Urethritis, a urological condition, can lead to various complications if left untreated, so prompt and appropriate treatment is important. Although urethritis most commonly occurs through sexual contact, it may also develop when personal hygiene is poor or when the immune system is weakened.
Urethritis is generally classified into gonococcal and non-gonococcal types, depending on the causative bacteria. The symptoms and treatment methods may differ slightly depending on the cause. Gonococcal urethritis is caused by *Neisseria gonorrhoeae*, while non-gonococcal urethritis can result from various organisms such as *Chlamydia*, *Mycoplasma*, and *Trichomonas*. Men exposed to urethritis may experience symptoms such as urethral discharge, pain during urination, and itching. In women, however, symptoms are often mild or absent, which can make the condition more difficult to detect.
If urethritis is not properly treated, it can lead to several complications. In men, it may cause epididymitis, prostatitis, or urethral stricture. Epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymis, which is responsible for the maturation and storage of sperm, and it can cause severe pain and swelling. If treatment is delayed, it may even lead to infertility. Prostatitis may also develop, resulting in urinary difficulties, perineal pain, and chronic pelvic pain, which can be difficult to treat and may persist for a long time. Urethral stricture occurs when the urethral lining becomes damaged and scar tissue forms, leading to urinary obstruction, and in severe cases surgical treatment may be required.
In women, untreated urethritis may spread and lead to cervicitis or pelvic inflammatory disease. If the inflammation extends to the endometrium or fallopian tubes, it can cause infertility, ectopic pregnancy, or miscarriage. If a pregnant woman leaves urethritis untreated, the infection may be transmitted to the newborn during delivery. This can result in neonatal conjunctivitis, ear infections, or respiratory infections.
In most cases, urethritis can be completely cured with appropriate antibiotic treatment in the early stages. However, if left untreated, the infection may become chronic or spread to other organs. Non-gonococcal urethritis, in particular, can be caused by a wide variety of pathogens, so identifying the specific causative organism through detailed testing is important in order to select the most appropriate antibiotic treatment.
Accurate diagnosis of urethritis typically requires a PCR test. PCR testing amplifies genetic material to detect the presence and type of bacteria, enabling rapid and precise treatment. Therefore, even if symptoms seem mild or insignificant, individuals who suspect urethritis should visit a urology clinic for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Lee Chang-gi of Goldman Urology Clinic’s Incheon branch emphasized that prevention is also an important aspect of urethritis management. Maintaining proper personal hygiene and seeking medical attention immediately when symptoms appear are essential. He also noted that both the patient and their sexual partner should undergo examination and treatment together to prevent recurrence. Although urethritis can usually be treated effectively with antibiotics in its early stages, delaying treatment may lead to serious consequences such as infertility, chronic pain, and urinary dysfunction.