Urethritis: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

Urethra is the tube which transfers the urine from the urinary bladder to outside of the body. Urethritis is the inflammation occurring in the urethra. However it is not the same as UTI (Urinary tract infection). Women are more prone on developing Urethritis more than men. It is hard to diagnose as there is mild pain and discomfort during the infection but the symptoms are very negligible. Urethritis is mainly caused due to bacterial infection and is treatable. Though the symptoms of a urine infection and Urethritis may be the same, but the treatment required is quite different.

During the treatment of Urethritis, your physician might test your genital area for any signs of STI, sores, tenderness or discharge. They can also ask for a swab test taken from the vaginal area or ask for a urine sample. This makes diagnosis and treatment easier. Blood tests are taken to rule out syphilis, HIV and STIs. Treatment for Urethritis includes antiviral or antibiotic medicines such as azithromycin, doxycycline, erythromycin, ofloxacin and levofloxacin. Other than this, blood thinning medications, heart medications or seizure medications can also be recommended by your physician.

If you have Urethritis and are sexually active, it is important to exercise preventive measures to reduce the chances of spreading of the infection. It is recommended not to engage in intercourse for some time until Urethritis gets completely cured. Urethritis caused by different types of bacteria is cured by different treatment and medications. Urethritis which is caused due to an infection known as trichomoniasis is treated by antibiotics, preferably metronidazole and tinidazole (tindamax). If you are sexually active and acquire Urethritis, it is important to also treat your partner for Urethritis to prevent any chances of re-infection. The dosage of antibiotics or antiviral medicines should be completed even if the symptoms subside before the completion of the medication. If the medication course is not completed, there is a high chance that the infection can relapse again and result to further complications.

Getting a routine urine test and a culture urine test is very important to understand the nature and the amount of bacteria which has caused Urethritis in your body. The type and the dosage of the antibiotics are decided only after reading the urine reports. After the treatment is complete, your doctor may again ask you to go through urine testing to see if the infection is completely gone or there are still some signs of it.

Those patients who are experiencing immense or moderate amount of pain during urination after any medical procedure should be careful while undergoing this treatment and should consult their physician. Sometimes, patients can experience symptoms similar to Urethritis due to the after effects of a medical procedure, this can suggest the beginning of an infection. Hence medical guidance is necessary. You should get assistance and immediate medical attention within twenty four hours if you experience burning sensation during urination.

Those who have reached a severe stage of Urethritis may not require only medications, but should be admitted to the hospital for IV antibiotics. If your condition worsens after taking a certain antibiotic course may mean than you are allergic or intolerant towards the particular antibiotic. In such cases, your physician might recommend another form of treatment for you.

There can be different kinds of side effects for different antibiotic treatments. If antibiotics are taken along with alcohol, it can be very detrimental for health as it may cause an increased heart rate, nausea and vomiting, headaches and flushing. Antibiotics can also cause diarrhea or soft stools. This is because of the fact that they can kill good bacteria along with the bad bacteria. Therefore, it is important to consume probiotic foods like sauerkraut and yogurt to get rid of diarrhea. Other side effects can include allergic reactions like swelling of lips and tongue, vaginal discharge, white patches on the tongue, vomiting and rash.

After consuming medication, the symptoms of Urethritis generally starts to disappear as the medication course gets over. It is important to complete the whole medication course as prescribed by the doctor. After you are cured completely, it is important to practise safe sex as a preventive measure. Avoid intercourse with more than one partner. Use condoms and get tested regularly for any signs of STIs. Drink plenty of water and fluids on a regular basis and urinate every time after intercourse to flush out the bacteria. After treatment it is important to avoid acidic foods and the use of spermicides during intercourse should also be restricted.

Urethritis can cure in a span of two to three weeks and in severe cases even a month. The course of your antibiotic medication depends on the recovery period of Urethritis. However, antibiotics should be consumed on a daily basis without missing a dose or the infection might relapse. It is not a permanent disease and can be cured easily with the help of medications.

The price of Urethritis curing antibiotics can cost anywhere from 300 rupees to 800 rupees per strip. This cost excludes the fees of your doctor or physician.

The results of this treatment is not permanent as Urethritis can occur again if proper care is not taken and hygiene is not maintained in the vaginal or urethral area.

Anti-viral medicines can also be taken as a substitute for antibiotics. Those who have severe signs of this infection usually have to take antibiotics through IV drops in the hospital.