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Definition

urethritis

(ūr‵ē-thrīt'ĭs )

[ urethra + -itis ]

Inflammation of the urethra.

anterior u.Urethritis anterior to the anterior layer of the triangular ligament.

gonococcal u.Urethritis caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. In the U.S. in 2012, there were about 300,000 cases of gonococcal urethritis reported.

nongonococcal u.

ABBR: NGU

Urethritis caused by organisms other than Neisseria gonorrhoeae. NGU is the most common sexually transmitted disease in men; it accounts for 4 to 6 million physician visits annually. The symptoms usually include painful urination and a urethral discharge. The two organisms most frequently associated with NGU are Chlamydia trachomatis and Ureaplasma urealyticum. Other causes include herpes simplex virus, Trichomonas vaginalis, Haemophilus influenzae, Gardnerella vaginalis, and Clostridium difficile.

NGU due to C. trachomatis or U. urealyticum is treated with doxycycline or azithromycin. Appropriate antibiotics are used for other causative organisms.

nonspecific u.

ABBR: NSU

Nongonococcal urethritis.

posterior u.Urethritis afftecting the membranous and prostatic portions of the urethra.

specific u.Urethritis due to a specific organism, usually gonococcus.