpetic urethritis, drugs and valacyclovir are prescribed. Ointment with acyclovir for urethritis in men is prescribed only in combination with systemic anti-herpes therapy.
• With candidal urethritis, antifungal agents are prescribed (,).
• According to the indications, immunomodulatory and immunostimulating agents (viferon) are prescribed.
• For chronic urethritis, prostate extracts (prostatilen) may be prescribed.
• According to the indications, symptomatic therapy is carried out and physiotherapy treatment is prescribed.

Treatment of urethritis in men with folk remedies

Treatment of urethritis in men at home is carried out after consultation with the attending physician, obtaining test results and the selection of medications. In uncomplicated forms of the disease (without the addition of an ascending infection), hospitalization is not indicated.

Folk remedies can only be used in combination with drug therapy.

Washing with a solution of calendula, chamomile and oak bark is effective. Additionally, as a fortifying agent, it can be recommended: taking fresh juice or infusion of cranberries, infusions of berries and currant leaves, cornflower flowers, immortelle, etc.

To increase the body's natural resistance to infection, a course of multivitamin preparations is recommended.

Article prepared
infectious disease doctor Chernenko A.L.

Content

Urethritis is an inflammation of the urethra that can be caused by various factors. Men and women are susceptible to it, but the first it causes much more discomfort - the male urethra reaches a length of twenty-four centimeters, while the female is only four. How is urethritis treated in men, what are the causes of the onset of the disease and its symptoms?

What is urethritis in men

Urethritis in men is inflammation of the urethra, the channel through which urine flows. The reasons for its appearance are infection or mechanical injury. Infection occurs during intercourse if the partner has an STD due to poor hygiene. Injuries appear due to medical procedures, urolithiasis. Often, the disease develops after hypothermia, when immunity decreases and pathogenic microorganisms are activated. Possible complications: inflammation of the prostate gland, testicles, infertility.

Symptoms and Signs

Careful attention to the symptoms of the disease will help to avoid long-term treatment, to prevent its development. The main signs are:

• Itching, sharp pain during urine output, burning.
• Discharge that generally has an unpleasant odor.
• Hyperthermia is occasionally observed.

The incubation period, after which the symptoms of the disease appear, depends on the type of ailment and ranges from several hours (allergic) to several years (tuberculosis). An experienced specialist will prescribe the necessary tests to determine which species has affected the man's body and will provide the necessary treatment.

Diagnostic methods:

• Blood analysis.
• Analysis of urine for leukocytes.
• Research on venereal diseases.
• Determination of the sensitivity of the pathogen to antibiotics.
• Ultrasound of the pelvic organs.

What is dangerous, complications

If you do not prescribe proper treatment for acute urethritis in men, the disease can become chronic, which can cause serious complications in patients. For example, prostatitis, in which the prostate gland becomes inflamed, inflammation of the seminal vesicles, testicles, narrowing of the urethra.

How to treat

Timely treatment will help avoid possible complications. It is carried out with the help of various drugs - antibiotics, antiseptics, antioxidants, immunotherapy, vitamins, immunomodulators, and topical agents. The dosage is prescribed by the doctor. It is important to follow proper nutrition, give up alcohol and cigarettes.

Antibiotics

The course of antibiotic therapy is prescribed after examinations: external examination, blood, urine, smear. Then the type of urethritis is determined, the causative agent that provoked it. During treatment, the use of common antibiotics is excluded, since the sensitivity of the bacterium to the drug depends on its strain. What antibiotics are used for treatment?

Antibiotics of the nitroimidazole group:

• Metronidazole. An antimicrobial agent that promotes the destruction of protozoan cells, disrupts the synthesis of DNA of microorganisms, which contributes to their death. The drug is effective for Trichomonas urethritis, is available as a solution for injection, in the form of suppositories, tablets. Possible side reactions: nausea, abdominal pain, headache, diarrhea, allergic reactions, anorexia, bad taste in the mouth, dryness, urinary incontinence, discoloration.

The medicine is contraindicated in leukopenia, organic lesions of the nervous system, in renal failure, allergies to the components that make up the composition.

• Secnidazole. It provokes cell death of the pathogen, is effective in the fight against Trichomonas bacteria. It is available in the form of granules that must be dissolved before oral administration. May cause side effects: nausea, diarrhea, bad taste in the mouth, stomatitis, leukopenia, allergic reactions, dizziness, ataxia. Contraindicated in blood diseases, lesions of the central nervous system, allergy to the drug.

Groups of tetracyclines:

• Doxycycline. Suppresses protein synthesis by microorganisms. Helps in the treatment of gonococcal and non-gonococcal urethritis. Release form: capsules, tablets, injection solution, oral solution. It can cause disorders of the digestive system, as well as anemia, thrombocytopenia, and allergic reactions.

Fluoroquinolones:

• Moxifloxacin. Suppresses the activity of microorganisms, is effective against many pathogens. It is prescribed for a wide range of diseases, as well as during the treatment of male urethritis. Available as a solution for infusion and as a tablet. Frequent adverse reactions: abdominal pain, dyspepsia, dizziness, headache, change in taste. Contraindications: epilepsy, hypersensitivity, severe diarrhea, age under eighteen.
• Ofloxacin. Destabilizes the DNA of infectious pathogens, affects many bacteria. The drug is prescribed during the treatment of any type of urethritis. The dosage form is a capsule. Possible side effects: disorders of the digestive, nervous system, disorders of taste, hearing, smell, allergic reactions. Contraindicated in children under 18, during epilepsy, after traumatic brain injury, stroke, if there is an allergy to the drug.
• Levofloxacin. Suppresses DNA synthesis of many microbes. Release form: tablets, solution for infusion. Possible unpleasant reactions: disorders of the digestive system, decreased blood pressure, hypoglycemia, disorders of the nervous system, disorders of the sensory organs. Contraindications: epilepsy, age up to 18, tendon damage after treatment with quinolones.

Triazoles:

• Fluconazole. A fungus killer helps during the treatment of candidal urethritis. Release form: capsules, tablets, solution for oral administration and for infusion, syrup. Side effects: nausea, flatulence, change in taste, dizziness, headache. Learn more,.

Contraindicated when taken simultaneously with terfenadine, astemizole.

Quinoxalines:

• Dioxidine. An antibacterial agent that helps when other medicines are ineffective. Produced as an ointment, aerosol, solution for injection, external, intracavitary use. Reactions are possible: allergy, after intravenous or intracavitary exposure, disorders of the digestive system, fever, after topical application - dermatitis can occur. Contraindications: adrenal insufficiency, allergy to the drug.

Macrolides:

• Erythromycin. The antibiotic blocks the synthesis of proteins of microorganisms, which leads to their destruction. One of the safest and most effective remedies used during the treatment of urethritis in men. It is taken intravenously and orally. Side effects include digestive upset, tinnitus, or hearing loss. Contraindicated if the patient has a significant hearing loss, as well as when used together with terfenadine, astemizole.
• Clarithromycin. An antibiotic derived from erythromycin with a stronger antibacterial effect. It is taken orally. Side effects: disorders of the digestive system, system. Contraindicated in children under 12 years of age, with allergic reactions to the drug.

Azalides (derivatives of macrolides):

• Azithromycin. Suppresses protein synthesis of pathogens, has cellular and extracellular effects. Helps during the treatment of gonorrheal, non-gonorrheal urethritis. Frequent side effects: disorders of the digestive system - diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain. Contraindications: hepatic, renal failure, hypersensitivity.

At the moment, macrolides are used to treat different types of urethritis - one of the safest drugs. Previously, antibiotics of the penicillin group were often prescribed, for example, bicillin, but due to the development of resistance to it from many microorganisms, it is prescribed in exceptional cases.

Pills

Antihistamines will help avoid allergic reactions, relieve possible side effects:

• Tavegil. Has a long lasting effect. Helps with different types of allergic reactions of the body. You need to drink the drug twice a day - in the morning and in the evening. Possible side effects: nausea, headache, dry mouth. Contraindicated in children under one year old, when taking MAO inhibitors.

Medicines that restore the gastrointestinal tract are also useful:

• "Yogurt". It normalizes the intestinal microflora, improves the digestion process, and is useful for the prevention of dysbiosis. It is taken simultaneously with antibiotics, which have a negative effect on the body. You need to take from two to five tablets per day, along with food, for several weeks. In order not to reduce the effectiveness of the antibiotic, the breaks between doses of funds should be at least one and a half hour.

Vitamins:

• Vitamin B, the drug "B Complex" from "Biotech". Improves cellular metabolism, is useful in combination therapy and men. Take one tablet daily with food.
• Vitamin PP or niacin. Helps in the treatment of infectious diseases. It should not be taken by hypertensive patients, allergy sufferers, as well as diabetic patients.

Other medicines

With urethritis, complex therapy is used, therefore, during treatment, as a rule, several types of drugs are prescribed at once.

Immunomodulators:

• Polyoxidonium for injection. Helps the body cope with infectious diseases. It is prescribed in the form of injections of 6 mg daily for three days, then a day break, and again taking the drug. From five to ten injections of the drug are carried out.

Antiseptics for washing:

• Methylene blue. The disinfectant is used as a 0.02% solution with water.
• Hydrocortisone. With the defeat of the entire urethra, installations with this drug are used.

Antiviral ointment:

• Acyclovir. Topical ointment, which will be especially effective in treatment if a man suffers from herpes urethritis. Apply to the lesion site five times a day, take from five to ten days.

Observance of preventive measures will help to avoid such serious treatment - reducing the frequency of intercourse with unverified partners, using condoms, constant careful hygiene, a diet that excludes food that irritates the mucous membranes, drinking at least one liter of water during the day.

Treatment with folk remedies

• Cranberry. The juice from this plant will help the body fight inflammatory processes, prevent the formation of stones, which is useful for urethritis in men caused by urolithiasis.
• Black currant. Three tablespoons of plant leaves must be poured with two glasses of boiling water, insist. Take twice or thrice throughout the day. It is useful to make decoctions, compotes from the berries of this plant.
• Parsley seeds. Pour a teaspoon of seeds with one liter of cool water, strain after eight hours. The tincture should be consumed three times throughout the day, three tablespoons each.

Types

Depending on the causes of urethritis, it is divided into specific and non-specific. The first type of the disease is caused by infections that are transmitted during intercourse (pathogens - gonococcus, herpes, ureaplasma, Trichomonas, chlamydia, mycoplasma, gardnerella). The emergence of a nonspecific species is facilitated by a violation of the microflora caused by a fungus, staphylococci, streptococci, Escherichia coli. Let's take a closer look at the various types of the disease

Trichomonas

Trichomonas urethritis is caused by Trichomonas bacteria, which are sexually transmitted and can cause acute irritation. With active exposure to the pathogen, whitish or transparent discharge may appear from the glans penis. Patients experience classic symptoms as well as a creepy sensation in the genital area.

Bacterial

The bacterial species is referred to as a nonspecific variety of the disease. The pathological process is caused by various microorganisms, mainly chlamydia, streptococci, Escherichia coli. Inflammation of the urethra is accompanied by purulent discharge.

Candidal

Candidal or mycotic urethritis is rare. It can appear in men who have a medical condition such as diabetes or who have undergone long-term treatment with antibacterial agents. This type is characterized by cheesy white or watery discharge, mild symptoms. May be complicated by prostatitis.

Nonspecific

Nonspecific urethritis is a disease that was caused by a pathogen other than specific bacteria (herpes, chlamydia, etc.), or by several microorganisms at once. Now this area has not been sufficiently studied, doctors are only looking for specific reasons that cause this type of ailment. It can be an allergic reaction, prostatitis.

Acute gonorrheal

Gonorrheal urethritis in men is a sexually transmitted disease that manifests itself as a result of infection with gram-negative diplococci. They not only affect the urethra and contribute to its inflammation, but also the mucous membranes of the genitourinary system become infected. Gonorrheal urethritis is characterized by reddening of the urethral outlet, purulent discharge, compaction on the head, acute pain, burning.

Gonococcal

Gonococcal urethritis may be asymptomatic or characterized by pus that comes out of the urethra, swelling of its outlet, and hyperemia. Asymptomatic course is dangerous - it can serve as further infection of sexual partners. Therefore, men who have frequent sexual intercourse with different women should be examined regularly.

Non-gonococcal

Non-gonococcal urethritis in men can cause various microorganisms, but chlamydia is in the first place. Also, the appearance of the disease can be triggered by herpes, Escherichia coli. This is one of the most common types of disease.

Gardnerella

Gardnerella bacterial urethritis is little studied by doctors, because a man is almost asymptomatic and can go away on its own, but sometimes it causes complications - cooperitis, epididymitis.

Fungal

One of the most common causes of fungal urethritis is the entry of pathogens into a man's body during intercourse. This is facilitated by a decrease in immunity. Symptoms - watery whitish discharge, "curd" bloom.

Content:

Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the urethra - urethritis - is equally common in men and women. In view of the anatomical features in men, the disease is more acute; in women, pronounced symptoms may not be observed. Therefore, the treatment can also be different. The main signs: pain, burning sensation when urinating, purulent discharge, constant pain. Sometimes urethritis is confused with cystitis, the symptoms of which are slightly different: frequent urge to urinate and pain at the end. Often, both inflammations occur simultaneously.

What are the reasons

Urethritis are infectious and non-infectious in nature, infectious are subdivided into specific and non-specific. Specific causes of microorganisms that are transmitted through sexual intercourse. These are chlamydia, gonococcus, gardnerella, mycoplasma, Trichomonas and others. The causative agents have an incubation period, from the moment of infection to the first manifestations of the disease, it takes up to several weeks. Nonspecific urethritis is caused by E. coli, staphylococci, streptococci and others.

Non-infectious urethritis occurs due to traumatic factors of the mucous membrane of the urethra. These include: trauma due to careless performance of medical procedures (taking a smear, catheterization), passing a stone from the bladder; chemical damage due to excessive consumption of alcohol, consumption of large amounts of irritating food (spicy, acidic); excessive physical exertion.

Fatigue and stress lead to decreased immunity and increased susceptibility to disease. The unfavorable factor is:

• lack of sexual hygiene;
• hypothermia;
• violation of the drinking regime. With untimely urination, the body loses its ability to cleanse itself, and pathogens are not washed away from the walls of the urethra, but begin to multiply;
• chronic inflammatory processes. Pathogens move with the bloodstream through the body.

If not treated

Urethritis untreated can become chronic and cause complications. In men, it becomes the root cause of infertility and impotence, causes damage to the testes, cystitis, and so on. Women develop pyelonephritis, cystitis and other diseases of the genitourinary system.

To prevent complications, it is necessary to receive qualified treatment. In the presence of specific urethritis, all sexual partners of the patient should be treated. Diagnosis is by urinalysis or urethral smear. At the same time, the sensitivity of the found microorganisms to antibiotics is detected. Treatment begins after the study of microflora.

Treatment of women

If you are concerned about cramps and pain in the urethra, pain in the lower abdomen, mucous or white discharge from the urethra, frequent urge to urinate, it can be assumed that this is urethritis and treatment should be started.

Which specialist should I contact? Urethritis belongs to urological diseases, and its causes are gynecological. Practice has shown that the treatment prescribed by two independent doctors (urologist and gynecologist) is often ineffective, it is better to consult a urogynecologist. This specialization is new, so there may not be a suitable doctor. In this case, choose one narrow-profile doctor: gynecologist or urologist.

What the treatment is aimed at

Treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis, that is, the patient receives the necessary procedures in a medical institution, and the rest of the time is at home, hospitalized only in severe cases. During treatment, it is necessary to restore:

• the epithelium of the mucous membrane, in severe cases it is cauterized;
• healthy flora of the vagina to exclude re-infection;
• immunity.

In the treatment of urethritis, the doctor prescribes broad-spectrum antibiotics; in case of intolerance, sulfonamides are used. It provides for the intake of vitamins: C, B1, B6. Also shown are sedatives (motherwort herb, valerian). To improve epithelialization, rosehip or sea buckthorn oil is injected into the urethra.

Warming procedures are of great benefit: ozokerite, paraffin, mud applications. The thermal effect causes vasodilation, increased blood circulation and metabolism, which helps to reduce pain and speed up recovery.

At home

In addition to medical procedures, diet will help your recovery. Eliminate allergens and irritants from the diet: preservatives and food additives, spicy and salty, acidic foods. Reduce the use of baked goods, white bread and sugar, give up coffee, alcohol and nicotine, drink at least one and a half liters of filtered water daily. Avoid hypothermia and excessive fatigue, live according to the regimen.

The most popular folk remedies include:

• Linden broth. Relieves pain and burning sensation. For cooking 2 tbsp. spoons of linden blossom are poured with 2 cups of boiling water, boiled for 10 minutes, filtered and taken 1 glass before bedtime.
• Cornflower flowers. One teaspoon of flowers is poured with 1 glass of boiling water, kept for an hour, then filtered and drunk in 2 tbsp. spoons 3 times daily before meals.
• This tool helps only women: pour 80 g of finely chopped parsley with milk and darken in the oven until the milk is melted, then strain and consume 2 tbsp. spoons every hour. The volume is calculated per day.
• Carrot and cranberry juice.

Herbal preparations are no less effective in the treatment of urethritis:

• 1 teaspoon each: calamus root, peppermint, stinging nettle.
• In the same ratio: field horsetail, juniper fruits, rose hips, elder flowers.

Mix the ingredients, 2 tbsp. Pour half a liter of boiling water over the herbal mixture, let stand for 20 minutes. and strain. Drink 1 glass 2 times a day.

• Take 1 tbsp. spoon of steel roots, parsley fruits, dandelion roots, anise fruits, juniper fruits. 3 tbsp. pour spoons of the mixture with 3 liters of boiling water, leave for half an hour, strain. In the morning and in the evening, drink a glass of infusion.
• Pour 4 teaspoons of ground wheatgrass roots with one glass of cold water, leave for 12 hours, drain, set aside. Re-pour the roots with one glass of boiling water, stand for 10 minutes, strain, mix both infusions, drink 100 ml 4 times a day.
• 6 g of crushed roots of marshmallow medicinal is poured with 1 glass of water, infused for 10 hours, drunk 2 times a day, 100 ml.
• Drink tea from currant leaves, it heals the genitourinary system. For half a liter of boiling water, take 3 tbsp. spoons of leaves.

Traditional medicine prescriptions can be an effective adjunct to medication, but they are not a substitute for a doctor's prescription. Avoiding antibiotics can lead to a chronic form that is difficult to treat.

Before using herbal preparations, consult your doctor, there may be contraindications associated with the individual characteristics of the body or the presence of any diseases.

The inflammatory process in the urethra in men is called urethritis. Both men and women are susceptible to this disease, however, more discomfort and difficulties in getting rid of the symptoms of the disease are manifested in representatives of the strong half of humanity. Urethritis can pose a threat to the normal functioning of the male genital organs, therefore it is important to identify the disease in time, establish the causes of urethritis and begin treatment.

To prevent complications and the spread of inflammation to the tissues adjacent to the urethra, it is important to start treatment when the first signs of urethritis appear in men. They manifest themselves in the form of the following symptoms:

• Unpleasant sensations during urination at all stages of emptying the bladder. They are expressed in the form of burning sensation, sharp pains or tingling sensations.
• The appearance of discharge from white to yellowish color, often with an unpleasant odor. The discharge is more abundant at the first urination after awakening, during the day it becomes leaner.
• Redness of the foreskin;
• If posterior urethritis occurs, blood may appear in men.

Symptoms of the disease do not appear immediately, since different types of urethritis are characterized by different incubation periods. So with tuberculous urethritis, obvious symptoms can manifest themselves several years after infection, and with allergic urethritis, within a few hours after the allergen enters the body.

For the appointment of therapy corresponding to the cause of the development of the inflammatory process in the urethra, a comprehensive study of the patient's history and a number of laboratory and instrumental studies are necessary. In the diagnosis of urethritis in men, the following methods are used:

• Laboratory tests of the patient's blood and urine;
• A swab or scraping for testing for sexually transmitted infections;
• Bacteriological inoculation and tests for resistance of the identified pathogens to antibiotics;
• Ultrasound of the pelvic organs.

Treatment of urethritis in men

Before deciding how to treat urethritis in men, it is important to know exactly which pathogen the inflammation is associated with. In total, there are two groups of urethritis, which are determined depending on the type of infection:

1. Specific urethritis in men, the treatment of which is based on getting rid of pathogens such as gonococcus, chlamydia, Trichomonas, mycoplasma and others.
2. Nonspecific urethritis in men, the treatment of which is based on the fight against infectious pathogens such as E. coli, fungi, streptococcus and staphylococcus.

According to the form of the course of the disease, urethritis is also divided into two groups:

1. Acute urethritis. In men, treatment of this form takes 7 to 15 days. With proper diagnosis and therapy, complete recovery occurs quickly enough, and the disease itself does not turn into a more complex form.
2. Chronic urethritis. It occurs in the case of not fully completed treatment of the acute form of the disease. Chronic urethritis in men, the treatment of which is a set of measures to eliminate not only inflammation of the urethra itself, but also bacterial damage to other organs related to the genitourinary system, lasts from 2 weeks to several months.

Due to the variety of pathogens, antibiotics for urethritis in men are the most popular drugs, which should be started as early as possible. However, you should not start taking medications on your own, since in the presence of a pathogen that is resistant to a certain type of antibiotic, such self-medication can result in serious complications. According to statistics, bacterial urethritis in men, the treatment of which was carried out without preliminary laboratory tests to establish the type of pathogen, in 78% of cases ended with the transition of inflammation to the prostate gland, and in 29% self-medication became the cause of infertility in men.

So, what antibiotics for urethritis in men are most often prescribed:

• Metronidazole group (Metronidazole, Secnidazole and others).

This group of drugs has shown its effectiveness in Trichomonas urethritis in men, the symptoms of which are the appearance of whitish discharge from the urethra and burning sensation during urination. In addition, the hallmark of Trichomonas urethritis is considered to be the feeling of "goose bumps" in the genital area.

• Tetracycline group of drugs (Doxycillin)

Means, the main active ingredient of which is tetracycline, treat gonococcal and non-gonococcal urethritis in men. In addition, gonorrheal urethritis related to venereal diseases is amenable to therapy with drugs of this group. In men, these types of diseases are characterized by the appearance of pus in the outlet of the urethra, hyperemia of the foreskin of the penis, and the formation of small seals on the head of the penis.

• Group of fluoroquinolones (Levofloxacin, Ofloxacin and others).

Drugs in this group are used to treat any type of bacterial urethritis in men.

• Macrolides (Erythromycin and others).

This group of antibacterial drugs is used often enough to cure bacterial urethritis in men that cannot be treated with drugs from other groups.

• Antiallergic drugs, antihistamines.

This group of drugs is used to treat non-infectious urethritis in men, as well as as additional therapy when using drugs that can cause an allergic reaction.

Particular attention is paid to the treatment of urethritis caused by fungi. Candidal urethritis in men, the treatment of which includes taking antimycotic drugs and the use of local remedies: ointments, creams and gels, completely disappears within a week, maximum 10 days.

Antibiotics for urethritis in men, as well as other drugs designed to relieve symptoms of the disease, should be taken only after they have been prescribed by a doctor! Otherwise, time may be lost, due to which various complications may arise.