Urethritis
Urethritis is inflammation of the urethra — the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.
Overview
Urethritis is inflammation of the urethra — the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. It is often caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae, but can also occur from non-infectious irritation or changes in local microbiome balance.
Common Misunderstandings
Urethritis is often assumed to be solely STI-related, but non-STI cases can occur, especially after catheter use, antibiotic treatment, or in postmenopausal women with reduced protective bacteria. Symptoms can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, leading some to delay seeking care.
How is Utheritis Linked to Your Microbiome?
- The urethral microbiome in healthy people contains bacteria that may help prevent pathogen overgrowth¹.
- Disruption of these communities, for example by antibiotics, can make it easier for infections to take hold.
- Studies suggest there is overlapping microbiome changes in the genital, urinary, and gut tracts, hinting at a shared microbial ecosystem.
- In postmenopausal women, reduced oestrogen can lower Lactobacillus dominance, increasing susceptibility to inflammation and infection.
Symptoms
Burning or Stinging
Burning or stinging during urination
Discharge
Discharge from urethra
Itching or Irritation
Itching or irritation at the urethral opening
Urge to Urinate
Frequent urge to urinate
Asymptomatic
In some cases, no symptoms at all
The Microbiome Clinic™
Our treatment approach for Urethritis includes:
Vaginal Microbiome Test
The Vaginal Microbiome Test identifies imbalances and pathogens in the vaginal flora to explain symptoms and guide precise, personalised treatment and prevention.
Targeted Antimicrobial Strategies
Antibiotics and plant-based/pharmaceutical antimicrobials (where appropriate) to reduce the overgrown population of unwanted bacteria in the gut and vagina.
Probiotics and Prebiotics
Targeted probiotics and prebiotics are introduced slowly to restore balance and biodiversity of microbes in the gut and vagina without fuelling overgrowth.
Individualised Nutrition Plans
Such as avoiding acidic, spicy, mouldy or sugary ingredients that might promote inflammation, irritate the bladder or promote growth of yeast.
Been diagnosed with Urethritis?
References
¹Nelson DE, et al. J Urol. 2019;202:704–712. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2019.05.109.