Urethritis in Men: Causes and Treatments

What Is Urethritis?

Urethritis is a functional disorder of the urinary system caused by many different infections, viruses, or bacteria. The word “urethritis” is derived from the Latin word for “urea,” which is simply a chemical compound in urine used to neutralize acids produced by bacteria. 

With that in mind, let us begin by first gathering some basic information necessary to understand urethritis.

Symptoms of Urethritis

Symptoms may vary based on the cause of the infection, whether it’s due to a bacterial infection or an infection by some other type of microbes. Most symptoms will be related to irritation of the urethra – the tube that runs from the bladder to the outside of the body. In some cases, symptoms may also include pain during urination as well as a burning sensation while urinating or a discharge from the penis.

What Causes Urethritis?

It’s important to understand what causes urethritis before we talk about standard treatments for it. The causes of urethritis are actually very diverse, ranging from common viral infections to more severe bacterial infections. 

Most people experience urethritis because of the infection caused by one or many different types of bacteria, which can be present in the urinary tract either as well-established colonies or as a single pathogen.

There are four main types of bacteria responsible for urethritis: Staphylococcus species, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. There are also many other bacteria that can cause infection in the urinary tract, but they are generally unable to survive long enough within the body to lead to symptoms caused by bacterial infections.

Once established within the urinary tract, bacterial urethritis will remain if the bacteria are present. In most cases, signs of bacterial urethritis will develop because of an existing urinary tract infection. In some cases, bacterial urethritis may result from a new infection that went undetected for a longer period.

Other bacteria include sexually transmitted ones, including Gonococcus and Chlamydia trachomatis. They enter through the skin around urethra’s opening. 

What are the treatments?

Aloe vera 

This has been used for medicinal purposes for a long time. It’s commonly used as a first-aid treatment for urethritis and other conditions. Aloe vera gel contains antibacterial and antifungal properties. A study of aloe vera gel for treating urethritis in men found that it was effective in relieving burning, itching, and pain in most patients.

Calcium

Calcium has been used to reduce inflammation in men diagnosed with urethritis or prostatitis. Calcium supplements may help reduce the symptoms of these medical conditions.

Chamomile

Chamomile and balm of Gilead plants have been used as an antiseptic and for healing wounds and burns. The use of chamomile extracts in the treatment of urethritis is under study.

Curcuma longa 

It has been used as a pain-relieving agent and to reduce inflammation. A small study found that curcuma longa may increase the concentration of testosterone in men with urethritis. However, it is unclear whether this treatment is effective at reducing symptoms such as pain or discomfort.

Dietary fiber 

It has been found to reduce the symptoms of common infections in animals. However, studies in people have not found that foods such as oats, barley, wheat, and even “psyllium” (a type of fiber) lower the risk of getting an infection. This suggests that urethritis is not caused by a bacterial infection in the body.

Flaxseed 

This has been shown to control inflammation and pain associated with chronic diseases such as autoimmune disorders and cancer. It may also prevent damage to the bladder walls due to antibiotics or other medications used for treating urethritis.

In many cases, a healthy diet can help reduce the symptoms of urethritis. It may improve the outcome by promoting healing and preventing reinfection.

Kava kava 

This has been used to relieve pain caused by inflammation and infection. In a double-blind study, 14 men with urethritis were given either kava kava capsules or a placebo for eight weeks as part of their treatment. The men using the treatment had significantly reduced symptoms of burning and pain compared to those who received a placebo. However, there was no difference between those who took the herb and those who took placebos in their ability to avoid infection rates.

Licorice root

This has been used to treat herpes infections. Preliminary research found that licorice root may be effective in treating urethritis caused by HSV2.

Pumpkin seed oil rich in zinc

Pumpkin seed oil has been shown to be effective at relieving pain associated with prostatitis. It’s also useful for treating other conditions affecting the prostate, including chronic prostatitis and benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). 

Pumpkin seed oil may help keep the prostate healthy, reduce pain caused by inflammation or infection, and decrease swelling of the prostate. It has also been shown to promote the healing of tissue damaged by infection or surgery.

If you experience symptoms of urethritis, immediately seek professional medical help! At TelMDCare, we offer healthcare services for men, including treatment for urethritis, erectile dysfunction and more. We offer virtual healthcare facilities; you can book your virtual healthcare appointments and consult our expert online doctors.

 

Give us a call today!