**Urethritis** is an inflammation of the urethra in men. Most often it occurs in its posterior part - the narrowest area before the exit from the bladder and is therefore called posterior (lat. urethritis posterio). Often the bladder (cystitis), as well as the pubic bone (prostatitis), and membrane (balanoposthitis) are also involved in the process.
In urology, another name is used - **urethral urethritis**. Unlike the Latin "ureteritis", the Greek "cystointeritis" it reflects the anatomical location of the lesion. However, in modern literature this synonym is more common.
**Posterior urethritis (PU)** almost always occurs as a result of sexual intercourse. This is due to the entry of STI pathogens into the urethra - in most cases, gonorrhea and chlamydia. Opportunistic agents that can cause inflammation include mycoplasmas, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Less commonly, chronic infections can cause urethritis. Therefore, young male patients should be screened for hidden infections before starting treatment.
Women suffer from urethritis less often than men, but it is more pronounced and quite often occurs without obvious symptoms. More often, urethritis occurs against the background of vulvovaginitis.