What causes pain and itching in the urethra during urination?

Pain and itching in the urethra during urination are usually caused by urinary system inflammation. Urethral itching generally refers to inflammation of the lower urinary tract, bladder, or urethra. When there is a urinary tract infection, increased bacteria and white blood cells in the urine can irritate the urethral mucosa. In addition, if there has been unprotected sexual activity and discharge is present at the urethral opening, the above symptoms may also occur. A smear test of urethral discharge can be performed to determine whether the cause is infection with Mycoplasma, Chlamydia, or Neisseria gonorrhoeae.