Causes of Urethritis
Urethritis is typically caused by either a viral or bacterial infection. One of the most common culprits is fecal bacteria, such as e-coli. However, it’s important to note that sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can also be responsible for triggering this condition. In particular, Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes can all lead to inflammation of the urethra. It is worth mentioning that these STIs may not always present symptoms, which means that individuals may be unaware that they have urethritis caused by a sexually transmitted infection unless they undergo a sexual health screening. In some cases, urethritis can also be the result of injury to the urethra, such as during the insertion of a catheter.
Gonococcal Urethritis vs. Nongonococcal Urethritis
When it comes to urethritis, there are two primary types to be aware of. The first is gonococcal urethritis, which is an inflammation of the urethra caused by the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea. On the other hand, any other infection, whether bacterial or viral, is categorized as nongonococcal urethritis. It is worth noting that in some cases, a person can be affected by both types of urethritis simultaneously.