Many people tend to underestimate urethritis and attempt self-treatment. However, leaving urethritis untreated can lead to various complications, so proper medical care is important. Urethritis most commonly occurs through sexual contact, but it can also develop when hygiene is poor or when the immune system is weakened.
Urethritis is broadly classified into gonococcal urethritis and non-gonococcal urethritis, depending on the causative organism. Because the underlying pathogens differ, symptoms and treatment approaches may vary slightly.
Gonococcal urethritis is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Non-gonococcal urethritis can be caused by a variety of organisms, including Chlamydia, Mycoplasma, and Trichomonas. Men with urethritis often experience symptoms such as urethral discharge, pain during urination, and itching. In contrast, women frequently have mild symptoms or may not notice any symptoms at all, which can make the condition more dangerous.
If urethritis is left untreated, several complications can occur. In men, these may include epididymitis, prostatitis, and urethral stricture. Epididymitis involves inflammation of the epididymis, the structure responsible for sperm maturation and storage, and can cause severe pain and swelling. If treatment is delayed, it may even lead to infertility. Prostatitis may also develop, causing urinary problems, perineal pain, and chronic pelvic pain, which can be difficult to treat and may become long-lasting. Urethral stricture can occur when scar tissue forms after damage to the urethral lining, narrowing the urethra and causing difficulty with urination. In severe cases, surgical treatment may be required.
In women, urethritis can spread to the cervix and lead to cervicitis or pelvic inflammatory disease. If inflammation spreads to the endometrium and fallopian tubes, it may cause infertility, ectopic pregnancy, or miscarriage. When urethritis is left untreated in pregnant women, the infection may be transmitted to the newborn during delivery. This can lead to neonatal conjunctivitis, otitis media, or respiratory infections.
Urethritis can usually be cured with appropriate antibiotic treatment if diagnosed early. However, if left untreated, it may become chronic or spread to other organs. In particular, non-gonococcal urethritis involves a wide range of possible pathogens, so identifying the specific organism through detailed testing is essential in order to select the most appropriate antibiotic.
For accurate diagnosis, PCR testing is often required. PCR testing amplifies genetic material to precisely identify the presence and type of bacteria, enabling faster and more accurate treatment. Therefore, even if symptoms are mild, individuals who suspect urethritis should visit a urology clinic for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Lee Jong-woo of Goldman Urology Clinic’s Dongtan branch emphasized that prevention is also important. Maintaining proper personal hygiene and seeking medical care promptly when symptoms appear are key steps. He also noted that both partners should undergo testing and treatment together to prevent recurrence. While urethritis can often be treated easily with antibiotics in the early stages, neglecting it can lead to serious consequences such as infertility, chronic pain, and urinary problems.