How to treat urethritis in women with drugs. Inflammation of the urethra in women. What is urethritis

Urethritis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the urethra in women; its treatment depends on the nature of the disease: infectious or non-infectious.

Infectious diseases are caused by specific (gonococci and gardnerella) and nonspecific (staphylococci, E. coli) pathogens.

Non-infectious pathologies can be caused by injuries to the urethra. Other reasons include allergies, congestive processes in the pelvis, etc.

If treatment for urethritis in women is not started on time, the disease becomes chronic. The whole process takes 20 days. The main signs by which the disease can be diagnosed disappear and manifest themselves only during exacerbations: alcohol abuse, hypothermia.

Symptoms of urethritis in women

Inflammatory processes in the female body are often asymptomatic, which is explained by the structural features of the genitourinary system. In particular, the male urethra is longer than the female and smaller in width, which increases the risk of complications.

The most common symptoms that manifest themselves are:

• discomfort when urinating;
• pain during sexual intercourse;
• change in color of the external genitalia;
• the appearance of discharge with a pungent odor (their color depends on the nature of the pathogen);
• severe itching during menstruation.

Given the lack of clear manifestations, diagnosing the disease is very difficult.

How to cure urethritis in women: an effective course of action

An effective treatment regimen for urethritis in women is based on the use of a course of antibiotics that are active against pathogenic microorganisms identified by culture. The main goal of treatment is to destroy infectious agents and restore healthy microflora in the genitourinary system.

To do this, at the initial stage, a complete diagnostic examination of blood, urine and other fluids taken from the patient is carried out. The analysis necessarily includes bacteriological culture to identify pathogens. Before the test result is ready, the patient is prescribed broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs to stop the growth of pathogenic microbes.

The process of combating inflammatory reactions in the body occurs in three directions:

1. Restoration of the structure of the walls of the urethra. The status of this event increases after the study makes it clear that all pathogens have been destroyed, and the pathology has led to irreversible consequences in the cells of the urethra.
2. Restoration of vaginal microflora. Re-infection of the urethra with pathogenic microorganisms will occur until the patient’s original vaginal microflora is restored. To do this, she is prescribed eubiotics containing active lacto- and bifidumbacteria.
3. Restoring immunity. After a course of antibiotics, the body's immune status decreases. To restore resistance to diseases, the patient is prescribed immunomodulators and multivitamins.

Since it is practically impossible to cure urethritis in women without a whole range of procedures, in parallel, patients should:

• follow the prescribed diet;
• remove alcohol-containing drinks and junk food from your diet;
• quit smoking.

To clear the urethra of infection as quickly as possible, you need to drink diuretics. At the end of the procedures, a control study is carried out. It is necessary to ensure that the patient is cured.

Drugs for the treatment of urethritis

If diagnosis shows urethritis in women, treatment at the initial stage is based on the use of antibacterial drugs. The most widespread groups are macrolides, fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines.

The advantage of using macrolides is their safety for the body, since they provoke a minimum of undesirable factors. The fluoroquinolone group actively affects several pathogens at once, so it is preferred if several infections are responsible for inflammation.

The choice of a specific antibiotic depends on the results of the analysis, since the sensitivity of bacteria to drugs varies. In recent years, doctors have successfully used second-generation antibiotics, tetracyclines, which are widely used in Europe. They are noticeably superior in performance to their analogues and are characterized by the following advantages:

• has a direct anti-inflammatory effect;
• is not addictive;
• It is used according to an abbreviated regimen and quickly relieves the disease, reducing the risk of side effects.

The result of antibacterial therapy depends on the correct choice of drug. It can be assessed after examining a smear taken from the mucous membrane, which ideally should give a negative result.

Potent medications that are prescribed for cystitis and inflammation of the urethra often provoke side effects: nausea, vomiting, dysbacteriosis. Therefore, in parallel with antibiotics, it is recommended to use eubiotics that soften their effect.

In parallel, a whole range of auxiliary measures should be observed:

• local procedures with antiseptics to prevent the spread of infection;
• the use of immunomodulators to speed up recovery;
• taking multivitamins;
• probiotic courses to restore gastrointestinal microflora;
• instillation of uroseptics into the urethra.

Folk remedies for the treatment of urethritis in women

How to treat acute and chronic urethritis in women is determined by the gynecologist. A course of therapy for inflammation caused by gonococci is prescribed by a venereologist. At the same time, traditional medicine methods only complement doctors’ prescriptions. The essence of the use of such drugs is to provide antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and antimicrobial effects.

At home, procedures are based on the use of medicinal plant herbs. The duration of the course is at least 30 days. The collections are consumed in the form of decoctions and infusions. Some parts of plants can be used directly along with the main food. For example, parsley, carrots, beets, celery, cranberries and lingonberries have excellent antimicrobial and diuretic properties.

Pharmacy preparations based on St. John's wort, caraway, sage, tansy, motherwort, hops, etc. can be successfully used to prevent complications during the course of the disease.

Prevention of urethritis in women

The goal of disease prevention is to eliminate factors that can weaken women’s immunity and lead to changes in the structure of the vaginal microflora. The recommendations listed below must be followed:

• avoid hypothermia;
• control hormonal changes caused by taking and stopping contraceptives, menopause, menstrual irregularities, pregnancy, childbirth;
• avoid severe stress and overwork;
• use barrier protection against STDs;
• carefully choose sexual partners;
• be regularly examined by a gynecologist, who can promptly detect urethritis in women: the treatment prescribed by the doctor should not be neglected - this way you will avoid most of the negative consequences;
• eliminate stool disorders (chronic constipation, diarrhea) in a timely manner;
• immediately eliminate sleep problems.

Inflammatory diseases of the urinary system occur in both women and men. The kidneys, bladder, and urethra are susceptible to this pathology. The infection can penetrate these organs by importation from the outside, as well as by lymphogenous or hematogenous routes.

The urethra in women is shorter and wider than in men; for this reason, inflammation of the urethra in women does not occur as often as an independent disease.

Types of urethritis in women

Normally, the urethra should not contain microorganisms, that is, it is sterile, and any entry of microflora into it causes irritation and an inflammatory process.

There are specific and nonspecific urethritis, depending on the infection that causes the disease. The first option occurs when gonococci, chlamydia and other pathogenic flora are introduced, which are transmitted through sexual intercourse. A nonspecific type of inflammation of the urethra occurs when opportunistic microbes enter it.

Urethritis in a woman can also be caused by a viral infection or fungus, which also cause inflammation.

According to the course, urethritis can be chronic and acute. And depending on this, its symptoms appear.

Reasons for the development of the disease

The occurrence of an inflammatory process in the urethra in women occurs as a result of certain types of factors:

• irritation or microtrauma as a result of sexual hyperactivity;

• promiscuous sexual intercourse;

• eating disorders (excessive consumption of spicy and fried foods, alcoholic beverages);

• gynecological diseases;

• malignant neoplasms;

• nephritis or pyelitis;

• disturbance of innervation;

• specific infections (chlamydia, ureoplasmosis, etc.);

• violation of the vaginal environment;

• stagnation of venous blood in the pelvic organs;

• first sexual intercourse;

• kidney stones;

• decrease in the body's immune forces;

• complication after catheterization or smear taking;

• intoxication and irradiation.

Predisposing factors for the development of urethritis are:

• frequent hypothermia;

• failure to comply with hygiene rules;

• chronic foci of infection in the body;

• drinking alcohol and smoking;

• psycho-emotional overload;

• pregnancy and hormonal changes in the body;

• violation of metabolic processes;

• endocrine pathology.

Signs of an inflammatory process in the urethra

In case of inflammation of the urethra, the symptoms of the underlying disease in a woman come first. Most often it is a consequence of kidney stones, and in this case renal colic will be noted.

With a pathology such as inflammation of the urethra in women, the following symptoms develop:

• burning and itching in the urethral area;

• dysuric phenomena;

• difficulty in the outflow of urine;

• the occurrence of hyperemia in the area of ​​the outer urethra;

• frequent urge to go to the toilet;

• increased symptoms before the onset of menstruation;

• pain and discomfort without connection with the process of urination.

The next exacerbation of urethritis can manifest itself in different ways - from severe pain to mild discomfort. But at the same time, the chronic process leads to the fact that pain and discomfort persist almost constantly. Inflammation of the urethra in women has nonspecific symptoms, so a thorough examination is necessary to make a diagnosis.

If left untreated, urethritis often progresses to cystitis and even pyelonephritis. A woman may develop vulvovaginitis or adnexitis. With a long and sluggish process, atrophy occurs on the inner wall of the urethra, it becomes deformed, which leads to disruption of urine output from the bladder.

With gonococcal inflammation of the urethra, symptoms begin to appear after 12 hours. But sometimes the incubation period lasts up to 10 days. This disease is characterized by acute and pronounced symptoms.

Mycoplasma and chlamydia most often lead to chronic urethritis in women with periodic exacerbations due to decreased immunity or exposure to other provoking factors.

Treatment

For such a phenomenon as inflammation of the urethra in women, treatment should only be prescribed by a specialist. It is carried out on an outpatient basis. First, you need to find out the cause of the disease and identify the infection, since effective treatment requires exposure to the etiological factor.

To improve the patient’s quality of life and reduce symptoms, symptomatic treatment can be used, but without eliminating the infection, the process will become chronic and complications such as cystitis or pyelonephritis will occur.

The question arises that when inflammation of the urethra develops in women, how should it be treated correctly in order to prevent the next relapse. The treatment regimen must include:

1. Antibiotics. Determination of the pathogen and its sensitivity is the basis of effective therapy. The most commonly used broad-spectrum agents are protected penicillins, fluoroquinolones, and macrolides. They are used for oral administration, for a course of 5 to 10 days. It is recommended to start with monotherapy, of course, provided that only one type of pathogen is isolated. Sometimes a combination of two or more drugs is used to enhance the effect.

1. When mycoplasma is detected, imidazole preparations are used. And fungal infection can be controlled by taking antifungal agents. More effective treatment comes in a combination of vaginal suppositories and tablets. Sometimes tampons with ointments or solutions are used.

1. If inflammation of the urethra in women is caused by a specific infection, then both partners need to be treated according to the full regimen.

1. The doctor may also prescribe physiotherapeutic procedures - diadynamic therapy, electrophoresis with furadonin.

1. To increase immunity, immunomodulators and vitamin complexes are used.

In addition, complex therapy uses baths with a weak solution of manganese, or douching with antiseptic solutions or decoctions of anti-inflammatory herbs (calendula, chamomile). Simultaneous instillations of protargol, miramistin or chlorhexidine, carried out by a doctor, help well.

With such a phenomenon as inflammation of the urethra in women, treatment should be comprehensive, using all possible methods. During the period of exacerbation, it is necessary to reduce all physical activity and sex; if the process is severe, it recommends several days of bed rest.

Diet

For complete treatment and quick recovery, you should follow a certain diet. Fatty, fried, smoked foods are excluded from the diet. It is not recommended to use marinades and pickles, as well as preserved food.

Salt should be limited. If your kidneys are functioning normally, it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids. During an exacerbation, you should completely switch to dairy products and plant foods.

Prevention

Prevention of the inflammatory process plays an important role. To prevent urethritis from developing, the following tips should be followed:

1. Avoid hypothermia and dress appropriately for the weather.

1. Protect yourself using barrier contraception during casual sexual intercourse.

1. Eliminate the use of tobacco and alcoholic beverages.

Promptly identify and treat other inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system.

Due to the anatomy of the genitourinary organs, urethritis occurs more often in women than in men. The development of the disease is promoted by pathogenic microflora - bacterial, viral, fungal. Under various circumstances, it penetrates the urinary tract and causes inflammation. Only a urologist can determine the symptoms and treatment of urethritis in women. A doctor of this profile specializes in eliminating diseases of the urinary system.

Urethritis is an inflammation of the urethra. Under the influence of a pathogen, a pathogenic process develops that covers the walls of this anatomical structure. The disease is rarely limited only to the urethra and spreads to other organs of the urinary system. The lesion in 98% of cases spreads to the bladder, causing cystitis. Inflammation of the urogenital tract never resolves on its own. The severity of the pain may decrease, but the improvement in well-being is temporary. After a certain period, the attack repeats. Sometimes - with even greater intensity, which affects the general condition and performance.

Reasons

Common causes of urethritis:

1. Hypothermia (regular, or one-time, but intense)
2. Failure to comply with hygiene measures (including the intimate part of them)
3. The presence of urolithiasis, in which parts of calculi (stones) or sand are evacuated through the urethra, causing irritation
4. Untimely change of pads contributes to the attachment and proliferation of pathogenic microflora in bloody and other discharges. This serves as a favorable condition for inflammation of the urethra
5. Irregular or, conversely, overly active sex life
6. Wearing tight, chafing underwear
7. Eating excessive amounts of salty, sour, spicy foods. This diet contributes to irritation of the mucous membranes.
8. Presence of diabetes mellitus
9. Alcohol abuse
10. Previous injuries to the genitals
11. Hard physical labor
12. Previous bladder catheterization or gynecological examination, if in both cases the doctor did not follow the rules of asepsis
13. Frequent change of sexual partners, non-compliance with contraceptive rules during new contacts

Since there is an allergic type of urethritis, you should approach the issue of choosing personal hygiene products responsibly. A woman develops damage to the urethra due to intolerance to barrier contraceptives. The development of the inflammatory process is facilitated by the presence of a chronic disease - the digestive tract, endocrine or reproductive system.

A predisposing factor for the development of all forms of the disease is a decrease in immunity. Against the background of low body resistance, infection of the urogenital tract with pathogenic microflora occurs. Given this feature, subsequent treatment involves mandatory strengthening of the body’s immune properties with appropriate drugs and vitamins.

When and why the body cannot resist attacks from pathogens:

• in the presence of a tumor process, after chemotherapy or irradiation of the tumor
• in the early postpartum, postoperative period
• after a recent blood transfusion
• during pregnancy, lactation
• in old age
• with hormonal fluctuations (puberty, menopause)

Immunity is also reduced by low-quality nutrition, heavy physical labor, regular hypothermia, lack of sleep, and chronic pathology. The last factor even includes the presence of carious teeth, which serves as a source of infection and reduces the body's resistance.

Forms of the disease

Urethritis is divided into several types depending on the nature of the microflora that caused the disease. Lesions of the urethra are classified into gonorrheal, trichomonas, chlamydial and candidiasis types. Based on the duration of the disease, it can be acute or chronic.

Gonorrheal

The incubation period is 3-7 days. Manifestations of the disease are pain, discharge from the genital tract (the secretion has a greenish, purulent tint). Urination is accompanied by pain and a feeling of irritation in the canal. Intimacy causes debilitating discomfort. The general condition of the patient is characterized by intoxication.

Trichomonas

The incubation period of the disease ranges from 2 days to 2 weeks. During this time, the microorganism not only penetrates the urethra, but also begins to show symptoms. Complications of the pathology – cystitis, bartholinitis, infertility, vulvitis. Trichomonas does not penetrate the placental barrier. But if a woman has not treated the disease for more than 1 year before pregnancy, there is a high probability of premature birth. At an early stage of gestation, the risk of detachment of the fertilized egg increases.

Chlamydial

The incubation period ranges from 1 to 4 weeks. The disease is accompanied by pain during intimacy, a feeling of irritation and the presence of hot air in the urethra. Urine takes on an unpleasant, putrid odor and is characterized by a cloudy tint. The main complications are cystitis, infertility and ectopic pregnancy due to obstruction of the fallopian tubes. Chlamydia present in the body of a pregnant woman is transmitted to the fetus in utero. The infection causes serious damage to the child’s ENT organs, lungs, and eyes.

Candidamicotic

The pathology is caused by fungal microflora. It can occur in a hidden form for a long time. Fungal microflora moves into the urethra:

• from the digestive tract
• during intimacy
• due to visiting a public toilet

The disease of this form is a common consequence of a violation of the intestinal microflora (dysbacteriosis). The phenomenon is preceded by inflammation of the intestines (colitis) or long-term use of antibiotics. The main complaint of patients is pain during intimacy and heavy vaginal discharge. Violation of the vaginal microflora, characteristic of the course of this pathology, provokes the transition of the infectious process to the internal genital organs.

Signs and symptoms

In 90% of cases, the disease progresses rapidly, which allows you to immediately pay attention to the health problem and begin therapeutic actions.

The clinical picture of the inflammatory process combines the following manifestations:

1. Increase in body temperature to subfebrile (low) levels
2. Itching, swelling and redness of the vulva due to scratching of the disturbing tissue
3. Frequent urge to urinate, with the amount of urine being up to 30-50 ml per 1 urination
4. The appearance of discharge from the genital tract. The secretion is characterized by a curdled or purulent consistency, abundant quantity, and white color. Causes itching when it gets on the genitals

The patient's general health worsens due to intoxication. Asthenovegetative disorders are characteristic symptoms for the course of the inflammatory process: lack of appetite, irritability, weakness, insomnia.

Acute urethritis

It develops sharply - with an increase in body temperature, chills and a general deterioration in well-being. The woman notices a deterioration in her ability to urinate. The process is accompanied by pain and a feeling of only partial emptying of the bladder. Urine is characterized by a persistent, unpleasant odor - fishy, ​​putrid or acidic. The urge to urinate is observed up to 5 times per hour, but the volume of urine is small. Sometimes, instead of a stream, urine is released in drops. The appearance of so-called false urges indicates a high risk of pathology transferring to the higher-lying urogenital sections.

Accompanying phenomena: aching in the lower back, pain above the pubis. Dyspeptic disorders are a confirmation of the presence of an inflammatory process, not an injury. Due to the high frequency of urges, the possibility of performing work or even household activities is excluded.

Chronic form

The consequence of a timely untreated acute form of urethritis. The prolonged course of inflammation indicates that the root cause of its development is still not eliminated. Main symptoms of the condition:

1. Dull pain in the lumbosacral back, above the pubic symphysis
2. Sharp discomfort during sexual intercourse
3. Maintaining body temperature at subfebrile levels

Other symptoms of a chronic inflammatory process are the periodic appearance of vaginal discharge, itching, and the regular formation of cracks in the genital mucosa. If the disease becomes chronic, immunity decreases, which creates favorable conditions for the appearance of various pathologies. The frequency of urges is up to 1 time every 2 hours, but the urine is characterized by an unpleasant, pungent odor and has a cloudy tint. Prolonged inflammation is accompanied by signs of cystitis and pyelonephritis. An increase in the intensity of pulling sensations in the area of ​​the urethra and a burning sensation indicate an exacerbation of the infectious process.

Who's at risk

Women most susceptible to developing urethritis are those who:

• leads a promiscuous sex life
• undergoes regular bladder catheterization
• does not keep his body clean
• engages in active sports (horse riding, lifting weights, which sharply increases the blood supply to the pelvis)
• works outdoors in the cold season
• eats chaotically, approaches the preparation of the diet thoughtlessly
• abuses alcohol, caffeine
• douches unnecessarily often
• visits the pool or other public places (bathhouse, sauna)

Individuals with diabetes and digestive disorders are also potentially susceptible to developing urethritis. Endocrine disease causes itching, which leads to scratching and damage to the canal. Dysbacteriosis, colitis, and a tendency to constipation contribute to the movement of pathogenic microflora into the urogenital tract and inflammation of the urethra. An experimental attitude to the choice of personal hygiene products also leads to the development of allergies and subsequent damage to the urethra.

Possible complications

As a result of the development of urethritis, a woman may experience:

1. Endometritis (damage to the inner layer of the uterus)
2. Colpitis (inflammation of the vagina)
3. Adnexitis (damage to the uterine appendages)
4. Cystitis (inflammation of the bladder)
5. Pyelonephritis (infection of the collecting system)

Acute urethritis is dangerous due to its transition to a chronic form. Then periods of exacerbation occur at least twice a year. Chronic urethritis is the cause of a decrease in the body's immune abilities. In both forms of urethral pathology, sexual function is weakened due to inflammation and decreased libido.

Which doctor should I contact?

Urethritis in women is treated by a urologist. But initially you need to contact a therapist - explain the events and actions that preceded the deterioration in your health. Then list the bothersome symptoms. The therapist will conduct an initial examination and write a referral to a urologist. This doctor refers the patient to undergo diagnostic measures to differentiate the pathology. If, based on the examination, a relationship between urethritis and digestive disorders is established, treatment is carried out by a gastroenterologist. When the pathology is caused by the presence of a sexually transmitted infection, the therapeutic program is drawn up by a venereologist.

Inflammation of the urethra due to a gynecological disease requires priority elimination of it. When the inflammatory process is caused by banal hypothermia, poor diet or allergies to detergents, treatment is carried out by a urologist. Also, a specialist in this profile prepares and supervises therapy if inflammation of the urethra is caused by pyelonephritis or stones.

Diagnostics

To confirm the presence of urethritis, a woman will have to undergo a number of diagnostic procedures:

1. Questioning, inspection. A gynecological examination reveals swelling and redness of the genital mucosa. The urologist makes a conclusion based on the patient’s complaints and information about the events that preceded the deterioration in health. Additionally, he conducts an examination and observes hyperemia of the external opening of the urethra, irritation of the membrane around it
2. Laboratory diagnostics. Blood test (clinical, biochemical), urine
3. Smears for vaginal microflora
4. PCR diagnostics, which allows to detect the presence of sexually transmitted diseases and infections hidden in the body
5. Ultrasound of the pelvic organs is a quick method of finding out how widespread the inflammatory process is (has it spread to the bladder, kidneys)
6. Urethroscopy is a procedure for examining the condition of the urethra using an endoscopic instrument.

Additional research methods depend on the suspected root cause of urethritis. The doctor may prescribe gastroscopy, MRI, bacteriological examination of urine, and a blood test to determine glucose in it.

Treatment

Urethritis is eliminated through a complex approach - medication, nutritional correction and lifestyle changes. Medications that can relieve inflammation of the urethra are shown in the table.

The diet involves avoiding salty, sour, spicy dishes and foods. The consumption of sour juices, alcohol and coffee is prohibited. The listed products negatively affect the condition of the inflamed urethral membrane, causing urges and pain. The recommended amount of drinking regime is up to 1 liter of water per day (in addition to tea, decoctions, and the liquid portion of first courses). In the acute course of urethritis, bed rest and restriction from work are recommended; in the chronic form of the disease, this is not always the case. In both cases, you should refrain from intimacy until complete recovery. If the sexually transmitted origin of urethritis is confirmed, the patient’s sexual partner is also treated.

Prevention

Involves the following aspects:

• Maintaining personal hygiene (including intimate parts)
• Timely elimination of diseases of the urogenital tract. Prevention of their transition to a chronic form
• Refusal to eat foods that irritate the mucous membrane
• Using barrier contraception when starting sexual activity with a new partner
• Avoiding wearing excessively tight underwear
• Timely change of sanitary pads
• Regular blood glucose testing (if there is a hereditary predisposition to diabetes)

Maximum protection from hypothermia and moderate exposure to water bodies will minimize the risk of developing urethritis. Also, preventive measures for the occurrence of this include abandoning the idea of ​​treatment with drugs that were not prescribed by the doctor. Uncontrolled use of medications contributes to the suppression of the body's protective ability. Against the background of its weakening, a wide range of pathologies develops, including urethritis.

Video: Symptoms and treatment of urethritis

Urethritis is an inflammatory process in the urethra (urethra).

The frequency of detection of the disease in Russia reaches 250 million cases per year. Urethritis occurs in women as often as in men, but the symptoms of female urethritis are not as pronounced, so the disease often remains undiagnosed. Without timely treatment, urethritis can become chronic.

Very rarely, inflammation of the urethra is an independent disease. The female urethra is wider than the male urethra and has a length of only 1–2 cm, which is a favorable condition for infection to penetrate into neighboring organs and causes their inflammation.

Causes of the disease

In most clinical cases, the onset of chronic or acute urethritis in women can be avoided. All factors predisposing to the development of the disease are divided into infectious and non-infectious influences. The practice of urologists involves the treatment of urethritis - both the first and second types, but inflammation caused by pathogens is more common.

Pathogenic microflora is the penetration of bacteria, fungi or viruses into the urinary tract. But the most common is bacterial urethritis. If the patient has dysbacteriosis, then the development of fungal urethritis is more likely. The relationship between inflammation and pathogenic microorganisms can only be established in the laboratory.

Main reasons Urethritis in women suggests the following factors:

1. The presence of diseases of venereal origin. Both latent sexual infections and untreated diseases of the same type can lead to inflammation of the urethra.
2. Periodic irritation of the urethra. This category includes wearing underwear that is too tight to the body, uncomfortable; the use of intimate hygiene products that contain aggressive chemical components.
3. Scratching and, as a result, damage to the mucous epithelium of the genitals. More often, such a nuisance occurs due to intense itching that accompanies vaginal candidiasis in women.
4. Damage to the mucous membrane as a result of medical procedures (evacuation of urine, installation of a urethral catheter).
5. Failure to comply with personal hygiene rules (untimely change of underwear, prolonged absence of water procedures).
6. Failure to comply with the sterility regime by employees of medical institutions (if bougienage of the urethra, catheterization or any other manipulation involving the use of instruments was carried out, and the equipment was not properly processed).
7. Contact of the urethra with contaminated surfaces. This cause often causes urethritis in childhood. For example, if a girl sits with her naked body on the sand, bench, or ground.
8. Intimacy with a partner who does not maintain personal hygiene.
9. Hypothermia (not only general, but also local).
10. Violation of the circulatory process in the pelvis.
11. The presence of chronic inflammation of the kidneys or bladder.

Also, inflammation of the urethra in women occurs due to poor nutrition - the predominance of salty, acidic foods in the diet, which irritate the walls of the urinary tract. In certain cases, urethritis develops due to increased sweat secretion on the surface of the genitals (if it is not promptly eliminated through water procedures, perspiration will irritate the urethra). Which doctor to consult directly depends on the spectrum of the lesion - if the disease is limited only to the organs of the urinary tract, treatment is carried out by a urologist, when the genital organs are involved - by a gynecologist or a venereologist.

Nonspecific urethritis

Nonspecific urethritis is an inflammation of the urethra that occurs as a result of the penetration of opportunistic microflora into the urethra. This could be staphylococcus, streptococcus, Proteus, E. coli, various fungal organisms, etc. This form of pathology can also develop after sexual intercourse due to the massive influx of opportunistic microorganisms that occurs directly during the period of copulation. As a rule, this situation is observed constantly, however, in women with a well-functioning immune system, inflammation does not occur, but as soon as the body’s defenses are weakened, unpleasant symptoms may immediately occur.

Specific urethritis

This form of pathology occurs in women suffering from one or another sexually transmitted disease (gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, mycoplasmosis, gardenerellosis, ureaplasmosis). It should be noted that several different infectious pathogens can be present in the female body at the same time. As a rule, specific urethritis in women makes itself felt after sexual intercourse. However, in some cases the disease does not develop immediately, but after an incubation period, which can last from several hours to several days, and with a long history of the disease, an exacerbation of the pathological process can occur at almost any time.

Symptoms of urethritis in women

Depending on the nature of the course, the disease may have its own symptoms. Sometimes the disease can pass without symptoms at all, so the woman does not even suspect that she is sick.

Acute urethritis - features of manifestation

A type of exacerbation is diagnosed at the very peak of the disease, as soon as the disease begins to manifest itself aggressively. It is always accompanied by severe symptoms:

• severe pain and burning during urination;
• copious discharge due to urethritis;
• the mucous membrane turns red and swells;
• purulent discharge appears;
• frequent urge to urinate;
• pain in the urethra;
• body temperature increases;
• Upon completion of urination, drops of blood appear.

During such acute manifestations of the disease, it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor. If timely treatment is not started, urethritis will become chronic.

Subacute urethritis - symptoms

This form of infection is characterized by a decrease in acute symptoms. Painful sensations in the urethra gradually subside. The discharge becomes scarce, or even stops altogether. In some cases, a woman may observe specific discharge in the form of crusts in the morning. Urine acquires a natural color, turbidity disappears, but purulent threads are observed.

Chronic urethritis in women and its symptoms

The chronic form develops if the patient has not undergone any treatment at all, or the wrong therapy has been selected.

Relapse is caused by hypothermia or excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages. Under the influence of harmful effects, all symptoms of acute infection gradually resume. Urethritis takes a very long time to treat; recovery can take months or even years. If the patient conscientiously follows all the doctor’s recommendations, then recovery will certainly occur.

Urethritis can also develop during pregnancy. This occurs due to hormonal imbalance in the body. At the first signs, you should consult a doctor. The specialist will fully assess the women’s condition and select qualified treatment.

Urethritis in girls

In girls, the inflammatory process from the urethra quickly spreads to the bladder, leading to the development of cystitis. Therefore, in pediatric urology, inflammation of the urethra in girls is usually called urethral syndrome, since in most cases it is not possible to accurately determine the location of the source of inflammation.

The following factors can lead to the development of urethritis in childhood:

• synechia of the labia minora;
• irregular urination;
• urolithiasis;
• hypothermia;
• abuse of salty or spicy foods;
• violation of hygiene rules.

One of the main symptoms of urethritis in young girls is urinary retention. Due to the expectation of pain, little patients refuse to sit on the potty or go to the toilet, and cry when urinating. With uncomplicated urethritis, the general condition of girls does not suffer. The development of complications may be accompanied by fever and the appearance of symptoms of intoxication.

Specificity of symptoms depending on the pathogen

There are many harmful microorganisms that provoke inflammation of the urethra in women. The symptoms of nonspecific urethritis are determined by the pathogen that provoked it. For example:

1. Gonococcal infection causes gonorrheal urethritis in women. Gonococcal urethritis is manifested by copious vaginal discharge.
2. Trichomoniasis causes severe itching and burning in the vaginal area. There is also a separation of mucus of an unnatural color, which has a specific odor.
3. Fungi of the genus Candida provoke severe itching of the genitals, external and internal burning.
4. Chlamydia bacteria. Their presence may be asymptomatic.
5. Koch's bacillus is a mycobacterium that causes an infectious disease - nephrotuberculosis, which provokes the occurrence of urethritis. It manifests itself as a slight increase in body temperature and general malaise.

Diagnostics

The diagnostic program consists of a physical examination of the patient and carrying out the necessary diagnostic measures. During the initial examination, the doctor finds out the nature of the clinical picture and collects an anamnesis.

Based on the data obtained, a diagnostic program is determined, which may include:

• UAC and BAC;
• urine analysis according to Nechiporenko or Zimnitsky;
• bacteriological examination of urine;
• urethroscopy;
• ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs;
• analysis for Mycobacterium tuberculosis;
• STD test.

The doctor determines how to treat urethritis in a woman only after the final diagnosis. In any case, treatment must be comprehensive.

Complications

In case of prolonged inflammation inside the urethra and lack of treatment, the infection spreads to neighboring organs of the genitourinary system, causing complications in the form of inflammation of the following organs:

• bladder (cystitis);
• renal collecting system (pyelonephritis);
• vulva and/or vagina (vulvovaginitis, colpitis);
• ovaries and fallopian tubes (adnexitis);
• cervical canal (cervicitis);
• mucous membrane of the uterine body (endometritis).

Without treatment of complications, secondary infertility sometimes develops.

Treatment of urethritis in women

Since in most cases urethritis is of inflammatory origin, the main method of treatment is the use of antibacterial drugs.

Before receiving culture results, a drug with a broad spectrum of action is selected. Regardless of the symptoms present, antibacterial therapy is indicated if:

• the presence of a sexually transmitted infection pathogen has been confirmed;
• when examining a sexual partner (sex without barrier contraception), a sexually transmitted disease was diagnosed;
• A general urine test shows signs of inflammation.

In all of the above cases, an antibiotic is prescribed taking into account the cause of inflammation of the urethra.

The list of effective medications for urethritis in women looks like this:

Treatment can only be prescribed strictly by a doctor! In order for antibacterial drugs to be effective, they must be taken strictly on time, without missing a single dose.

• limit the consumption of fatty, spicy, sour, highly salty foods;
• drink enough liquid during the day, at least 1.5 liters;
• avoid hypothermia;
• abstain from sexual intercourse until complete recovery;
• carefully observe the rules of personal hygiene.

Treatment of chronic urethritis

Chronic urethritis requires long-term and comprehensive treatment, which includes:

• antibiotic therapy taking into account the sensitivity of the pathogen;
• antiseptic urethral lavage;
• vitamin and mineral therapy.

For chronic urethritis of gonococcal etiology, an antibacterial drug is installed in the urethra. If there are granulations, then collargol and a silver solution are installed in the urethra, as well as bougienage and cauterization of the urethra with a 10% - 20% solution of silver nitrate (in case of pronounced narrowing).

For chronic trichomonas urethritis, 1% trichomonacid solution is installed into the urethra.

For chronic chlamydial urethritis, in addition to antibiotics, immunomodulators, interferon preparations, probiotics, enzyme therapy, vitamin therapy, hepatoprotectors, and antioxidants are additionally prescribed.

Features of urethritis in pregnant women

Pregnancy is one of the factors predisposing to the occurrence of urethritis. The functions of the female immune system during pregnancy are reduced, hormonal changes occur in the body, which can help reduce the body's resistance to bacteria.

Without treatment of complications, secondary infertility sometimes develops.

Treatment must be selected very carefully, since the use of most medications during this period is contraindicated.

Folk remedies

In complex therapy of urethritis, in consultation with the attending physician, infusions and decoctions of medicinal plants that have diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antispasmodic effects can be used:

• infusion of parsley leaves;
• mood of yellow green grass;
• infusion of black currant leaves;
• infusion of blue cornflower flowers; etc.

Herbal preparations can be used both internally and externally - for example, in the form of medicinal baths.

Urethritis in women often occurs simultaneously with cystitis. This is explained by the fact that the urethra in women is short (only 1-2 cm) and wide. Therefore, infectious agents from it easily penetrate the bladder, causing its inflammation.

Other therapies

Additional methods of treating urethral inflammation include:

1. Physiotherapy. She suggests doing daily lotions or sitz baths for the genitals. You need to prepare a decoction of medicinal plants (chamomile, St. John's wort) and add it to the bath. Make lotions with the same solution, applying to the external genitalia. In the case when the urethra or bladder is inflamed, physiotherapeutic procedures are of great benefit and benefit in therapy.
2. Lifestyle changes. You need to give up bad habits (smoking and drinking alcohol) at least for the duration of treatment. Alcohol and nicotine provoke an exacerbation of inflammation and prevent healing: they make medications ineffective and inhibit organ recovery.

Prevention

Preventing a disease is much easier than treating it. In this case, it is enough to follow these simple recommendations:

• maintaining intimate hygiene;
• avoiding hypothermia;
• use of hypoallergenic cosmetic care products;
• healthy intimate relationships - if necessary, you need to use special lubricants;
• prevention of STDs.

You should definitely undergo a preventive examination by a gynecologist at least once every six months. If you have chronic diseases or other predisposing factors, you need to visit your doctor more often.

Forecast

With timely detection and active treatment, urethritis in women usually ends in recovery. The transition of the disease to a chronic form may be accompanied by the development of complications, which worsens the prognosis.

Urethritis is an inflammatory process that occurs in the urethra. This disease affects men and women equally often. But in the fairer sex it is often asymptomatic, so ladies turn to the doctor when the disease begins to progress. In this case, only drug therapy can help. Specific drugs for the treatment of urethritis in women are selected based on the type and severity of the disease.

Basic therapy methods

Urethritis can occur in acute or chronic form. If the disease is not treated in time, the acute stage becomes chronic. The disease can be caused by various pathogens, based on this, the following types of urethritis are distinguished:

• Specific. It is caused by the activity of microorganisms that are sexually transmitted. These could be gonococci, chlamydia or mycoplasma.
• Non-specific. This form of the disease develops under the influence of pathogenic microflora. Often an advanced stage of the fungus leads to urethritis.

Specialists use the following groups of medications:

• Taking antibacterial drugs. To select an effective medicine, a number of laboratory tests are carried out to help identify drugs to which the pathogen has not yet developed immunity. There are several groups of antibiotics: fluoroquinolones, macrolides, semisynthetic penicillins, cephalosporins, sulfonamides. At the very beginning of treatment, doctors often prescribe broad-spectrum drugs. After receiving the laboratory test results, the therapy program is adjusted depending on the type of microorganism.
• Immunomodulatory agents. Their use is necessary to restore the immune system, a high level of which is necessary to combat infectious urethritis.
• Preparations for restoring the natural intestinal microflora. Antibacterial drugs kill not only pathogenic microflora, but also beneficial bacteria in the intestines. Taking probiotics, prebiotics or symbiotics will help avoid this problem.

In addition to traditional methods of treating urethritis, it is also permissible to use traditional medicine. They can only be used as an adjunct to primary therapy. Before using such recipes, you should consult your doctor.

Pay attention! If a woman has a regular sexual partner, then they should undergo treatment together. This is the only way to eliminate the possibility of re-infection.

Use of fluoroquinolones

Fluoroquinolones are a wide group of drugs that effectively fight a wide range of pathogens. The most effective means of this group are:

• Ciprofloxacin. The active substance is quickly distributed throughout the tissues and cells of the body. It copes even with those pathogens that settle inside cells (for example, chlamydia). Its maximum concentration in the blood is reached 30-50 minutes after administration. The drug is available in tablet form or as a solution for injection. It should not be taken during pregnancy or under the age of 18. In some cases, such treatment of urethritis can cause problems with the gastrointestinal tract and negatively affect the functioning of the nervous system.
• Ofloxacin. The product affects the DNA of microorganisms, resulting in their death. It is especially effective against mycoplasma and chlamydia. Prohibited for use during pregnancy. In exceptional cases, such therapy can provoke problems with the nervous and digestive systems, as well as allergic reactions.
• Levofloxacin. Available in tablet form and injection. After entering the human body, the drug is completely absorbed by the digestive system. The peak concentration of the active substance in the blood is observed 2 hours after administration. Completely excreted in urine after 8 hours. Absorption of the drug will largely depend on the age and gender of the patient. This medication should not be used for epilepsy, pathological changes in tendons, under the age of 18, as well as during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

The duration of treatment with such drugs is selected individually for each patient. After the main course of treatment, it is recommended to resend all tests to ensure the death of pathogenic microflora.

Pay attention! Strictly follow the dosage and frequency of taking medications prescribed by your doctor. Failure to follow recommendations may lead to negative health consequences.

Macrolides in the fight against urethritis

Antibacterial agents of the macrolide group are considered the least toxic to humans. To treat urethritis in women, the following drugs are used:

• Azithromycin. This is a semi-synthetic antibiotic that shows the best results against pathogens living inside cells. Most often it is used for urethritis caused by mycoplasma. The components of the product cause a disruption in the structure of the protein in the body of the pathogen, which leads to its death. They remain in the source of infection for up to five days. This medicine should not be taken by children, as well as people suffering from liver or kidney failure.
• Clarithromycin. It affects protein synthesis in the body of microorganisms, which provokes the cessation of their reproduction. Clarithromycin should not be taken during pregnancy, under the age of 12 years, with renal or liver failure, or if there is a predisposition to allergic reactions. Sometimes during the course of treatment side effects may appear: increased irritability, dizziness, tachycardia, allergic skin rashes, surges in blood pressure.
• Roxithromycin. It is quickly absorbed into the blood and reaches its maximum concentration after 2.5 hours. To ensure the optimal dose of the drug, it must be taken at intervals of 12 hours. It is excreted from the body through the intestines, kidneys and lungs. This medicine is prohibited in case of hypersensitivity, pregnancy, and also in childhood.

With these methods you can get rid of the disease quite quickly. If the drugs do not have the desired effect, you may need to take drugs from another group.

Read also on the topic

What is the danger of urethritis in children and how to treat it?

Therapy with semisynthetic penicillins

Such drugs are artificially created analogues of natural penicillin, which have improved characteristics and increased effectiveness in the treatment of urethritis. They are often used when pathogens have developed resistance to penicillins. Among the most effective medications are:

• Amoxiclav. The drug contains amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. Available in tablet form. It should not be taken in case of liver failure, hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, as well as lymphocytic leukemia and mononucleosis. If the medication is used incorrectly, signs of overdose may occur: attacks of vomiting, pain in the abdominal area, dizziness, insomnia. In this case, the use of Amoxiclav should be stopped and consult a specialist.
• Augmentin. This is a combination medication that has a wide spectrum of action. Amoxicillin is used as the main active ingredient. Produced in tablet form. This remedy should not be used for liver dysfunction or hypersensitivity.
• Flemoxin. The drug is produced in the form of tablets, which allow you to select the dosage as accurately as possible. The product does not have a toxic effect on the body and does not kill beneficial microorganisms in the intestines. The process of absorption of the medicine into the blood begins while the tablet is in the mouth. Flemoxin is approved for use in childhood. It extremely rarely leads to side effects. Contraindications include hypersensitivity to the components of the product.

The use of such drugs must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. If any manifestations of a negative reaction occur, treatment should be suspended.

Use of cephalosporins

Medicines from this group are effective against a wide range of microorganisms that cause urethritis. They disrupt the structure of bacterial cells, which leads to their inevitable death. The following effective drugs are distinguished:

• Cefix. Belongs to the third generation. Cefixime is used as the main active ingredient. Available in capsule form. For babies up to six months, the medication is used in the form of a suspension. Rapidly absorbed into the blood from the gastrointestinal tract. Contraindicated in case of porphyria, allergic reactions, as well as under the age of six months. Use during pregnancy is possible only in emergency cases.
• Fix. Inhibits the process of reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms. The maximum concentration of the active substance in the blood is observed when taking the medication simultaneously with food. Sometimes the drug can lead to side effects, for example, dyspeptic disorders, dysbiosis, jaundice, and so on. The medication is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance to the components.

Pay attention! The use of cephalosporins is often the answer to the question of how to treat urethritis in women. In this case, it is necessary to carefully monitor the dosage of the drug and the duration of treatment.

Treatment with sulfonamides

Drugs in this group create conditions in the human body that are unfavorable for the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms. Medicines in this group include:

• Co-trimoxazole. Available in tablet form. The course of treatment is from 5 to 7 days. In this case, the daily dosage is divided into two doses. Among the side effects from the use of the drug are: attacks of nausea, skin rashes, renal dysfunction, diarrhea. It is forbidden to use the medication during pregnancy, while breastfeeding a baby, problems with hematopoiesis, or renal failure.
• Sulfalene is a synthetic drug that is effective against a wide range of microorganisms that cause urethritis. Most often, the tablet form of the drug is prescribed, but it is also available in the form of solutions for intramuscular administration. It should not be used for liver failure, pregnancy, or azotemia. The components of the product are eliminated from the human body quite slowly, so exceeding the recommended dosage can be hazardous to health. According to statistics, the most common side effects of the medication are: allergic reactions, attacks of vomiting and nausea, headaches, and dyspeptic disorders.
• Urosulfan. The drug is available in tablet form. The components of the product are quickly absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. The medication should be taken with caution in case of certain blood diseases, as well as in case of individual intolerance. In exceptional situations, taking Urosulfan can provoke dyspeptic disorders and skin manifestations of an allergic reaction. During pregnancy, it is better to avoid using this product. Experts do not recommend using Urosulfan simultaneously with anesthetic medications, antidepressants and anticoagulants. Combined use with anticonvulsants may enhance the effect of the latter.

Such drugs are effective for any type of specific urethritis. Specific dosages are selected by the doctor based on the characteristics of the disease.

Features of therapy for nonspecific infections

Treatment of nonspecific urethritis is aimed at combating pathogenic microflora. The following drugs are used for this:

• Cefazolin. An antibacterial drug that has excellent bactericidal properties. Able to cope with most gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Available in injection form. It can be administered both intravenously and intramuscularly. Sometimes its use can lead to an allergic reaction, problems with the digestive system, dysbacteriosis and other negative reactions of the body.
• Ceftriaxone. Available in powder form, from which a suspension for injection is prepared. The active substance of the drug is absorbed instantly. It is completely eliminated from the body naturally. The injection solution must be prepared immediately before injection. This cannot be done in advance. The drug is prohibited for use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. In case of overdose, changes in blood composition may occur. In severe cases, hemodialysis may be necessary.
• Erythromycin. According to the spectrum of action, the drug is close to the penicillin group. At the same time, it is much better tolerated. Both tablets and ointment can be used to treat urethritis. The duration of treatment varies from 10 to 14 days. The use of the product in some cases may lead to allergic reactions.

Pay attention! Before using medications, carefully read the instructions. Remember that you need to take the tablets with plenty of clean water. You cannot use milk or juices for this.

Use of uroantiseptics

If the use of antibacterial drugs for urethritis is contraindicated or does not bring the desired effect, uroantiseptics are used for therapy. Such drugs have a detrimental effect on pathogenic microflora. Among the most effective medications in this group are:

• Furamag. Its use stops the proliferation of microorganisms. However, their resistance develops quite slowly. The drug is available in capsule form. It is taken for 10 days.
• Furadonin. Quickly absorbed in the digestive tract. This process is accelerated if you take the tablets with food. The active substance can penetrate the placental barrier, so such treatment during pregnancy is unacceptable. The use of this medication is also prohibited in case of renal failure. For diabetes mellitus, the drug is prescribed with great caution.
• Biseptol. Has a strong bactericidal and bacteriostatic effect. Completely absorbed in the duodenum. It is produced in tablet form. Treatment with this drug during pregnancy is prohibited. Side effects include the manifestation of an allergic reaction, kidney dysfunction, lack of coordination of movements, muscle and joint pain, and a decrease in blood glucose concentration.
• Urosept. Available in capsule form. It is prohibited to use in case of hypersensitivity to components, impaired functioning of the kidneys or liver, or while carrying or feeding a child.
• 5-NOK. The active substance is absorbed in the stomach. The tablets are best taken with food. The duration of treatment should not exceed two weeks. Therapy with this drug is not possible in case of serious damage to the liver and kidneys, polyneuritis, or during pregnancy.