Urethritis

Urethritis is an inflammation of the male urethra. It can be caused by different bacterial infections. Condoms significantly reduce the risk of urethritis.

Last updated: 19 June 2008

What is urethritis?

Urethritis is an inflammation of the male urethra (the tube in the penis that urine passes through from the bladder to the outside). It can be caused by many different bacterial infections.

The most common known causes of urethritis are chlamydia and gonorrhoea and tests are always conducted to confirm or rule them out as the cause of the inflammation. Urethritis is sometimes referred to as NSU or NGU:

• Non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) is an infection in the urethra that is not caused by gonorrhoea. That is, when the urethra is inflamed but a gonorrhoea test is negative.

• Non-specific urethritis (NSU) is an infection in the urethra that is not caused by either gonorrhoea or chlamydia. That is, when the urethra is inflamed but tests for both gonorrhoea and chlamydia are negative.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms may include:
• an abnormal discharge from the urethra
• general discomfort or a burning sensation when urinating
• feeling the need to urinate frequently
Symptoms usually appear between 1 to 3 weeks after sex with an infected person.

Although they are the most likely cause of urethritis in men, both chlamydia and gonorrhoea often have no noticeable symptoms. Because of this, men can have chlamydia and/or gonorrhoea infections without having urethritis or any other symptoms.

How is it spread?

The bacteria that cause urethritis are passed on during vaginal, oral or anal sex with an infected person.

Who is at risk?

How is it prevented?

Using condoms for vaginal and anal sex significantly reduces the risk of urethritis and other sexually transmitted infections.
Avoid sharing sex toys and consider using condoms with sex toys for further protection.
Have regular sexual health checks to identify infections early to prevent passing the infection on to others and before complications develop.

How is it diagnosed?

A thin swab (using a fine cotton bud or thin plastic loop) is taken from the end part of the urethra and examined under a microscope. This will help determine the diagnosis of NGU/NSU. This swab is also sent for testing for gonorrhoea and a urine sample to test for chlamydia is usually taken at the same time.

How is it treated?

NGU/NSU can usually be treated with antibiotics. The antibiotic prescribed may depend on which bacteria are found (often chlamydia), and whether other infections are also present. For the antibiotics to work you need to take the full dose.

If NGU/NSU is not properly treated it may lead to long-term irritation of the urethra and/or long-term pain in the testicles (less common).

What is the public health response?

If you have been diagnosed with NGU or NSU it is important to tell your sexual partner(s) so they can also be tested and treated, and so they do not infect other people. Your doctor or sexual health clinic can help you decide who may be at risk and help you to contact them. If you wish, this can be done anonymously by your doctor.

Avoid sex until both you and your partner(s) have treated.

Further Information

Sexual Health Information Line (02) 9382 7440 or freecall 1800 451 624 (outside Sydney).

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