urethritis
Start with the big picture
Urethritis may be caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Ureaplasma, or herpes simplex virus. Classification as gonococcal or nongonococcal is based on nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) results; initial treatment may cover both gonorrhea and chlamydia while results are pending. First-void urine NAAT is the key diagnostic approach described in this lesson. Management also considers pregnancy, persistent symptoms, antimicrobial resistance, and possible coinfection. Care does not end with medication: patients need guidance on sexual abstinence while treatment and partner care are completed, appropriate testing for reinfection, and counseling on prevention. Untreated infection can lead to reproductive and other systemic complications.
What you'll learn
- Identify common infectious causes and typical symptoms of urethritis.
- Explain gonococcal and nongonococcal classification using NAAT results.
- Describe the diagnostic approach and principles of empiric and targeted treatment.
- Recognize considerations for pregnancy, persistent infection, partner care, and follow-up.
- Summarize key counseling points and potential complications of untreated urethritis.
Continue your study
Work through the complete notes and reinforce the topic with the study tools available in the full lesson.
