Urethritis: Causes and Remedies

by John Staughton (BASc, BFA) last updated - Medically reviewed by Tamanna Sayed (B.Sc. Applied Nutrition)

Urethritis is a condition where the urethra becomes inflamed and irritated. It is a lower urinary tract infection. Urethritis can also result in an injury from an instrument such as a urinary catheter or exposure to irritating chemicals such as spermicides or an antiseptic ointment. [1] [2]

It is most commonly caused by a bacterial infection or through sexual contact. The sexually transmitted urethritis infection is divided into two further categories gonococcal and non-gonococcal. Symptoms include pain or burning sensation during urination and the urge to urinate more frequently. Other symptoms include redness around the opening of the urethra, a tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. Men suffering from gonococcal urethritis often have yellow discharge from the urethra. Women as compared to men are less likely to have symptoms arising out of sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. [3]

Diagnosis

If you are experiencing the symptoms of urethritis, you should speak to a doctor and go in for an examination, in order to determine the cause and severity of the condition. A typical urethritis examination consists of the following:

  • Women undergo a pelvic examination to check for tenderness, redness or presence of abnormal discharge from the cervix and vagina.
  • As urethritis is mainly caused by sexually transmitted infections, your doctor may also examine you for the signs of other infections such as syphilis and genital warts caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) and HIV.
  • A physical exam is accompanied by a urine test and taking specimens of any discharge.
  • Blood tests are occasionally done but are rarely necessary.

Treatment

The treatment will depend on the cause:

  • You need to see a doctor, in case of chlamydia or if a more serious infection is the underlying cause.
  • The most common solution for the problem is a range of antibiotics to neutralize the infection, including erythromycin and azithromycin. [4]
A man holding his groin, suffering from urethritis

If you are experiencing the symptoms of urethritis, you should speak to a doctor. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

While medications are certainly effective at battling an infection but many people prefer a more natural solution. Let’s look at how to cure urethritis naturally.

Home Remedies for Urethritis

The use of herbs can be a great way to strengthen and tone the body’s systems. You may choose herbs in any form as dried extracts (capsules, powders or teas), glycerin extracts or as tinctures (alcohol extracts). Prefer preparing teas with 1 tsp. (5g) herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered the mixture of leaves or flowers for 5to 10 minutes and that of roots for about 10 to 20 minutes. Drink about 2- 4 cups per day. You may use tinctures alone or as in combination as advised.

Cat’s Claw

This herb has antibacterial and antiviral effects, making it a potent immune system booster that can help to recover quickly from a bout of urethritis. [5]

Green Tea

The well-known antioxidant and immune-improving components of green tea make it a perfect remedy if you’re suffering from painful urination. If you drink 1-2 cups of green tea every day, the catechins and volatile components will reduce inflammation and pain, while treating infections and neutralizing them. [6]

Cranberry Juice

Drinking a few glasses of cranberry juice a day is highly recommended, as cranberries are able to prevent bacteria from attaching to the walls of the urethra. However, you should be careful about including cranberry juice or supplements especially if you take blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin) or clopidogrel (Plavix) as it may increase the risk of bleeding. Also, expectant and breastfeeding mothers and people with kidney stones should not take cranberry supplements. [7] [8]

Prevention of Urethritis

Water

Remaining hydrated is essential as you will likely feel the urge to pee more often; drinking water will help you flush out the infection. Water is very beneficial when used in conjunction with a more formal medication or antibiotic. [9]

Hot Bath

Soaking in a hot bath can soothe the inflammation and get rid of the pain you may be experiencing as a result of urethritis. This stimulation of the body (no more than 15 minutes) can stimulate circulation; promote healing, and provide relief from the pain. [10]

Reduce Caffeine & Alcohol

These two substances have been directly linked to exacerbated symptoms of urethritis. By cutting back on the coffee and alcohol, you will improve circulation, give your immune system a break, and lower inflammation throughout the body – including the urethra. [11]

Use Condoms

Using condoms is both a preventative approach for urethritis, as well as a remedy. Condoms help to prevent the vast majority of sexually transmitted infections, and can also make sex less painful if you are, in fact, having sex while suffering from urethritis. They are the safest way to protect yourself and your partner! [12]

Others

  • Don’t delay the urge to urinate.
  • Practice good hygiene. Avoid excessive scrubbing and cleaning the genital area as it may damage the skin. And bacteria thrive more on damaged skin.
  • Wear loose fitted cotton clothes so that adequate circulation of air can keep the urethra area dry.
  • Urinate immediately after sexual intercourse.
  • Avoid the use of scented products in the genital area.
  • Opt for sanitary pads or menstrual cups over tampons during the menstrual cycle. [13]

Juniper Berry

Juniper berry has been closely linked to urethral inflammation and can benefit urethritis sufferers by strengthening the immune system and soothing painful irritation. They are also helpful in preventing the infection from spreading to other parts of the reproductive system. [14]

Cypress Oil & Pine Oil

Cypress essential oil or pine essential oil can be used in very small amounts when mixed in water and then applied gently to the urethral opening. The powerful antiviral and antibacterial components of these essential oils can rapidly clear up the infection and eliminate the pain. [15]

Word of Caution: These natural remedies are recommendations based on anecdotal evidence. However, some of the infectious causes of urethritis can be more dangerous than others. Even if you are planning on taking a natural or herbal approach to treating the condition, a medical professional can point you in the right direction by helping you understand more about your specific case. Let your doctor be informed about the herbs and supplements you are using. Many times a coordinated approach amongst your health care providers involving the use of complementary therapies along with conventional medical care yields the best outcomes.

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About the Author

John Staughton is a traveling writer, editor, publisher and photographer with English and Integrative Biology degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana (USA). He co-founded the literary journal, Sheriff Nottingham, and now serves as the Content Director for Stain’d Arts, a non-profit based in Denver, Colorado. On a perpetual journey towards the idea of home, he uses words to educate, inspire, uplift and evolve.

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