Non-Specific Genital Infections
1) Urethritis
What is Urethritis?
- A condition in which the urethra (a tube which carries urine from the bladder to outside of the body) becomes irritated.
- Urethritis is primarily caused by bacteria.
- Urethritis is not a urinary tract infection as urethritis involves inflammation of the urethra. A urinary tract infection, on the other hand, may have similar symptoms but requires a different method of treatment.
- Urethritis may affect anyone.
- A typical female with anatomical and physiological characteristics is more likely to develop this condition because they have shorter urethras which makes it easier for bacteria to enter. A typical male anatomy, have a long penis which makes it more difficult for bacteria to enter.
What are the symptoms associated with urethritis?
Persons with male anatomical and physiological characteristics:
- Burning pain on urination.
- Itching or burning sensation present in the penis.
- Blood in the semen or urine.
- Abnormal penile discharge.
Persons with female anatomical and physiological characteristics:
- Frequent urination and and increased sensation of urgency to urinate.
- Burning pain on urination.
- Burning or irritation in the genital area.
- Abnormal vaginal discharge.
People with urethritis may not necessarily have noticeable symptoms.
What are the causes of Urethritis?
- Urethritis may be "Gonococcal" or "Non-Gonococcal".
- Gonococcal Urethritis is caused by Neisseria Gonorrhea, the same bacterium that causes Gonorrhea. This makes up 20% of all causes of Urethritis.
- Non-Gonococcal Urethritis includes all the other causes of Urethritis. This includes Chlamydia or other STIs.
- It is also possible to irritate the urethra without having an STI. Examples include irritation after catheter insertion (a pipe inserted into the urethra to drain urine) or any other form of trauma.
How is Urethritis diagnosed?
- You must visit your doctor.
- Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and assess your genital area for any pain, abnormal vaginal/penile discharge or any signs of an STI.
- The doctor may also order various tests in order to rule out the underlying cause or the urethritis. Blood tests may be taken as well as urine samples or swabs in order to exclude an STI as a possible cause.
Should I tell my partner if I have an STI?
- Sexual partners should also receive treatment if they are infected with an STI such as Gonorrhea or Chlamydia.
- Be sure to inform your partner as that person may not be aware that he or she has an STI.
How can Urethritis be cured?
- Your doctor will guide you and give you the appropriate medication.
- Be sure to take all of the medicines.
- Be sure to attend follow up sessions. It is important to attend these sessions especially if you are still experiencing symptoms.
- It is important to let the doctor know whether you are pregnant or not as this might influence the type of antibiotics the doctor can give you.
2) Cervicitis
The cervix is a structure present within the womb. It connects the vagina to the uterus. When the cervix becomes inflamed, it is called Cervicitis.
What causes Cervicitis?
- Cervicitis is most commonly caused by Neisseria Gonorrhea or Chlamydia Trachomatis.
- Trichomoniasis, Genital Herpes or Mycoplasma Genitalium have also been associated with Cervicitis.
- There is limited data that "douching" may increase your risk for developing the disease. Douching involves washing the genital area with soap and water. This may disrupt the natural balance of good and bad bacteria present within the vagina.
- Vaginal exposure to chemicals which are irritants may also lead to Cervicitis.
- Allergic reactions to spermicides, latex in condoms and other irritants may lead to Cervicitis.
- An overgrowth of bacteria may also lead to Cervicitis (Bacterial Vaginosis).
What are the symptoms associated with Cervicitis?
Cervicitis often does not cause any symptoms. However, if you do have symptoms, they may include:
- Large amounts of vaginal discharge.
- Frequent urination.
- Painful urination.
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
- Bleeding in between menstrual periods.
- Vaginal bleeding after sex.
What are the Risk Factors for Cervicitis?
- Engaging in high risk sexual behaviour such as having unprotected sex, sex with multiple partners or sharing sex toys.
- Having sexual intercourse at a young age.
- Having a history of sexually transmitted diseases.
Can Cervicitis be treated?
- It is important to visit your doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms.
- The doctor will prescribe antibiotics according to the underlying infection.
- It is important to take all the medication and inform your partner if you have an STI as your partner may be suffering from the same STI and will require treatment.
- Abstain from having sex with your partner until you and your partner have been cleared from the disease. Your doctor will inform you when it is safe to have sex again.
- Attends follow up visits as these may determine whether Cervicitis has resolved or not.
- If symptoms recur after treatment, you should visit their doctor again for re-assessment.
Should my partner get tested for STIs if I have Cervicitis?
- Yes, if you have an STI, your partner must also get tested and receive the appropriate treatment.
- You must abstain from having sex until you have been fully treated and the STI has been eradicated. Your doctor can guide you and inform you about when you can have sex again.
HIV and Cervicitis
Persons with female genitalia that have HIV also develops cervicitis, this may lead to an increased risk of transmitting HIV to your partner.
Further information and help
Reference List:
https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/urethritis-and-cervicitis.htm
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cervicitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20370814
https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/urethritis-and-cervicitis.htm