Medical Health Encyclopedia

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Female urinary tract Male urinary tract

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Urethritis - chronic

Alternative Names: Urethral syndrome Treatment: If evidence of infection is present, antibiotics are initiated, and a follow-up urinalysis or culture will be performed after all the medications have been taken. Text Continues Below Women who have repeated episodes of intercourse-related urethritis or cystitis may be prescribed a peri-coital (taken shortly before or after intercourse) dose of preventive antibiotics. Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) may be prescribed to decrease urinary discomfort while further evaluation of the cause is conducted. Possible chemical irritants are also discontinued to determine the causal agent. Expectations (prognosis): In the majority of cases, a causative agent can be identified and appropriate treatment initiated. Chronic urethritis, despite the cause, can lead to urethral strictures (narrowing) and require dilation or surgical correction. Complications: Prolonged, untreated infection may progress to continued narrowing of the urethra, resulting in difficulty in completely emptying the bladder. Recurrent urinary tract infections may also occur. Less commonly, pyelonephritis (kidney infection) or structural damage to the urinary tract system, including impairment of renal (kidney) fuction can occur. Calling your health care provider: See your health care provider if symptoms of chronic urethritis occur.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.