Swelling and irritation of the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.

Urethritis is an infection of the urethra caused by germs or viruses. It can happen when germs from the anus spread to the urethra. A sexually transmitted infection also can cause urethritis.

Symptoms include burning with urination and urinating often. There also can be discharge from the urethra.

Treatment most often involves antibiotics.