Urethritis refers to the condition where the urethra, the tube responsible for carrying urine, becomes irritated and inflamed due to bacterial infection. Beyond causing pain during urination, it also increases the urge and frequency of those with the disorder to urinate. It’s often confused for urinary tract infections, but they’re different from each other, as UTIs are the infection of your urinary tract, while urethritis is urethral inflammation.
Despite sharing similar symptoms, both require different treatment approaches, depending on their underlying causes. Also, while urethritis affects everyone, females are at a higher risk of getting the disease, as their urethras are shorter than males at around a couple of inches long. On the other hand, men’s urethras tend to run their penis length, making it harder for bacteria to penetrate them.
Some symptoms that people with urethritis may experience are burning sensations as they urinate, itching at the urethra or penis’, frequent urges to urinate, and abnormal vaginal discharges. It’s also possible for symptoms not to be apparent, especially for those whose conditions developed due to trichomoniasis infection or chlamydia. However, the condition isn’t a cause for concern and is treatable so long as it’s done immediately.
Azithromycin
Treatment for the condition generally includes antiviral drugs and antibiotics, and one of the most commonly used is Azithromycin. It’s a prescription medication available as oral tablets, eye drops, and intravenous forms. It’s also available as Zithromax, which is a generic version of the drug. While generic medications generally cost less, they may not necessarily have all the forms and strengths of the drug.
Azithromycin is often used as a treatment method against specific bacterial infections. It’s also not uncommon to use the medication with different antibiotics when treating conditions such as MAC infections and STDs or sexually transmitted diseases. It works primarily by keeping the bacteria from spreading and multiplying. In doing so, the drug can effectively kill off the invaders.
However, the medication may produce some side effects, the most common being nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, and vomiting. Often, these adverse reactions are mild and usually go away after a couple of days. However, if their severity increases or persists, or if it’s accompanied by abnormal heart rhythms, severe allergic reaction, or muscle weakness, it’s best to immediately consult with your doctor for adjustments in dosage, or a change of medications.
