Urethritis in Men Causes

• The sexually transmitted diseases gonorrhea and chlamydia cause the majority of cases of urethritis. Herpesvirus infection> and bacterial infections transmitted during sexual activity also cause urethritis. How these diseases cause infection with urethritis is not well understood.
  
  
• Chemical irritation caused by soaps, lotions, and colognes can cause temporary pain with urination.  Spermicide in condoms and contraceptive jelly, cream, or foam can also cause irritation.
  
  
• Manipulation of the urethra, during a medical procedure or masturbation, may lead to urethritis. Irritation of the urethra by manipulation may be complicated by a bacterial infection.
  
  
• Chronic urethritis (when the condition lasts for weeks or months or goes away and comes back) may be caused by bacteria.  But it can also be caused by a narrowing of the tube (urethra) itself.