Urethritis

Urethritis is inflammation of the urethra. It is caused by an infection and usually use to describe a symptom of a sexually transmitted infection, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes virus, and other bacterial and viral infections. Other irritants such as soaps, douching, lotions, and condoms can cause the same inflammation as well.

Signs and Symptoms

• dysuria (painful urination)
• increased urge to urinate 
• itching
• tenderness
• swelling of the penis in males 
• pain with intercourse
• ulcers
• discharge
• blood in urine or semen

Management

• consult a medical professional
• cease sexual contact until treatment is complete
• often times prescription antibiotics are used

Prevention 

• drink lots of fluids, especially water, to dilute your system 
• use protection during sexual intercourse or related activities