Urethritis Causes & Risks

Causes

Urethritis is usually caused by bacteria or viruses, including:

Organisms that cause bladder or kidney infections:
- E. coli
- Klebsiella
Organisms that cause sexually transmitted diseases (STDs):
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae
- Chlamydia trachomatis
- Trichomonas vaginalis
- Viruses such as herpes simplex, cytomegalovirus, or human papillomavirus
Other bacteria:
- Ureaplasma urealyticum
- Mycoplasma genitalium

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors include:

Sex: female
Multiple sexual partners
Recent change in sexual partners
Unprotected sex (without use of a condom)
History of other STDs
Bacterial infection of other parts of the urinary tract (bladder, kidney, prostate)
Medications that lower resistance to bacterial infection
Having catheters or tubes placed in the bladder
Acidic foods
Spermicides

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.