Nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) is the inflammation of the urethra(the tube that allows for easy passage of urine from the body). This infection can be caused by trauma in the urethra but most commonly as a result of sexually transmitted infection. If you have unprotected sex with someone who has NGU, you are at risk of contracting the infection and should speak to a healthcare practitioner.
NGU can affect anyone but people assigned male at birth (AMAB), and men are at higher risk of having this infection. People might also refer to Nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) as nonspecific urethritis (NSU). The name nongonococcal means that germs outside of gonorrhoea cause the infection, while urethritis means urethral inflammation.
This infection is very common. Nongonococcal urethritis is treated more often than any other sexually transmitted infection in people assigned men at birth and men.
Book us onlineEarly symptoms in people AMAB and men include:
If left untreated, the infection can worsen. More severe symptoms of NGU in men and people AMAB include:
You may notice some signs in other parts of your body, such as fatigue, fever, chills, and headache.
People AFAB and women may have fewer symptoms when infected with NGU, and these symptoms may include:
However, some people with Nongonococcal urethritis may not show any symptoms.
If you have urethritis, you may experience a burning sensation or stinging feeling when urinating or while ejaculating. It is also very uncomfortable, and you may feel itching in the urethra, which you can’t scratch.
Nongonococcal urethritis can either be caused by sexual or non-sexual factors.
Sexually transmitted infections are the primary cause of nongonococcal urethritis. You may transmit STIs from one person to another through anal, oral or vaginal sexual intercourse. Many germs can cause nongonococcal urethritis, but the most common is chlamydia. Some other common bacterial causes of NGU include:
Trichomonas vaginalis and herpes simplex virus are some other causes of NGU, but they are less common.
Here are some non-sexual causes of NGU, including:
If the cause of your Nongonococcal urethritis is bacterial, you may notice symptoms within 1 to 3 weeks post-infection. However, you may have NGU and not show any symptoms.
Nongonococcal urethritis is not gender-specific, and anyone can be infected. If you are a man or person AMAB, you are more likely to be affected by NGU. The following may put you at higher risk of developing NGU, including:
In a lot of cases, Nongonococcal urethritis may go away without treatment and cause no complications or long-term health concerns. There are rare cases where NGU can lead to health complications, and they include:
It is very vital to book an appointment with your medical practitioner if you notice symptoms affecting your genitalia, a burning sensation while urinating or pain during intercourse. Early treatment can prevent you from health complications.
You should speak to your doctor about whatever symptom you might be noticing if you think you have NGU. They will physically examine you and ask you about t your sexual health history and overall health history. Some other questions you may be asked include:
Having an open and honest conversation during your appointment is very important. Answering all these questions will help your medical practitioner provide accurate diagnosis and help you recover quickly from the infection. Additional tests might also be carried out.
Your medical professional will collect a sample using a cotton swab to conduct a culture test from one of the following areas:
It is possible to have multiple sexually transmitted infections, so your healthcare professional may order any of these:
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Some people may not have to undergo treatment for this infection to clear up. But to have peace of mind and protect your sexual partner, it is advisable to schedule an appointment for diagnosis and treatment if you notice any symptoms of NGU.
Your healthcare professional may prescribe antibiotics to clear the germs causing Nongonococcal urethritis. They may prescribe:
If these medications don’t clear the infection or you are allergic to them, your healthcare professional might prescribe ofloxacin or erythromycin. It is advisable to get treatment for NGU alongside your partner as only one partner getting treated might cause the infection to be in circulation between you both.
The symptoms will begin to clear off within a week or two after treatment. If you don’t treat NGU, it may self-resolve within a few weeks to 6 months.
Nongonococcal urethritis can only be spread if a sexually transmitted infection causes it. If you don’t finish your complete course of antibiotics and your symptoms disappear, you will remain contagious. During your treatment period, do not engage in sexual intercourse until you have completed your treatment and the symptoms have disappeared.
You can prevent NGU by doing the following:
The general outlook of NGU is good. If you get diagnosed and begin treatment, you can fully recover within a week or two from when you started treatment. There is also a possibility that your immune system will clear off the infection without treatment. Waiting on your immune system is very risky as you are putting your sexual partners at risk of getting infected.
Yes, you can be reinfected with NGU. This is why you should always take preventive measures to avoid reinfection.
Getting diagnosed and taking the prescribed antibiotics is very necessary, but you can take these extra steps to stay healthy.
No, they are different. Their symptoms are similar, but the bacteria that causes gonorrhoea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) differs from the bacteria that cause NGU. Your healthcare provider will prescribe different treatments.
Yes, not all NGU infections are spread by sexually transmitted infections. You may have NGU due to urethral trauma.
At STI Clinic UK, we provide private and discreet NGU tests. If you think you have symptoms of NGU, call and let us get you diagnosed and treated. Our medical professionals will be glad to schedule a confidential appointment.