Back
Print 

Urethritis

Skip Navigation

Top of the page

Urethritis is inflammation of the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside of the body (urethra). It can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection (like some sexually transmitted infections), irritation from soap or spermicide, or injury.

Symptoms of urethritis can include:

  • Pain or burning during urination (dysuria).
  • An urgent need to urinate.
  • A need to urinate more often than usual.
  • A clear, yellow, or green discharge from the urethra.

When urethritis is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotic medicine is used to treat it.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.