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Nongonococcal Urethritis
Nongonococcal Urethritis

Non Gonococcal Urethritis conditions and Treatment in London

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.

Is Nongonococcal urethritis common?

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.

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Symptoms of Nongonococcal urethritis

Early symptoms in people AMAB and men include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Painful urination (dysuria)
  • Irritation, itching and tenderness
  • Penile discharge
  • Pain during ejaculation (orgasmalgia)

If left untreated, the infection can worsen. More severe symptoms of NGU in men and people AMAB include:

  • Infertility
  • Swelling and pain in the testicles

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:

  • Painful urination
  • Irregular periods and spotting throughout the month
  • Vaginal discharge
  • Pain during sex (dyspareunia)

However, some people with Nongonococcal urethritis may not show any symptoms.

How does it feel to have urethritis?

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.

What caused NGU?

Nongonococcal urethritis can either be caused by sexual or non-sexual factors.

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:

  • Mycoplasma genitalium
  • Haemophilus vaginalis
  • Ureaplasma urealyticum

Trichomonas vaginalis and herpes simplex virus are some other causes of NGU, but they are less common.

Non-sexual factors

Here are some non-sexual causes of NGU, including:

  • Very tight foreskin (Phimosis)
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Urethral stricture (narrow urethra)
  • Medical procedures that involve using a Foley catheter to drain urine from the urinary bladder

How long does it take NGU symptoms to develop?

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.

Who is at risk of getting affected by NGU?

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:

  • People with multiple sexual partners
  • People who engage in unprotected sex
  • People who have had urethral trauma (this could be caused by an injury or the use of a Foley catheter during medical procedures)
  • People between the ages 15 and 30

What health complications are associated with NGU?

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:

  • Skin lesions: You will notice skin changes.
  • Epididymitis: This is the inflammation of the epididymis (the tube behind your testicle)
  • Reactive arthritis: This type of arthritis affects your joints, back, eyes and urinary tract.
  • Vaginal infections: You may have vaginitis or mucopurulent cervicitis (MPC). If you don’t treat these vaginal infections, it can lead to infertility or pelvic inflammatory disease.

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.

How is NGU diagnosed?

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:

  • Have any of your partners been infected with STIs in the past?
  • Are you sexually active?
  • Have you had STIs in the past?
  • Have you been involved in unprotected anal, vaginal or oral sex within the last 30 days?

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.

What tests will be done during my NGU diagnosis?

Your medical professional will collect a sample using a cotton swab to conduct a culture test from one of the following areas:

  • Cervix
  • Urethra
  • Rectum
  • Throat

It is possible to have multiple sexually transmitted infections, so your healthcare professional may order any of these:

  • Blood test
  • Penile or vaginal discharge test
  • Urine test

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Does Nongonococcal urethritis self-resolve?

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.

Treatment for NGU

Your healthcare professional may prescribe antibiotics to clear the germs causing Nongonococcal urethritis. They may prescribe:

  • Azithromycin, which is a macrolide antibiotic. You need a single dose of this.
  • Doxycycline, You should take this medication twice daily for a week.

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.

How long will it take for you to feel better?

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.

How long will an NGU-infected person be contagious?

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.

How can I prevent NGU?

You can prevent NGU by doing the following:

  • Regularly testing for STIs if you have multiple sexual partners
  • Always use a dental dam or condom when having sex
  • Avoid having sex if you feel you or your partner might have an STI or NGU
  • Before having sex with a new partner, get tested for STIs

What is the outlook of NGU?

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.

Can I be reinfected with Nongonococcal urethritis?

Yes, you can be reinfected with NGU. This is why you should always take preventive measures to avoid reinfection.

How can I take care of myself?

Getting diagnosed and taking the prescribed antibiotics is very necessary, but you can take these extra steps to stay healthy.

  • Refrain from sex during this period: Do not engage in sex until you have finished your medications and fully recovered with the symptoms cleared.
  • Take your medications as prescribed: Make sure you take your medications and finish the course as instructed, even if the symptoms disappear early.
  • Avoid reinfection: Always use protection when having oral, vaginal or anal sex.
  • Inform your sexual partners: Let your sexual partners within the last 60 days know that you are infected with NGU, and they should also get tested.
  • See a provider: If you still notice your symptoms after treatment, contact your medical practitioner to book an appointment.

What questions should I ask during my appointment?

  • Should I get tested for STI regularly?
  • How would I know if I have NGU?
  • Should I also get tested for other STIs?
  • Is my infection sexual or non-sexual NGU?
  • How can I protect myself from reinfection?
  • What treatment do you recommend?
  • When can I resume sexual intercourse with my partner?
  • Will I have health complications from this infection?

Frequently asked questions

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.

Get NGU testing today!

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.