Living with itching in the urethra is not comfortable at all and can be a health hazard. Therefore, if you started to present this symptom, you should see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
The urethra is a channel, part of the urinary tract, whose function is to carry urine out of the body in men and women. It itches when it becomes inflamed, which is not a good sign as it means you are sick.
If this inflammation is not diagnosed and treated, other more serious health problems can arise, such as epididymitis, infection of the testicles and prostate.
Read today’s blog and learn more about itching in the urethra.
Is it normal to have itchy urethra?
Having some itching in the region occasionally and without recurrence is common. Generally, this type of sensation passes quickly and naturally.
However, if you feel that your urethra is itchy all the time or very often, it’s time to be concerned, as this could be the symptom of some diseases that require care.
Why is my urinary tract itchy?
When a patient has itching in the urethra, the urologist needs to investigate the symptoms, as it can represent a number of diseases that affect the urinary tract.
The most remembered is the urinary tract infection. What few people know is that there are three types of the disease, which receive different names depending on the region of the body that is affected: cystitis (bladder), pyelonephritis (kidneys) and urethritis, which affects the urethra and causes itching. They can also combine and affect all three regions at once.
Urethritis
Urethritis is a urinary tract infection that occurs due to the proliferation of bacteria in the urethra. There are two forms of the disease, depending on the bacteria in question.
When a man is hit by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the same as gonorrhea, we call the disease gonococcal urethritis. In this case, there are chances of also developing gonorrhea, an STI.
As for the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis, E coli, among others, they cause non-gonococcal urethritis, and are mainly responsible for itching in the urethra.
Symptoms of non-gonococcal urethritis also include difficulty and burning when urinating and pus, which collects after emptying the bladder. However, in many cases, the disease can be asymptomatic.
There are some risk factors for developing the disease. Although it is not an STI, having sex without a condom can transmit bacterial agents. It can also be caused by trauma, as in the case of men who use a urinary catheter to remove urine. Some products, such as spermicides, can also make the environment conducive to the proliferation of bacteria, especially when their use is combined with poor hygiene.
If the urologist suspects urethritis, in addition to listening to the patient, it is important to perform physical and laboratory tests, such as urine tests, to confirm the diagnosis and type of infection.
So that urethritis does not get worse and affect other organs, treatment should be started as soon as possible. In most cases, it is done with antibiotics. As there are a few possible approaches to drug intake, medical supervision is essential.
The discomforts improve a few days after starting the treatment, but after the diagnosis, sexual life must be suspended. It can be resumed after completing the treatment.
Adopting good urinary tract care habits is the best way to avoid the disease. Practicing sexual intercourse with protection, going to the bathroom whenever you feel like it, drinking at least 2 liters of water a day and properly cleaning your penis are great ways to prevent urethritis.
What can itching in the urethra of the penis be?
In addition to urethritis, itching in the urethra, combined with other symptoms, can also indicate the presence of another disease: candidiasis.
Although it is more frequent in women, the disease, caused by the fungus candida albicans, affects men and causes discomfort in the urethra region, but it can also manifest itself in other parts of the body, such as the groin, scrotum and even the mouth.
What are the symptoms of fungus in the urethra?
The fungus Candida albicans lives naturally in our genital region. However, when it grows excessively, usually due to changes in the immune system or poor hygiene in the area, it causes symptoms such as:
- Itching in the urethra
- Swelling
- Pain
- Redness
- Pain when urinating
- Whitish and thick secretion
- Difficulty in sexual intercourse
Genital candidiasis should be identified by a urologist. The diagnosis is based on observing the symptoms reported by the patient and laboratory tests to confirm the detection of the fungus.
The problem is easily resolved. When the disease is mild, ointments and creams with antifungal function are usually prescribed. More severe cases may require antifungal pills in addition to corticosteroids. Regardless of the line of treatment, it must be prescribed by a physician and strictly followed by the patient.
As the disease is closely related to changes in the immune system, such as flu, stress, chronic or autoimmune diseases, chemotherapy and treatments with immunosuppressants and corticoids, the best way to avoid it is to strengthen your immunity. Eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and exercising regularly are powerful ways to prevent candidiasis.
In addition, local hygiene is very important. At bath time, it is essential to expose the glans to clean the penis well. Drying the limb and avoiding moisture in the region also prevents fungal proliferation.
What to do when the urethra itches?
As the treatment depends on the disease in question, if your urethra is unusually itchy, see a urologist. He will make an accurate diagnosis, which will allow the treatment to be effective.
By getting medical help early, you can avoid severe complications and resolve the condition as soon as possible, ending the annoying itch quickly.
Never practice self-medication and avoid homemade attempts to alleviate the symptom, such as ingesting certain types of teas.
If you have an itchy urethra, put your embarrassment aside and see your doctor. With the proper diagnosis, you will be able to treat the diseases in a few days and have a life free of discomfort again.
Around here, we can help you treat diseases like Peyronie’s and the Erectile Dysfunction. Make an appointment if you notice any deformity in your penis, such as tortuosity, reduction in size or thinning.
