{"product_id":"your-guide-to-urethritis-he7033","title":"Your Guide to Urethritis - HE7033","description":"\u003ch3\u003eSimple facts on identifying symptoms, treatment, and prevention.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat is it?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUrethritis is inflammation of the urethra (the tube that carries urine and semen). It mainly affects people with a penis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUrethritis is often caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI). The most common causes are chlamydia and gonorrhoea, but other infections such as Mycoplasma genitalium, herpes simplex virus, and trichomoniasis can also cause it. Sometimes no specific cause is found.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow do you get it?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUrethritis is most often passed on through vaginal, anal, or oral sex without a condom. Sometimes irritation or injury to the urethra during sex or sex play can also cause similar symptoms. In some cases, no clear cause is identified.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSymptoms\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSymptoms may include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDischarge from the penis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePain, stinging, or burning when peeing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIrritation or discomfort at the tip of the penis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eAn uncomfortable feeling along the urethra.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow do you get tested?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTesting for urethritis is usually done in people with a penis who have symptoms. Tests may include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA first-pass urine sample\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSometimes a swab from the urethra, if needed. For the most accurate results, testing is usually done at least 1 hour after you last urinated. If symptoms continue after treatment, further testing may sometimes be needed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTreatment\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUrethritis is treated with antibiotics. Your doctor or nurse will choose the most appropriate treatment based on:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYour test results\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYour symptoms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhether gonorrhoea is suspected.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is important to take all treatment exactly as prescribed. Avoid sex, or use condoms, for 7 days from the start of treatment and until your sexual partner or partners have been tested and treated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePrevention\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsing condoms correctly every time you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex helps reduce the risk of urethritis and other STIs. Regular STI testing is also important, especially if you have new or multiple partners.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTelling your partners\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are diagnosed with urethritis, it’s important to tell anyone you have had sex with in the last 3 months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePartners need a full sexual health check, and may also need treatment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePartner notification helps prevent reinfection and reduce transmission. Your doctor, nurse, or sexual health clinic can help you with this if needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere can I get help?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAttend your local sexual health clinic or primary care provider.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor more information on all things sexual health and STIs, visit the Just the Facts website: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.justthefacts.co.nz\/\"\u003eLife goes on, read Just The Facts about Sexually Transmitted Infections\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCover image courtesy of Death to Stock, models used for illustrative purposes only.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HealthEd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67510541418724,"sku":"HE7033","price":0.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0102\/6916\/3582\/files\/HE7033.png?v=1791489444","url":"https:\/\/healthed.govt.nz\/products\/your-guide-to-urethritis-he7033","provider":"HealthEd","version":"1.0","type":"link"}