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Urethritis - chronic

Alternative Names: Urethral syndrome Symptoms: Urinary frequency/urgency (increased number of time voiding and sensation of the need to void) Urination discomfort, burning, or stinging of the urethra or lower abdomen during urination (see painful urination) Urethral discharge (if present, may stain underwear and appear either bloody or pus-like, and is often foul-smelling) Note: Symptoms are long-standing (chronic). Signs and tests: A urinalysis may indicate potential infection or inflammation. A urine culture (clean catch) is done to confirm infection and causative agent. Urethral discharge culture or vaginal culture specimen(s) may be obtained to rule out sexually transmitted diseases. Cystoscopy and urethroscopy may be performed to directly examine the urethra. These tests may reveal a urethral stricture (narrowing), a urethral diverticulum (out-pouching), or a mass (such as a urethral tumor).

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