By far, the most common cause ischlamydia.
In females, there may be no symptoms until complications likepelvic inflammatory disease (PID)develop.
The treatment of NGU depends on the underlying cause.
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When research or health authorities are cited, the gender terms reflect those used in the cited source.
What Causes Nongonococcal Urethritis?
NGU is strongly associated with treatable sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
But these are less likely culprits, and some NGU cases are entirelyidiopathic(meaning of unknown origin).
For this reason, NGU is sometimes called nonspecific urethritis (NSU).
Urethritis is most often resulting from an STI.
By far, the two most common are gonorrhea and chlamydia.
Both are gram-negative bacteria with very different physical characteristics.
If a person has symptoms of urethritis, aswab will be taken from the urethraand examined under the microscope.
If gonorrhea is ruled out, NGU is diagnosed.
With that said, it is not uncommon for a person to have gonorrhea, chlamydia, and evenM.
genitaliumall at the same time.
Who Gets NGU?
NGU is more common in males, but people of any sex can acquire it.
Males are vulnerable to NGU due to the makeup of their urethra.
Meanwhile, anal sex exposes the male urethra to enteric (intestinal) bacteria likeE.
There are few ways to get anE.
coliinfection in the urethra other than through sex.
If there are symptoms, they are more likely to involve thecervix, rectum, or throat.
How Does NGU Spread?
Several infections are also readily spread through oral (penis-to-throat) sex, includingM.
genitalium,herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, andHaemophilusstrains.
Can You Tell NGU From Gonorrhea?
With NGU, the urethral discharge will usually be thin, clear or creamy, and relatively sparse.
By contrast, the urethral discharge from gonorrhea is usually copious, thick, and pus-like.
How Long Can You Spread NGU?
genitaliumare asymptomatic and may unwittingly transmit it to others without even realizing it.
Because of this, you should never wait for chlamydia orM.
genitaliumto go away on its own.
Left untreated, they can cause serious harm to your health and the health of others.
The diagnosis starts with a review of your symptoms and medical history.
This may include questions about your sex life and sex partners.
A physical exam is then performed to examine your urethra.
The sample is then smeared onto a glass slide and dyed with aGram stain.
If they do not, NGU is diagnosed.
How Accurate Is Gram Staining?
The NAAT does so by detecting the genetic material of the bacteria.
Other tests may be ordered to investigate other possible causes.
NGU Treatment
As the predominant causes of NGU, chlamydiaandM.
genitaliumare both treated with oralantibioticsto flush the infection.
Antibiotics may also be prescribed presumptively if the cause is unknown.
Other medications still may be prescribed if a viral, fungal, or parasitic cause is diagnosed.
What Happens If I Dont Get Treated?
Leaving any STI untreated places sexual partners at risk of infection.
But it also places your own health at risk.
Getting treated and cured of an STI doesn’t mean it’s possible for you to’t get it again.
With most STIs, exposuredoes notmake you immune to the infections.
Annual chlamydia screening is also advised for all sexually activemen who have sex with men.
Summary
Nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) is inflammation of the urethra not because of gonorrhea.
NGU is mainly sexually transmitted.
Chlamydia andMycobacterium genitaliumaccount for the lion’s share of NGU diagnoses.
Males get NGU more often than females due to anatomical differences in the urethra of males vs. females.
Symptoms include pain with urination, itching, and a clear or creamy discharge.
NGU is typically treated with oral antibiotics.
Other drugs may be needed if the cause is viral, fungal, or parasitic.
American Sexual Health Association.How is NGU transmitted?
Center for Disease Control and Prevention.Diseases characterized by urethritis and cervicitis.
doi:10.1136/sextrans-2019-sti.847
Alberta Department of Health (Canada).Non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU).
doi:10.1111/and.13143
National Health Service (UK).Complications - chlamydia.
