If urethritis, a urological disease, is not properly treated and is left neglected, it can lead to various complications, thus requiring caution. Urethritis primarily occurs through sexual contact, but its likelihood of occurrence is also high in cases of inadequate hygiene management or weakened immunity.
Urethritis is classified into gonococcal and non-gonococcal types. Symptoms and treatment methods vary slightly depending on the causative bacteria. Gonococcal urethritis is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonococcus). Non-gonococcal urethritis is caused by various bacteria such as Chlamydia, Mycoplasma, and Trichomonas. Men exposed to urethritis typically experience urethral discharge, pain during urination, and itching, but women often have mild or almost no symptoms, making it more dangerous for them.
Above all, if urethritis is left untreated, various complications can arise. In men, epididymitis, prostatitis, and urethral stricture can occur. Epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymis, which is responsible for the maturation and storage of sperm, causing severe pain and swelling.
If treatment is delayed, it can also lead to infertility. Furthermore, prostatitis can cause urinary dysfunction, perineal pain, and chronic pelvic pain. This condition is difficult to treat and has a high likelihood of becoming chronic. Urethral stricture occurs when the urethral lining is damaged, forming scar tissue that can lead to urinary obstruction or difficulty. In severe cases, surgery may be required.
In women, urethritis has a high probability of spreading to cause cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). If the inflammation spreads to the endometrium and fallopian tubes, it can lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, or spontaneous abortion. If a pregnant woman neglects urethritis, there is a possibility that the newborn may become infected during the birth process. Furthermore, it can cause neonatal conjunctivitis, otitis media, and respiratory infections.
Urethritis is mostly curable with appropriate antibiotic treatment in its early stages. However, if left untreated, there is a high chance of it becoming chronic or the inflammation spreading to other organs. Particularly for non-gonococcal urethritis, due to the variety of causative bacteria, it is crucial to identify the specific pathogen through precise testing and then use tailored antibiotics.
For an accurate diagnosis of urethritis, a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test is necessary. PCR testing amplifies genetic material, allowing for precise identification of the presence and type of bacteria, thereby enabling rapid and accurate treatment. Therefore, even if symptoms are mild or not strongly felt, if urethritis is suspected, one should visit a urology department to receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Director Lee Chang-ki of Goldman Urology Clinic, Incheon Branch, stated, "Prevention of urethritis is also a crucial aspect; it is important to meticulously manage personal hygiene and visit a hospital immediately if symptoms appear. Furthermore, to prevent recurrence, both individuals in a sexual partnership should undergo examination and treatment. While urethritis can be cured with simple antibiotic treatment in its early stages, if left untreated, it can lead to serious consequences such as infertility, chronic pain, and urinary dysfunction, thus requiring caution."