The urethra is a tube that removes waste from the body by way of the urinary bladder. In men the urethra opens at the tip of the penis, and in women the urethral opening is located above the vaginal opening. The fact that the urethra opens to the external environment makes it susceptible to various diseases and infections.
Urethritis
Urethritis is a general term that describes inflammation in the tissues of the urethra. According to Medline Plus, urethritis can result from injury and allergy or can present as a result of bacterial or viral infection. Factors that increase the probability of developing urethritis include unprotected sex, sex with multiple partners, prior history of sexually transmitted disease, being a man 20 to 35 years old and being a women of reproductive age. Patients with urethritis often experience bleeding or pain during urination. The treatment for urethritis depends on the cause. Doctors prescribe antibiotics for bacterial causes and antiviral drugs for viral causes of urethritis. Other treatment options include prevention of bacterial infection by using condoms during sex.
Cancer
Urethral cancer is a disease in which normal cells in the tissues lining the urethra become cancerous. According to the National Cancer Institute, urethral cancer is rare and occurs more frequently in women than in men, especially white women over 60. Pain, frequent urination and bleeding during urination are common symptoms of urethritis but can also indicate urethral cancer if symptoms don't subside. A lump can be present in urethral cancer but may be hard to detect, especially in men, in whom much of the urethra is located inside the body. Treatment depends on how advanced the cancer is and can include radiation therapy and surgery.
Stricture
In urethral stricture, a trauma, usually physical, causes a narrowing or complete closure, called a stricture, somewhere along the urethra. The condition is more common in men but can also be present after severe pelvic trauma in women, notes Urology Web. A common cause of urethral trauma is the misuse of a catheter. In urinary catheterization, a tube is inserted into the urethra and ultimately into the bladder to allow for the passive movement of urine for collection. If the catheter is inserted incorrectly, damage to the urethra walls can occur, resulting in scarring. The scar tissue can narrow the urethra, leading to stricture. Insertion of stents at the affected area can hold the urethra open and relieve the condition.
