Do Not Underestimate Urethritis: Early Detection and Treatment Are Crucial!

In recent years, with the acceleration of life’s pace and the increase in social pressure, male health issues have received increasing attention. Among these concerns, urethritis, a common but often overlooked condition, demands greater awareness and understanding.

Urethritis is an inflammation of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. It is primarily caused by pathogens such as bacteria, mycoplasma, and viruses. These pathogens invade the body through the urethra, triggering an inflammatory response that leads to symptoms such as congestion, edema, bleeding, and erosion of the urethral mucosa.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Urethritis can present as either an acute or chronic condition. Acute urethritis typically has a short course with more pronounced symptoms. Male patients may experience urethral discharge, initially mucous and later purulent. Symptoms often include frequent urination, urgency, and pain during urination. In severe cases, patients may also experience hematuria (blood in the urine) and difficulty urinating.

Chronic urethritis, on the other hand, tends to have a longer course with milder symptoms. It primarily manifests as urethral tingling and discomfort during urination, with reduced, thin, and serous urethral discharge. The symptoms of chronic urethritis may recur, significantly affecting the patient's quality of life.

Diagnosing urethritis primarily relies on clinical symptoms and laboratory tests. Clinical symptoms include redness and swelling of the urethral mucosa, frequent urination, urgency, and pain during or at the end of urination. Laboratory tests involve routine urine tests that can reveal increased infection indicators such as white blood cells and white blood cell esterase in the urine. Severe infections may also show an increased number of red blood cells in the urine. Bacterial culture of the urine can identify specific pathogens, guiding the selection of appropriate antibacterial drugs.

Complications and Importance of Early Treatment

Though urethritis might seem like a minor illness, it can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly. Untreated urethritis can result in prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland), orchitis (inflammation of the testes), and may even affect male fertility. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent these complications. Men experiencing any discomfort in the urethra should seek medical attention immediately.

Treatment Options

Treatment of urethritis typically involves antibiotics. Commonly used antibiotics include cephalosporins and quinolone anti-inflammatory drugs such as cefdinir, levofloxacin, and moxifloxacin. To alleviate symptoms like frequent urination, urgency, and pain, antispasmodic and analgesic treatments can be provided. Medications like tamsulosin hydrochloride and terazosin hydrochloride are effective alpha-receptor blockers. Pain can be managed with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and diclofenac sodium.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) also offers unique advantages in treating urethritis. TCM Diuretic and Anti-inflammatory Pills can clear heat, promote urination, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain. They help alleviate symptoms while regulating the body, enhancing immunity, and preventing recurrence.

Preventive Measures and Care

In addition to professional treatment, proper care and preventive measures are equally important:

1. Diet: Patients should consume nutritious liquid or semi-liquid foods and avoid alcohol to prevent exacerbating urethral congestion. A light diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables can improve the immune system.

2. Hygiene: Maintaining hygiene is crucial. Patients should keep the perineal area clean by washing daily with warm water and avoiding strong detergents or soaps. Good personal hygiene reduces bacterial growth and infection risks.

3. Fluid Intake: Drinking more water increases urine output, helping to flush the urethra and disrupt the environment for bacterial growth. Patients should aim for a daily urine output of over 1500 ml, and if necessary, supplement fluids through intravenous injections.

4. **Rest**: Avoiding excessive fatigue is essential, as overworking can lower the body’s immunity, making it easier to contract infections. Adequate rest is crucial for recovery.

5. Sexual Behavior: Unhygienic sexual behavior is a significant cause of urethritis. Both men and women should maintain cleanliness before and after sexual activity. Sexual activity should be avoided during infection or treatment to prevent cross-infection.

6. Partner Health: Urethritis can be transmitted between sexual partners. If one partner has symptoms, the other should also be examined and treated to prevent repeated cross-infections.