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Urethritis

Katherine L Rotker, MD Reviewed 05/2023
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Inflammation of the urethra

  • Common manifestation of sexually transmitted infection (STI)

  • Frequently associated with dysuria, pruritus, and/or urethral discharge; classified as gonococc...

DIAGNOSIS

  • Chief complaint

    • Urethral discharge (mucopurulent suggestive of N. gonorrhoeae)

    • Dysuria

    • Erythema of the urethral meatus

    • Symptom onset 2 to 8 days following exposure

  • History

    • Sexual history, includin...

TREATMENT

  • Most cases can be treated in the outpatient setting.

  • Single-dose regimens with direct observation preferred

MEDICATION

CDC recommendations 
  • Chlamydia

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Sexual activity should be avoided for 7 days following administration of single-dose therapy or until completion of multiday regimen.

  • All sexual partners who came ...

REFERENCES

1
US Preventive Services Task Force; Davidson KW, Barry MJ, et al. Screening for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2021;326(10):949-9...

SEE ALSO

  • Chlamydia Infection (Sexually Transmitted); Epididymitis; Gonococcal Infections; Pelvic Inflammatory Disease; Prostatitis; Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in Females; Urinary Tract Infection (U...

CODES

ICD10

  • N34.2 Other urethritis

  • A56.01 Chlamydial cystitis and urethritis

  • A54.01 Gonococcal cystitis and urethritis, unspecified

  • N34.1 Nonspecific urethritis

  • M02.30 Reiter’s disease, unspecified site

SNOMED

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Inflammation of the urethra, frequently associated with dysuria, pruritus, and/or urethral discharge

  • NAAT preferred method of diagnosis for men and women

  • In cases of gonorrhea or chlamyd...

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