Menu Healthy Lifestyle Diseases & Conditions First Aid Symptoms Tests & Procedures Videos Definitions FAQs UrethritisUpdated: 2017-06-13OverviewUrethritis is a bacterial or viral infection that causes swelling and irritation of the urethra. It's commonly caused by a sexually transmitted infection. SymptomsSymptoms include painful, burning, or frequent urination, or a discharge from the urethra. TreatmentsTreatment involves antibiotics. © 1998-2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research(MFMER). All rights reserved. Terms of Use