What happens as Urethritis Progresses?
In some cases of urethritis, the symptoms may resolve without treatment, but it could be months before they do. You may still have bacteria in your body even if the symptoms of an infection have gone away.
As a result, even if you are symptom-free, you could still transmit the infection. Occasionally, women may experience serious problems caused by the same bacteria that can cause urethritis in men (chlamydia).
In order to prevent complications for yourself and others, it is essential to get tested and treated if you need to. There are separate leaflets dealing with Gonorrhea and Non-gonorrhoeal Urethritis that discuss possible complications.
If I experience symptoms of urethritis, what should I do?
In case you think you have urethritis, you should contact a genitourinary (GUM) clinic – you can use the Family Planning Association’s ‘Find a Clinic’ service to locate one – or consult your GP.
Testing for HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis is sometimes required, since people with urethritis (urethritis) may also be infected with these diseases.
Similarly, women who have sex with men may need swabs taken from the back of their throats (pharynx) and back passages (rectum).
In case you are diagnosed with GUM, the clinic will maintain your confidentiality. However, they might contact people you slept with in the past three months prior to being diagnosed. This is known as “contact tracing”.
Antibiotics are usually effective in clearing infections. Antibiotics are prescribed according to the cause of the infection. Be sure to finish the course.
If you have urethritis caused by an infection like gonorrhea, you should have another test to make sure the infection has been cured after you have received treatment. The test usually takes place seven days after treatment has begun.
You should tell your sexual partners to see their doctors or attend a GUM clinic, even if they don’t show any symptoms. Infections from sexually transmitted diseases often don’t show symptoms in women.
Wait until you and your partner(s) have had tests and treatments before having sex (including oral and anal sex). After receiving treatment, you should wait 7 days to avoid spreading the infection to others: you will be advised by your doctor.