Urethritis history and symptoms

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Seyedmahdi Pahlavani, M.D. [2]

Overview

A detailed history, particularly with regard to sexual activity, must be taken. Symptoms suggestive for urethritis include dysuria and urethral discharge. History should specifically include, recent sexual activities, number of sex partners, or any new partner, use of condoms, history of prior STDs, and history of recent urethral instrumentation (e.g., urethral catheters).

History

It is necessary to obtain a detailed and thorough history from the patient. Specific areas of focus when obtaining a history from the patient include:

• Recent sexual activities
• Number of sex partners or any new partner
• Use of condoms
• History of prior STDs
• History of recent urethral instrumentation (e.g., urethral catheters)

Symptoms

Between 5 and 10 percent of cases of gonococcal urethritis, and up to 42 percent of nongonococcal urethritis are asymptomatic.
Common symptoms of urethritis include:

Dysuria

• Overall, dysuria is present in majority of patients with gonoccoccal urethritis and over half of all patients with nongonococcal urethritis.

Urethral discharge

• Urethral discharge could be a small amount of meatal moisture, or an apparent discharge of clear or frankly purulent meatal secretion with a wide range of colors.