Mate pūaha mimi Urethritis
Urethritis is inflammation of your urethra, the tube that you pass wee (urine) through. It can cause a discharge from the tip of your penis, pain on weeing and itching. It is usually caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea.
Cause of urethritis
Urethritis is caused by:
- a sexually transmitted infection
- other bacteria and viruses.
You can get a sexually transmitted infection from having sex without a condom, or sometimes using a sex toy.
Symptoms of urethritis
Symptoms of urethritis can include:
- discharge from the urethra
- redness at the tip of the penis
- pain or discomfort when weeing (urinating)
- itching in the urethra.
Diagnosing urethritis
You will need a swab from the urethra and a urine test.
You can get tested at:
- your healthcare provider
- sexual health clinics (external link)
- Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa (external link)
Tell anyone you have had sex with in the last 3 months so they can be tested.
Treating urethritis
Urethritis is usually treated with antibiotic tablets. Sometimes you may need an antiobiotic injection as well.
Avoid having sex, or use condoms, for 7 days after treatment so you do not pass the infection to someone else.
You should have a follow up appointment after 3 months.
If urethritis is not treated
If urethritis is left untreated, it can spread to the testicles and the tubes around the testicles (epididymo-orchitis). This causes swelling and pain and can lead to damage of your testicles.