Urethritis in Males: How to Care for Your Child

Urethritis is inflammation (swelling and irritation) of the urethra. The urethra is the tube that takes pee from the bladder out of the body. Your child may have had testing to help find the cause of the urethritis (yur-eh-THRY-tis). The treatment depends on the cause. Follow these instructions as you care for your child.

• If your health care provider prescribed medicine, give as directed.

• To help with irritation:

  • If possible, have your child take a shower instead of a bath. If they must take a bath, they should avoid bubble baths and use soap or body wash, shampoo, and conditioner only at the end of the bath. This way, they're not sitting in water with bath products in it.

  • Use fragrance-free laundry products and avoid fabric softener. 

• Whether your child showers or takes a bath, be sure they rinse the urethral area well with clear water at the end of bathing and then dry gently with a clean towel.

• If your health care provider says it's OK, your child can take acetaminophen (Tylenol^® or a store brand) or ibuprofen (Advil^®, Motrin^®, or a store brand) to help with pain. Follow the package directions for how much to give and how often. 

• Be sure your child drinks plenty of fluids.

• If your child is sexually active and was tested for a sexually transmitted infection (STI, also called sexually transmitted disease, or STD) or is going for testing, they should not have sex until the testing is done and they get treatment (if needed).

• Call for lab results and schedule any follow-up visits as recommended.

Your child gets new or worsening:

• pain or burning when peeing

• pain in the back or belly

• discharge from the urethra

Also call your health care provider if your child gets a fever or still has symptoms after following all care instructions.

What causes urethritis? Urethritis can be caused by irritation from soap, bubble bath, laundry detergent, trauma, or an STI.

How is urethritis treated? Urethritis from irritation or minor trauma usually gets better with changes to bathing routines and avoiding anything that irritates the area. Someone who has an STI needs treatment with antibiotics. It's important to treat an STI right away and finish all medicines as directed to avoid spreading the infection to others and prevent long-term problems.