Directory of Diseases

Urethritis is inflammation of the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. The infection is classified as either gonococcal urethritis or non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU). NGU can be due to infection but not always. In men, a cloudy discharge usually indicates a gonoccocal urethritis; while clear discharge indicates NGU. In women, the disorder is difficult to diagnose because discharge may not be present. Both sexes may experience burning during urination. Urethritis is not the same as a urinary tract infection (UTI); the two diseases may have similar symptoms, but the treatment is different. Bacteria associated with urethritis include Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Mycoplasma genitalium.