Non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU)
What is it?
Non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU), also known as non-specific urethritis (NSU), refers to an infection in the urethra (tube that carries urine from bladder to outside) that has not been diagnosed as gonorrhoea.
NGU can be caused by a number of different organisms, although most cases are due to chlamydia.
NGU is a common sexually transmitted infection.
What are the symptoms?
Men may notice an abnormal discharge, particularly when the penis is squeezed, and/or they may have pain or a burning sensation when urinating. Symptoms usually appear between two to three weeks after sex with an infected person.
Men can have NGU and not develop any symptoms.
How is it transmitted?
NGU is passed on during anal, vaginal or oral sex with an infected person.
How can I prevent transmission?
Using condoms during sex reduces the risk of transmission.
How is it diagnosed?
A swab (long cotton bud or small plastic loop) collected from the urethra and tested in a laboratory can detect NGU. A urine sample might also be taken.
How is it treated?
NGU can be treated with antibiotics. The same treatments used to treat chlamydia are effective in treating NGU. For the antibiotics to work you need to complete the course.
If NGU is inadequately treated or not treated at all, it may lead to chronic urethral irritation or chronic testicular discomfort and can cause serious infection if passed to women.