Urethritis in women

The urethra in women has anatomical features. It is short and relatively wide, which creates conditions for the penetration of infection into it. In this case, it is possible to develop urethritis – an inflammatory process in the urethra. In addition, similar symptoms can be caused by mechanical or chemical irritation of the walls of the urethra. Most often, urethritis is formed when infected with sexually transmitted infections or as one of the manifestations of infections of the urinary system.

The inflammatory process in the urethra occurs in women quite often. But in many cases, manifestations of urethritis can be confused with acute cystitis, which is also quite common in women. Therefore, to determine the exact diagnosis, as well as prescribe adequate treatment, only a doctor can consult.

What is urethritis

Non-infectious or infectious inflammation of the urethra is a fairly common problem in the practice of urologists. The female urethra is prone to inflammatory processes, it is located close to the vagina, which is constantly inhabited by various bacteria. In addition, the proximity of the anus also plays a certain role, since certain bacteria also live in the intestines, which are not dangerous for this area, but when they enter the urethra, they provoke inflammatory processes. Various chemicals, some drugs and drinks, food can irritate the lining of the bladder or urethra, which can also lead to urethritis.

Causes of urethritis in women

Urethritis can be both non-infectious in nature, it is provoked by various irritants – trauma, chemicals, food, drinks, and infectious genesis. Most often, urethritis in women is provoked by sexually transmitted diseases – this is chlamydia, trichomoniasis or gonococcal infection. In addition, various pathogens can become provocateurs of urethritis – mycoplasma, E. coli and even the herpes virus.

Neisseriagonorrhoeae and Chlamydiatrachomatis infections are two common sexually transmitted causes of urethritis. N. gonorrhoeae urethritis is often referred to as gonococcal urethritis. Other forms of urethritis are often referred to as non-gonococcal urethritis. In addition to chlamydial infections, nongonococcal urethritis can also be caused by Mycoplasmagenitalium, Trichomonasvaginalis, herpes simplex virus (HSV), and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Additionally, urethritis associated with arthritis (Reiter’s syndrome) and eye inflammation can be a complication of certain types of infections.

Non-infectious causes of urethritis include physical trauma or chemical irritation from soaps, spermicides, lubricants, bubble baths, or other substances.

Symptoms of urethritis in women

Some women, even with outward signs of urethritis, have no symptoms. Some symptoms, such as burning when urinating, frequent urination of very small volumes or urgency (irresistible urge to urinate), pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis, resemble symptoms of a bladder infection. Other symptoms may include discharge, pain during intercourse, and fever. The most common and typical symptoms of urethritis in women include:

• pain in the abdomen or pelvis;
• bloody or pink urine (hematuria);
• frequent urination;
• feeling of itching in the groin area;
• pain during intercourse;
• pain or burning when urinating;
• an urgent need to urinate against the background of excretion of urine drop by drop;
• discharge from the vagina and urethra.

There are also more serious symptoms that may indicate a life-threatening condition. In some cases, complications of urethritis can be life-threatening. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these life-threatening symptoms occur, including:

• high temperature (above 39,0 ℃);
• severe nausea and vomiting;
• severe pain in the pelvis or abdomen.

A number of factors increase the risk of developing urethritis, although not all people with these risk factors will develop urethritis. They include:

• female sex and reproductive age;
• multiple sexual partners;
• activities that can injure the urethra;
• risky sexual behavior (unprotected sex);
• a history of sexually transmitted disease, bacterial vaginosis, or recurrent candidiasis;
• using deodorant tampons or douches;
• use of spermicides or lubricants with irritants.

Treatment of urethritis in women

Before starting treatment, it is necessary to establish the exact cause of urethritis.

Diagnostics

In the presence of any alarming symptoms, a consultation with a urologist is necessary. The doctor will examine the woman and ask about her symptoms and medical history. You may also have one or more of the following tests:

• Analysis of urine. Urine samples are taken and checked for problems (protein, blood, white blood cells, microbes).
• Blood test. A blood sample may reveal signs of inflammation.
• vaginal culture. A sample of vaginal discharge is taken and checked for problems and tested for signs of inflammation and infection.
• Cystoscopy. This test allows the doctor to detect problems in the urinary tract. The procedure uses a thin, flexible cystoscope with a light and attached camera. It is injected into the urethra and bladder.
• Ultrasound. This examination allows the doctor to see a detailed image of the inside of the female pelvis. An ultrasound will not show if you have urethritis. But it can show other signs of an STI that can also cause urethritis.
• PCR test. It can determine if a woman has a viral or bacterial infection. It can be done instead of crops because it allows for faster diagnosis of diseases.

Modern treatments

Urethritis treatment begins with seeking medical help at the first sign of illness. This allows the doctor to quickly assess the symptoms and risk of complications of urethritis. Inflammation due to injury or irritation can resolve on its own, after the elimination of irritating factors. Urethritis due to infection is usually treated with antibiotics. For sexually transmitted diseases, it is important that the partner be treated at the same time as the woman and that the couple abstain from sex during treatment to avoid re-infection. Common treatments for urethritis include:

• antibiotics such as Azithromycin, Doxycycline, Erythromycin, Levofloxacin, Metronidazole, Ofloxacin, Penicillin, or Tinidazole to treat an infection;
• elimination of injuries or irritants;
• non-steroidal pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or indomethacin to reduce pain;
• Phenazopyridine (Pyridium), an analgesic that is especially effective for urinary tract pain.

If it is urethritis of venereal origin, adherence to the treatment regimen helps to reduce the risk of reinfection and complications. Additional treatments for urethritis include:

• abstaining from sexual intercourse until treatment is completed and all symptoms have passed;
• taking the full course of all medications as prescribed;
• re-testing as directed by the physician after completion of therapy.

Prevention of urethritis in women at home

You can reduce your risk of urethritis by:

• elimination from their everyday life of all known irritants that provoke symptoms of urethritis;
• sexual contacts with one, permanent partner;
• annual testing for sexually transmitted diseases if you have multiple sexual partners or a new sexual partner;
• using condoms during intercourse.

Popular questions and answers

Regarding the diagnosis and treatment of urethritis, the features of the disease, we talked with urologist, specialist in ultrasound diagnostics, doctor of the highest category of the Center for Disaster Medicine Yuri Bakharev.