Definition
Urethral itching is a symptom that usually occurs in the presence of irritations, inflammatory states and genito-urinary tract infections.
The sensation of discomfort or itching may indicate the presence of urethritis, that is the inflammation of the urethra (a channel that allows the passage of urine from the bladder to the outside during urination).
Urethritis can affect individuals of any age, both female and male.
Inflammation of the urethra can be associated with sexually transmitted diseases (infections with Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma urealyticum and Trichomonas vaginalis ) or small local traumas (eg introduction of a catheter, excessively vigorous sexual intercourse etc.).
Urethritis can also depend on irritation-type inflammations (for example, secondary to the presence of kidney stones) or contact allergies associated with the use of intimate hygiene products, such as soaps, vaginal lavages, spermicides, lubricants and latex condoms.
In male subjects, the presence of a slight itching along the penis and at the tip of the glans penis can also be the symptom of a stenosis of the urethra or external urinary meatus.
Other causes include cystitis and inflammation of the glans and prepuce area (balanoposthites).
Possible Causes * of urethral itching
- Contact allergy
- balanoposthitis
- Kidney stones
- Candida
- Cystitis
- Chlamydia
- phimosis
- Gonorrhea
- Genital herpes
- Urethral stricture
- Trichomonas
- uretrite
