Urethritis

Inflammation of the urethra, usually due to an infection but sometimes having other causes. Urethritis may be caused by various infectious organisms, including the bacterium that causes gonorrhoea. Nongonococcal urethritis may be caused by any of a large number of different types of microorganisms. Urethritis may also be caused by damage from an accident or from a catheter or cystoscope. Other possible causes include irritant chemicals, such as antiseptics and some spermicidal preparations. Treatment of infection is with antibiotic drugs.