Urethritis

Basics

Description

  • Inflammation of the urethra
  • Common manifestation of sexually transmitted infection (STI)
  • Frequently associated with dysuria, pruritus, and/or urethral discharge; classified as gonococcal (caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae) and nongonococcal (caused by other bacteria, or less commonly autoimmune disorders [Reiter syndrome], trauma, or chemical irritation)

Epidemiology

Incidence

  • In 2020, gonorrhea increased 5.7% to >677,000 cases—the highest number reported since 1991.
  • In 2020, chlamydia decreased 13% to >1.6 million cases.
  • Chlamydia is the most commonly reported STD.
  • Rate of gonorrhea increased in both men and women during 2019–2020, but increases were greater among women compared to men, potentially reflecting higher rates of screening.
  • Highest incidences of gonorrhea and chlamydia among young men and women, ages 15 to 24 years (61% of all cases)
  • Chlamydial infections are 5 times more likely to occur in young adult women than gonococcal infections.
  • In 2020, there were 133,945 reported cases of syphilis: the number of primary and secondary syphilis cases—the most infectious stages of syphilis—increased 6.8% to >41,655 cases.

Etiology and Pathophysiology

  • Most common cause is infection via sexual transmission of N. gonorrhoeae, a gram-negative diplococcus.
  • N. gonorrhoeae is a gram-negative diplococcus which interacts with nonciliated epithelial cells → cellular invasion → inflammation, neutrophil production, bacterial cell phagocytosis.
  • Sexually transmitted Chlamydia trachomatis infection is the most common cause of nongonococcal urethritis.
  • Other established pathogens:
    • Mycoplasma genitalium
    • Trichomonas vaginalis
    • Ureaplasma urealyticum
    • Herpes simplex virus (rare)
    • Adenovirus (rare)
  • Noninfectious causes (less common)
    • Chemical irritants (i.e., soaps, shampoos, douches, spermicides)
    • Foreign bodies
    • Urethral instrumentation

Risk Factors

  • Age 15 to 24 years
  • New sex partner
  • One or more sex partner(s)
  • History of or coexisting STI
  • Sex partner with concurrent partner(s)
  • Inconsistent condom use outside of a mutually monogamous relationship
  • Exchanging sex for money or drugs
  • Member of population with increased prevalence of infection, including incarcerated populations, military recruits, and economically disadvantaged populations

General Prevention

  • Use of male condoms, female condoms, or cervical diaphragms
  • Abstinence or reduction in the number of sex partners
  • Behavioral counseling

Commonly Associated Conditions

ALERT
Annual chlamydia and gonorrhea screening is recommended for all sexually active women aged ≤24 years and women aged >25 years with risk factors (B recommendation). There is insufficient evidence to recommend screening in men (1).

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