Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
It is an emergency even if urethritis has already been suspected.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek urgent medical help if you develop:
Sudden or severe pain in a testicle, with or without swelling
Significant lower abdominal or pelvic pain, especially with fever
Fever, vomiting or feeling seriously unwell alongside urinary symptoms
Inability to pass urine
Sudden severe testicular pain needs prompt assessment because testicular torsion, in which a testicle twists and loses its blood supply, can resemble an infection.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment with a sexual health clinic or healthcare professional if you have burning when urinating, urethral discharge or persistent irritation.
Seek testing if a sexual partner has been diagnosed with an STI, even if you feel well.
Make another appointment if symptoms do not begin to improve after treatment, return later or continue despite negative initial tests.
Do not keep taking antibiotics without reassessment.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Urethritis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.