Introduction
Urethritis is an infectious disease condition that can affect both genders. However, it has a slight inclination toward the male population. Male urethritis syndrome is a relatively known syndrome that exhibits manifestations in the genitourinary system. The affected person may experience pain during urination, discharge, and increased urine frequency. The discharge from the male urethra is white. From the pee hole, the discharge color can be yellow. With proper diagnosis and treatment, the symptoms may resolve within a week or two. The introduction discusses male urethritis syndrome, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
What Is Male Urethritis Syndrome?
Male urethritis syndrome (MUS) is a peculiar syndromic form of urethritis typically recognized in males in the reproductive age group pursuing an active sex life. It is categorized under those diseases that can be passed on to the other person via sexual activities, hence technically comes under sexually transmitted disease (STD).
What Is Urethritis?
Urethritis is a quite familiar infection that takes hold of the urethra. The urethra is a straw-like structure that links the bladder on one end and the urinary orifice on the other end. It facilitates a channel for passing urine through the outlet orifice. Any form of infection or inflammation of that structure results in a condition technically known as urethritis. They are frequently encountered in connection with sexually transmitted diseases. A specific form of secretion from the urethral opening marks urethritis. The person experiences tremendous pain while passing urine, accompanied by a burning sensation. Innumerable organisms are linked with this infectious condition ranging from the gonococcal to the mycoplasma variant.
What Are the Causative Agents That Could Lead To Male Urethritis Syndrome?
It is not a single organism that can evoke male urethritis syndrome. However, there is a set of micro-organisms that have the potential to precipitate this syndrome. Unfortunately, the clear underlying mechanism for developing the condition is still in darkness. Micro-organisms that are routinely encountered in male urethritis syndrome include the following:
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Neisseria Gonorrhoeae: It is recognized as the most influential organism in male urethritis syndrome and is responsible for the atypical secretion from the penis. They can spread to another person via intimate contact (sex).
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Chlamydia Trachomatis: Chlamydia is another major culprit for MUS. It also transmits via sex and is a known cause of numerous other STDs (sexually transmitted diseases).
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Mycoplasma Genitalium: At times, bacteria like Mycobacterium genitalium are also detected in MUS patients but mostly coexist with either Neisseria or Chlamydia, thus potentiating the symptoms of the condition.
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Corynebacterium Glucuronolyticum: They are occasionally detected in certain MUS patients, and some recent research revealed its role as a causative agent in male urethritis syndrome.
The bacteria mentioned above are considered the core elements that lead to male urethritis syndrome. However, a few other microorganisms are also detected along with the core bacteria during infections. Some of them include Trichomonas vaginalis, Adenoviruses, Ureaplasma species, and Herpes simplex virus.
What Are the Symptoms Associated With Male Urethritis Syndrome?
A set of symptoms are elicited by the patients suffering from male urethritis syndrome. Routinely encountered symptoms include the following:
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Urethral Discharge: There can be certain unusual discharge or release from the urethral opening. The discharge occasionally acquires a white color and is somewhat thick and cloudy. There can be a yellow color discharge from the pee hole.
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Dysuria: It is a peculiar condition in which the person comes across a painful and stinging sensation while passing urine. Occasionally, it can be in the form of heat or a burning sensation. As the ache is felt in and around the urinary orifice, it creates extreme distress and discomfort. The person may feel as if their genitals are on fire.
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Rate of Urination: Certain studies revealed that male urethritis syndrome increases the frequency of urine passing.
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Genital Discomfort: Apart from the symptoms of urethritis, male urethritis syndrome also brings about scratchiness and extreme irritations in the genital area. Itching sensations in the genital area are embarrassing and lead to concern and agitation. In addition, it often gives rise to tingling sensations in the penis.
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Painful Sex: Pain elicited upon sexual contact, making it an unpleasant experience. The tip of the penis often seems red, as if it is sore.
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Stomach Ache: Pain of low intensity could be felt, especially around the lower abdominal area.
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Odor: Male urethritis syndrome is rarely associated with unpleasant smelly genitals.
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Genital Lesions: Certain specific lesions like ulcers or skin cracks may also develop in the genital area at times. The Penis tip gives a sore and bulbous appearance.
How Can Male Urethritis Syndrome Be Properly Diagnosed?
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Just like other illnesses, physicians arrive at a diagnosis with the help of a thorough medical history and clinical findings.
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Physical examination and palpation of the involved area facilitate prompt determination of the signs and symptoms.
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To conclude the diagnosis of the condition, the microbe responsible for the illness needs to be spotted and recognized. Urethral swab tests do work for the collection of discharge from the penis. Culture and sensitivity of the penile release also facilitate microbial recognition.
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The leucocyte esterase test is another investigatory test frequently advised for diagnostic purposes.
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Laboratory tests specific to the suspected bacteria, especially Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis, guide the final diagnosis.
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API Coryne tests are advised if Corynebacterium is suspected when the rest of the tests responded negatively.
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Occasionally, culture and analysis of the urine, as well as semen, is advised.
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DNA testing is another source of reliable investigatory tests. In addition, Nitrite dipstick testing and other blood tests also pave the way for diagnosing the condition.
How Long Does Urethritis Take to Heal?
The duration of healing of urethritis is based on certain factors, such as treatment options, the reason behind the development of the condition, and the patient's health. In several cases, the symptoms start to resolve within a few days after taking antibiotic therapy. The patient will remain symptom-free within one to two weeks. It is necessary to take a full course of antibiotics.
In the case of a non-bacterial cause of urethritis, the healing is based on the cause of the condition. The healing time of non-bacterial urethritis is around one or two weeks. Some people may take a longer time to fully recover.
What Are the Treatment Interventions Available for Male Urethritis Syndrome?
The entire treatment strategy revolves around antibiotic therapy. Antibiotics that specifically act on the identified organism need to be prescribed. Routinely the treatment interventions and medications are initiated before obtaining the relevant test reports, with an acceptable combination of antibiotics, namely, Azithromycin and Ceftriaxone.
This drug combination is taken into consideration as the primary treatment line. In case the patient does not tolerate Azithromycin, then Doxycyclin is advised instead. Ceftriaxone combat with microbial agents like Chlamydia and Neisseria. If the culture reports present Mycoplasma genitalium, Metronidazole tablets need to be advised along with the primary medications.
Conclusion
Male urethritis syndrome is a complex syndrome in urological health. The cause of the condition can be bacterial infection or non-infectious irritants. Seeking treatment for urogenital issues often creates embarrassment and, in most cases, is left unattended and untreated. Though it is not a potentially endangering illness, targeted antibiotic therapy helps in preventing infectious disease. Patient education, personalized treatment plans, and prevention strategies contribute to managing the condition and improving patient outcomes.
