Urethra

Causes and symptoms of diseases of the urethra

What are urethral diseases?

The urethra (urethra) is a tubular organ that connects the bladder and the outside environment. In men and women, the urethra varies in length and width. The main function of the urethra is to excrete urine from the body; in men, the seminal ducts also open into it, through which sperm flows out.

Diseases of the urethra (urethritis) are an inflammatory process that is manifested by pain during urination and discharge from the urethra.

Urethritis can be acute, chronic, granular, premenstrual, senile, and allergic.

Causes of diseases of the urethra

Urethritis is an infectious disease caused by various fungi, viruses, and bacteria. Cases of allergic, radiation and toxic urethritis not associated with infectious agents are quite rare.

Inflammation of the urethra, depending on the type of pathogen, is divided into specific and non-specific. The group of specific urethritis includes diseases caused by a genital infection (Trichomonas, chlamydia, ureaplasma, gonococcus or mycoplasma). Nonspecific urethritis occurs due to the pathogenic action of staphylococci, streptococci, fungi, Escherichia coli, etc. Diseases manifest and are treated in the same way, but with specific urethritis, it is necessary to examine all the patient's sexual partners.

Why is the urethra inflamed? This is always associated with a decrease in the immunity of its walls. The infection passes through the urethra constantly, getting there through the blood, from the intestines, skin or through sexual intercourse. But when the immune system stops coping with harmful organisms, inflammation occurs.

Various factors can provoke the disease, among which hypothermia, genital trauma, physical overstrain, urolithiasis, unhealthy diet, the habit of delaying urination, chronic inflammation in the body, various medical procedures carried out without observing sanitary standards (smear, catheterization) are especially dangerous.

Types of diseases of the urethra

Acute urethritis most often occurs due to the effects of harmful microorganisms - gonococcus and Trichomonas. It can also be caused by chemical irritants or injury. Acute urethritis is manifested by a burning sensation in the urethra, pain, frequent urge to relieve a small need. Pus is released from the inflamed and edematous urethra. Sometimes severe inflammation causes swelling of the external opening of the urethra. In such cases, the canals are opened, as urinary retention can cause more serious symptoms (paraurethral abscesses, urogenital fistulas).

Acute urethritis is treated with anti-inflammatory therapy. Patients are shown antibiotics, sulfonamides, warm baths, drinking and rest. Also, acute urethritis excludes sexual intercourse.

Chronic urethritis is both specific and nonspecific. Usually, inflammation also affects the internal genital organs. The disease can occur as a result of birth trauma, damage to the urethra during intercourse or masturbation. The causes may also be sexually transmitted diseases (gonorrhea, trichomoniasis). Chronic urethritis is characterized by discomfort in the urethra, pain in the back, sacrum or groin. The urge to urinate is frequent, while the pain and burning sensation does not go away. Sometimes patients have urinary incontinence. Chronic urethritis is treated by eliminating the site of infection. For this, antibiotics and chemotherapy are used.

Granular urethritis is a fairly common form of the disease. It is caused by diseases of the genital organs of an inflammatory nature. Frequent urge to urinate is the main symptom of granular urethritis. Treatment of the disease has a favorable outcome. The therapy is carried out by extinguishing the mucous membrane of the urethra with a silver solution or electrocoagulation. Granular urethritis can recur, so patients should have regular physical examinations.

Senile urethritis is typical for women during menopause. Its symptoms are similar to those of chronic urethritis, but are usually more prolonged and persistent. In women with senile urethritis, the vaginal mucosa atrophies, redness is noticeable, bleeding is possible. For treatment, sessile baths, vaginal suppositories and chemotherapy drugs are used.

Premenstrual urethritis occurs before menstruation. Usually, symptoms of the disease (frequent urge to urinate) do not last long, disappearing completely during menstruation.

Allergic urethritis occurs under the influence of a variety of substances, including some medicines and foods. The disease manifests itself with itching in the urethra, a feeling of pressure. The urethra becomes edematous, and urine output stops. For treatment, bougienage of the urethra and electrocoagulation are used.

Symptoms of diseases of the urethra

Common symptoms of urethral disease are pain and burning of the urethra. Also, the patient may feel severe pain, itching, pressure and other types of discomfort when urinating. Unpleasant sensations can spread to the lower back, lower abdomen, sacral region. Purulent discharge from the urethra is also a characteristic symptom. Their abundance and quality depends on the type of pathogen.

It should be remembered that the disease tends to progress, capturing the entire mucous membrane of the urethra. Symptoms become more pronounced, and after a while complications develop (inflammation of the testicles, urethral stricture, prostatitis, inflammation of the seminal vesicles, balanoposthitis, cystitis, etc.)

Treatment of diseases of the urinary system

Inflammatory diseases of the urinary system are treated with antibiotic therapy. The duration and intensity of treatment depend on the type and severity of the pathology. Most often, treatment takes place at home.

The patient is hospitalized most often with purulent complications (urethral abscess). Sometimes it may be necessary to inject various medications into the urethra. With puffiness and narrowing of the urethra, bougienage is used.