Urethritis in women: diagnosis, symptoms and treatment of a dangerous disease. Urethritis in women Who treats urethritis in women

Urethritis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the urethra. This disease occurs in males and females at any age. And more often it is recorded in men due to the anatomical features of the body, namely, the greater length of the urethra compared to the female.

What causes urethritis

The inflammatory process in the urethra is caused by microorganisms contained in it, which acquire pathogenic properties under certain conditions. This can happen with traumatic injury, the occurrence of an allergic reaction, a violation of metabolic processes in the body. Such pathological changes are characteristic of non-infectious urethritis.

The causes of infectious urethritis, as a rule, are sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Most often it is gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, ureaplasmosis and mycoplasmosis.

Risk factors

The factors that provoke the disease include:

• trauma to the urethra during ureteroscopy, catheterization, bladder instillation or other procedures;
• alcohol abuse;
• taking certain medications (for example, certain antibiotics);
• sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity;
• diseases of Reiter, Behcet, etc.

Symptoms and clinical picture of urethritis

Sometimes damage to the mucous membrane of the urethra does not manifest itself symptomatically for a long time. However, in most cases, symptoms typical of urethritis are present: painful urination and purulent discharge from the urethra.

Among other clinical signs of urethritis are redness and swelling in the area of ​​the external opening of the urethra, burning and pain in the area of ​​the affected mucosa, causing frequent urge to urinate. Perhaps increased pain at the end of the act of urination, detection in the last portions of the blood.

Diagnosis of urethritis

Diagnosis of urethritis begins with a doctor studying the patient's complaints and collecting anamnestic information. In the process of collecting an anamnesis, the doctor draws attention to the presence of characteristic symptoms, clarifies information about previous and current diseases of the urinary tract, the patient's participation in various medical and diagnostic manipulations. Also, the characteristics of the patient's sexual life, data on sexual contacts with random partners are clarified. During the physical examination, an examination of the external genitalia is performed. To confirm the diagnosis, tests for urethritis and instrumental studies are prescribed.

Diagnostic methods

Diagnostic examination is carried out using a number of laboratory and instrumental methods.

• bacterioscopic examination. As a material for it, purulent discharge from the urethra is selected. It is used to prepare and stain smears. The resulting smears are examined for the presence of pathogenic microorganisms and leukocytes in them.
• bacteriological research. They mean sowing material (urine, urethral discharge) on nutrient media to determine the type of pathogen and its sensitivity to antibiotics.
• amplification tests. For microscopic examination, the first portion of urine is used. The diagnosis is confirmed by the presence of leukocyte esterase and more than 10 leukocytes per field of view.
• Urethroscopy. Allows you to see pathological changes inside the urethra.
• PCR diagnostics and enzyme immunoassay. They are used to identify pathogens of STIs.

Treatment regimen

The main directions in the treatment of urethritis are the elimination of pathogens, the elimination of pathological symptoms, and the prevention of complications. How to treat urethritis in a particular patient, the attending physician determines on an individual basis, taking into account the etiology of the disease, the species of the pathogen.

The main methods of treatment and contraindications

For the treatment of urethritis, the following methods are used.

• Non-drug treatment. At the time of treatment, it is necessary to exclude sexual contact. You should also avoid hypothermia, eating spicy foods, alcohol.
• Medical therapy. It is carried out using antibiotics and sulfa drugs, which are prescribed taking into account the sensitivity of the microflora. Be sure to take into account individual contraindications, the fact of pregnancy, age, the presence of severe somatic diseases. In the fight against pathogens of STIs, both sexual partners should be treated.

Possible Complications

The most common complications of urethritis are cystitis, vaginitis, prostatitis. They can be avoided by timely diagnosis and adequate treatment of the disease in the early stages.

Which doctor treats urethritis

Urethritis is usually treated by a urologist, andrologist, and this problem also falls within the competence of a gynecologist (in the treatment of women).

Chronic urethritis. Causes, symptoms, treatment

Most often, the development of chronic urethritis occurs against the background of untreated acute urethritis. The disease becomes protracted and lasts for several months. Manifested by discomfort, paresthesia, itching in the urethra. Treatment is carried out by the same methods as in the acute course of the disease.

Measures to prevent urethritis

In order to prevent urethritis, unprotected sexual intercourse should be avoided, hygiene rules should be followed, and infectious foci in the body should be sanitized in a timely manner.

Anna Mironova

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A woman who suffers from urethritis can only be pitied. With this disease, life expectancy, of course, does not decrease, but the quality of life drops so much that a woman does not want anything at all, except for recovery - no sex with her husband, no beautiful clothes, no delicious food. What kind of disease is this - urethritis? How does she manifest herself? And how to deal with it?

What is female urethritis?

This disease is inflammation in the urethra , manifesting itself as pain and burning. Urethritis is often confused with, although the diseases have different symptoms. With urethritis, the urethra can hurt without any connection with urination and constantly, with cystitis, the main symptom is pain in the very bottom of the abdomen when urinating. It is worth noting that diseases can occur at the same time .

Chronic urethritis. Risk group

Such a diagnosis can put absolutely any woman. And the more factors conducive to the disease, the higher the chances of getting sick. Main Factors:

• Periodic or one time hypothermia.
• Violent sexual intercourse, the onset of sexual activity (under specific conditions).
• Wrong. The consequence of irritation of the urethra by substances that enter the urine from sour, salty, etc.
• Violation of the microflora of the vagina (gynecological diseases).
• Decreased local immunity.
• Urolithiasis disease.
• medical interventions (for example, smears from the urethra, cystoscopy, etc.).
• toxic factors.

How does chronic urethritis develop in women?

Conditionally, the disease occurs in three stages. Each of them can last for a very long time, and it is not a fact that one stage will flow into another.

• First stage. Accompanied by periodic exacerbations of the disease, expressed in different ways. Such exacerbations appear rarely, pass quickly and do not bother much. Removed with mild antibiotics.
• Second phase. Antibiotics help worse and worse, the frequency of exacerbations increases. Pain is relieved only by potent drugs. Life begins from exacerbation to exacerbation and going to doctors who find anything but urethritis.
• Third stage. The woman is feeling worse. Pain is felt constantly, antibiotics not only do not help, but even provoke an exacerbation. There is a fear of sex, cold and delicious food.

Symptoms of chronic urethritis

Compared to men, women have a shorter urethra, as a result of which urethritis manifests itself more weakly. That is why sometimes it is asymptomatic, and special attention is not paid to minor signs at all. Main symptoms:

• Purulent discharge from the urethra.
• Itching, burning and pain during urination.
• Pain at rest.
• Redness.

The danger of chronic urethritis for women's health, complications

There are not many complications of this disease.

• The most serious the transition of the inflammatory process to a stage at which no treatment can helpe .
• Inflammation can go to the bladder and provoke the development of cystitis which, in turn, may contribute to the development pyelonephritis .
• Launched urethritis is able to turn around deformity of the urethra and its narrowing.

Treatment of urethritis in a woman should be carried out by specialists such as gynecologist and urologist . But only with the professionalism of doctors can a cure be achieved. Practice shows that the goals pursued by two specialists lead to the fact that the disease remains untreated. Therefore, the best option is to visit urogynecologist . There are few such specialists, but with them there are more chances for successful treatment. What are the main stages of treatment?

• Restoration of the functional properties of the wall of the urethra.
• Restoration of the natural microflora of the vagina.
• Restoration of immunity.

Prevention of chronic urethritis

Based on the exclusion (reduction) of factors affecting the violation of the microflora of the vagina and reduce immunity:

• Hypothermia.
• Hormonal shifts.
• Stress.
• Irregular sexual relations.
• Sexual infections.
• Neglect of hygiene.
• Antibiotics.
• Chronic constipation.
• Wrong nutrition.
• Sleep disorders.

It is clear that it is almost impossible to exclude these factors. So the best way out is regular examination and preventive treatment with minor symptoms.

Means for the treatment of chronic urethritis

The choice of drug depends on the causes of the disease: antiseptics- for washing the urethra, treatment of the underlying disease, antibiotics- with non-infectious urethritis. Drugs are prescribed only by the attending physician.

Folk remedies for the treatment of urethritis in women

• In addition to infusions and decoctions of medicinal plants, eat greens and parsley roots, cranberries with lingonberries, beets, celery and carrots.
• With exacerbation of urethritis Medicinal fees are accepted for at least a month.
• With additional courses collections of plants should be alternated with single plants.

shown drinking plenty of water, strict diet , the categorical exclusion of alcohol and spicy foods, the intake of methylene blue, antibiotic therapy.

Site site warns: self-medication can harm your health! Use all the tips presented only after examination and on the recommendation of a doctor!

Due to the peculiarities of the anatomy of the genitourinary organs, urethritis is more common in women than in men. The development of the disease is facilitated by pathogenic microflora - bacterial, viral, fungal. Under various circumstances, it penetrates the urinary tract, causing inflammation. Only a urologist can determine the symptoms and treatment of urethritis in women. The doctor of this profile specializes in the elimination of diseases of the organs of the urinary system.

Urethritis is an inflammation of the urethra. Under the action of the pathogen, a pathogenic process develops, covering the walls of this anatomical structure. The disease is rarely limited only to the urethra, spreads to other organs of the urinary system. The lesion in 98% of cases passes to the bladder, causing cystitis. Inflammation of the urogenital tract is never eliminated on its own. The severity of the pain may decrease, but the improvement in well-being is a temporary phenomenon. After a certain period, the attack is repeated. Sometimes - with even greater intensity, which affects the general condition, performance.

Causes

Common causes of urethritis:

1. Hypothermia (regular, or one-time, but intense)
2. Non-compliance with hygiene measures (including the intimate part of those)
3. The presence of urolithiasis, in which parts of the stones (stones) or sand are evacuated through the urethra, causing irritation
4. Untimely change of pads contributes to the attachment and reproduction of pathogenic microflora in bloody and other secretions. This serves as a favorable condition for inflammation of the urethra.
5. Irregular or vice versa, excessively active sex life
6. Wearing tight, chafing underwear
7. Eating too much salty, sour, spicy food. Such a diet contributes to irritation of the mucous membranes.
8. The presence of diabetes
9. Alcohol abuse
10. Past trauma to the genitals
11. Hard physical labor
12. Postponed bladder catheterization or gynecological examination, if in both cases the doctor did not follow the rules of asepsis
13. Frequent change of sexual partners, non-compliance with the rules of contraception with new contacts

Since there is an allergic type of urethritis, one should responsibly approach the issue of choosing personal hygiene products. A woman develops a lesion of the urethra due to intolerance to barrier contraceptives. The development of the inflammatory process is facilitated by the presence of a chronic disease - the digestive tract, endocrine or reproductive system.

A predisposing factor for the development of all forms of the disease is a decrease in immunity. Against the background of low resistance of the body, infection of the urogenital tract with pathogenic microflora occurs. Given this feature, subsequent treatment involves the mandatory strengthening of the immune properties of the body with appropriate drugs and vitamins.

When and why the body cannot resist the attacks of pathogens:

• in the presence of a tumor process, after chemotherapy or irradiation of the neoplasm
• in the early postpartum, postoperative period
• after a recent blood transfusion
• during pregnancy, lactation
• in old age
• with hormonal fluctuations (puberty, menopause)

Also, immunity is reduced by low-quality nutrition, hard physical labor, regular hypothermia, lack of sleep, and chronic pathology. The last factor includes even the presence of carious teeth, which serves as a focus of infection and reduces the body's resistance.

Forms of the disease

Urethritis is divided into several types depending on the nature of the microflora that caused the disease. The defeat of the urethra is classified into gonorrheal, trichomonas, chlamydia and candidiasis type. Based on the statute of limitations of the disease, it can be acute or chronic.

Gonorrheal

The incubation period is 3-7 days. Manifestations of the disease - cramps, discharge from the genital tract (secretion has a greenish, purulent hue). Urination is accompanied by pain, a feeling of irritation in the canal. Intimacy brings debilitating discomfort. The general condition of the patient is characterized by intoxication.

Trichomonas

The incubation period of the disease ranges from 2 days to 2 weeks. During this time, the microorganism not only penetrates the urethra, but also begins to manifest itself as symptoms. Complications of pathology - cystitis, bartholinitis, infertility, vulvitis. Trichomonas does not penetrate the placental barrier. But if a woman has not treated the disease for more than 1 year before pregnancy, there is a high probability of premature birth. In the early period of gestation, the risk of detachment of the fetal egg increases.

Chlamydial

The incubation period is from 1 to 4 weeks. The disease is accompanied by pain during intimacy, a feeling of irritation and the presence of hot air in the urethra. Urine takes on an unpleasant, putrid odor, is characterized by a cloudy tint. The main complications are cystitis, infertility and ectopic pregnancy due to obstruction of the fallopian tubes. Chlamydia, present in the body of a pregnant woman, is transmitted to the fetus in utero. The infection causes serious damage to the ENT organs, lungs, and eyes in a child.

candidamycotic

Pathology is caused by fungal microflora. For a long time, it can pass in a latent form. Fungal microflora moves into the urethra:

• from the digestive tract
• during intimacy
• due to visiting a public toilet

A disease of this form is a common consequence of a violation of the intestinal microflora (dysbacteriosis). The phenomenon is preceded by inflammation of the intestine (colitis) or long-term use of antibiotics. The main complaint of patients is associated with pain during intimacy and copious vaginal discharge. Violation of the microflora of the vagina, characteristic of the course of this pathology, provokes the transition of the infectious process to the internal genital organs.

Signs and symptoms

In 90% of cases, the disease proceeds rapidly, which allows you to immediately pay attention to the health problem and begin therapeutic actions.

The clinical picture of the inflammatory process is united by the following manifestations:

1. An increase in body temperature to subfebrile (low) levels
2. Itching, swelling and redness of the vulva due to scratching of disturbing tissues
3. Frequent urge to urinate, while the amount of urine is up to 30-50 ml per 1 urination
4. The appearance of secretions from the genital tract. Secretion is characterized by a curdled or purulent consistency, copious amounts, white color. Causes itching on the genitals

The general well-being of the patient worsens due to intoxication. Asthenovegetative disorders are characteristic symptoms for the course of the inflammatory process: there is no appetite, irritability, weakness, and insomnia are observed.

Acute urethritis

It develops sharply - with an increase in body temperature, chills and a comprehensive deterioration in well-being. The woman pays attention to the deterioration of the ability to urinate. The process is accompanied by pain, a feeling of only partial emptying of the bladder. Urine is characterized by a persistent, unpleasant odor - fishy, ​​putrid or acidic. The urge to urinate is observed up to 5 times per hour, but the volume of urine is small. Sometimes, instead of a jet, urine is excreted drop by drop. The appearance of the so-called false urges indicates a high risk of the transition of the pathology to the higher urogenital regions.

Accompanying phenomena: ache in the lower back, pain above the pubis. Dyspeptic disorders - confirmation of the presence of an inflammatory process, and not an injury. Due to the high frequency of urges, the possibility of performing work or even household activities is excluded.

Chronic form

Consequence of not timely stopped acute form of urethritis. The protracted course of inflammation indicates that the root cause of its development is still not eliminated. The main symptoms of the condition:

1. Dull pain in the lumbosacral region of the back, above the pubic symphysis
2. Severe discomfort during intercourse
3. Preservation of body temperature at subfebrile levels

Other symptoms of the inflammatory process of the chronic form are the periodic appearance of vaginal discharge, itching, and the regular formation of cracks in the mucous membrane of the genitals. If the disease becomes chronic, immunity decreases, which creates a favorable condition for the appearance of various pathologies. The frequency of urges is up to 1 time in 2 hours, but urine is characterized by an unpleasant, pungent odor, has a cloudy hue. The protracted course of inflammation is accompanied by signs of cystitis and pyelonephritis. An increase in the intensity of pulling sensations in the urethra and a burning sensation indicate an exacerbation of the infectious process.

Who is at risk

The most susceptible to the development of urethritis are those women who:

• leads a promiscuous sex life
• regular bladder catheterization
• does not keep the body clean
• engages in active sports (horse riding, weight lifting, which sharply increases the blood supply to the small pelvis)
• works outdoors during the cold season
• eats chaotically, approaches the composition of the diet thoughtlessly
• abuses alcohol, caffeine
• douching unnecessarily often
• visits the pool or other public places (bath, sauna)

Individuals with diabetes and digestive disorders are also potentially susceptible to developing urethritis. An endocrine disease causes itching, which leads to scratching and damage to the canal. Dysbacteriosis, colitis, a tendency to constipation contribute to the movement of pathogenic microflora into the urogenital tract, inflammation of the urethra. An experimental attitude to the choice of personal hygiene products also leads to the development of allergies and subsequent damage to the urethra.

Possible Complications

Due to the development of urethritis, a woman may experience:

1. Endometritis (damage to the inner layer of the uterus)
2. Colpitis (inflammation of the vagina)
3. Adnexitis (damage to the uterine appendages)
4. Cystitis (inflammation of the bladder)
5. Pyelonephritis (infection of the pelvicalyceal system)

Acute urethritis is dangerous by the transition to a chronic form. Then periods of exacerbation occur at least twice a year. Chronic urethritis is the cause of a decrease in the body's immune abilities. In both forms of pathology of the urethra, there is a weakening of sexual function due to inflammation and a decrease in libido.

Which doctor to contact

Urethritis in women is treated by a urologist. But initially you need to contact a therapist - to explain the events and actions that preceded the deterioration of well-being. Then list the disturbing symptoms. The therapist will conduct an initial examination, write out a referral to a urologist. This doctor directs the patient to undergo diagnostic measures in order to differentiate the pathology. If, on the basis of the survey, a relationship between urethritis and digestive disorders is established, the treatment is carried out by a gastroenterologist. When the pathology is caused by the presence of a sexual infection, the therapeutic program is compiled by a venereologist.

Inflammation of the urethra against the background of a gynecological disease requires the immediate elimination of it. When the inflammatory process is caused by banal hypothermia, malnutrition or an allergy to detergents, the treatment is carried out by a urologist. Also, a specialist in this profile composes and oversees therapy if inflammation of the urethra is caused by pyelonephritis, stones.

Diagnostics

To confirm the presence of urethritis, a woman will have to undergo a series of diagnostic procedures:

1. Questioning, examination. Gynecological examination reveals swelling and redness of the mucous membrane of the genitals. The urologist draws a conclusion based on the patient's complaints, information about the events that preceded the deterioration in well-being. Additionally, he examines and observes hyperemia of the external opening of the urethra, irritation of the membrane around it
2. Laboratory diagnostics. Blood test (clinical, biochemical), urine
3. Smears for the microflora of the vagina
4. PCR diagnostics, which allows to detect the presence of sexually transmitted diseases and infections that are hidden in the body
5. Ultrasound of the pelvic organs is a quick method for finding out how wide the inflammatory process is (whether it has moved to the bladder, kidneys)
6. Urethroscopy - a procedure for examining the condition of the urethra using an endoscopic instrument

Additional research methods depend on the alleged underlying cause of the development of urethritis. The doctor may prescribe gastroscopy, MRI, bacteriological examination of urine, a blood test to determine glucose in it.

Treatment

Urethritis is eliminated by a complex effect - medication, by correcting nutrition and making changes in lifestyle. Medicinal prescriptions that allow to stop the inflammation of the urethra are shown in the table.

The diet involves the rejection of salty, sour, spicy foods and foods. It is forbidden to drink acidic juices, alcohol and coffee. The listed products negatively affect the condition of the inflamed urethral membrane, provoke urges and soreness. The recommended volume of the drinking regime is up to 1 liter of water per day (in addition to tea, decoctions, the liquid part of the first courses). In the acute course of urethritis, bed rest, restriction from work is recommended, in the chronic form of the disease - not always. In both cases, you should refrain from intimacy until complete recovery. If the venereal origin of urethritis is confirmed, the patient's sexual partner is also treated.

Prevention

It assumes the following aspects:

• Compliance with personal hygiene (including the intimate part of it)
• Timely elimination of diseases of the urogenital tract. Prevention of their transition to a chronic form
• Refusal to eat foods that irritate the mucous membrane
• Use of barrier contraception at the beginning of sexual activity with a new partner
• Avoid wearing overly tight underwear
• Timely change of sanitary napkins
• Regular blood glucose testing (in the presence of a hereditary predisposition to diabetes)

Maximum protection against hypothermia and moderate exposure to water will minimize the risk of developing urethritis. Also, the preventive measures for the appearance of such include the rejection of the idea of ​​​​treatment with drugs that the doctor did not prescribe. Uncontrolled intake of medications contributes to the inhibition of the protective ability of the body. Against the background of a weakening of this, a wide range of pathologies develops, including urethritis.

Video: Symptoms and treatment of urethritis

Diseases of the genitourinary system often remain without proper attention of patients. Unpleasant sensations are transferred “on the legs”, without resorting to specialists, which leads to the transformation of the acute phase of the pathology into a chronic one. This also applies to urethritis. Inflammation of the urethra is extremely common, affecting men and women equally. However, in the representatives of the stronger sex, the acute stage is felt much more intensely. Patients complain of pain during urination, burning and pain. If the problem is not treated, then in men chronic urethritis develops quite often and requires much more serious therapy.

Symptoms of chronic urethritis in men

With inflammation of the urethra, there is usually no noticeable weakness, fever. Occasionally there are cramps, discomfort during urination. Possible:

• discharge with an unpleasant odor;
• redness of the urinary canal;
• increased sensitivity of the penis;
• frequent urge to urinate.

In men, chronic urethritis occurs mainly against the background of the acute form of this disease. It is much easier to diagnose pathology than in women. However, the longer the patient delays contacting a specialist, the less symptoms become. Over time, the symptoms may disappear altogether, but this does not mean that the infection in the body is no more. It can activate at any moment.

Most of us, until we encounter severe symptoms, are not even interested in which doctor treats urethritis? If this unpleasant disease occurs, it is better, without wasting time, to go to the doctor and start complex therapy as soon as possible. Otherwise, the inflammatory process will actively spread and lead to complications.

Which doctors treat urethritis?

With urethritis, which doctor to contact and which ones, you definitely can’t say. This disease is inflammatory in nature, so you need a doctor who specializes in the urinary tract. Accordingly, an andrologist or gynecologist can help, but not everything is so simple. Andrologists deal with the penis, epididymis, prostate, urethra, ureters and urethra in men, while gynecologists help women cope with various disorders.

In fact, there are still urologists, but many believe that these are exclusively male doctors. This opinion is erroneous, since in general these specialists deal with inflammation of the genital organs, urinary canals, kidneys and fight opportunistic microflora.

Doctors against male urethritis

Men are often afraid to go to the doctor with urethritis - they are scared away by shame and fear of treatment. You need to overcome yourself and start the right therapy as soon as possible, otherwise the disease will develop into a chronic form and cause more serious disorders. In advanced cases, male infertility, the development of prostate adenoma, and much more are possible. Thus, for the treatment of urethritis, men need to contact doctors such as andrologists and urologists, and sometimes venereologists.

Good andrologists specialize in andrology and urology, and sometimes have an additional specialization in venereology. You are unlikely to find such doctors in district clinics, so it is better to contact good private medical institutions.

If you quickly decide which doctor a man should contact with urethritis, the disease can be overcome in a couple of weeks. to do this, you can even contact an ordinary andrologist at the nearest clinic.

What should women do?

When a woman discovers symptoms of urethritis in herself, she wonders which doctor to contact? Many go to gynecologists, and this is indeed the right decision, but you can also make an appointment with a urologist. Gynecologists specialize in sexual disorders, which are often the main causes of female urethritis.

As for urologists, they specialize more deeply in the genitourinary systems, including women. The field of activity of such doctors does not separate patients by gender and age, so women should not be shy about contacting them. Turning to a specialist, a woman with urethritis will be prescribed tests (urine, blood, vaginal discharge), cystoscopy, PCR and ultrasound. has its own specifics and a list of appointments, so you should not experiment.

After determining the causative agent of urethritis in women, the doctor will prescribe pharmaceutical preparations. Treatment should be comprehensive, so it usually includes special, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as physiotherapy and immunomodulators. In addition it is possible.