About Nongonococcal Urethritis
Nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI), usually caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Some cases may be caused by other germs. When the bacteria invade the urethra, which is where urine flows out of the body, it becomes inflamed. The term nongonococcal means that an organism other than gonorrhea is causing the inflammation.
NGU is spread by sexual contact (oral, vaginal, penile or anal). The germs may be passed from one person to another even if bodily fluids are not exchanged. NGU is more common in men than women.
Symptoms
Some people may have no symptoms at all. In women, NGU may cause discharge from the vagina or pain or burning while urinating. If it progresses to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), you may notice abdominal pain or unusual vaginal bleeding.Men may have a watery or thick clear to white discharge from the penis, and more frequent urination accompanied by burning. Anal infections may cause rectal itching or pain during defecation.
Diagnosing NGU
Your clinician will do an exam, talk with you and do some tests. If you have urethritis but test negative for gonorrhea, your clinician may do a test for chlamydia or another germ.
Treating NGU
NGU is treated with antibiotics. You should tell your partner(s) if you have an infection. Your partner(s) should also have an STI evaluation and be treated. You should not have sex until both you and your partner(s) complete treatment.
To relieve discomfort you may try:
- Drinking at least eight glasses of water a day
- Avoiding alcohol, which can irritate the urethra
- Urinating more frequently
- Soaking in a hot bath two to three times daily.
Complications
Left untreated, NGU can cause serious complications in both women and men. Women may develop pelvic inflammatory disease, which can lead to infertility. They may also develop chronic pelvic pain and be at greater risk for miscarriage. In men, untreated NGU can lead to urethral strictures and infections involving the testicles, the prostate, or the urethra. They may also develop skin lesions, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and Reiters Syndrome, a form of arthritis.
Follow-Up Visits
Follow-up visits are not needed, unless symptoms return following treatment.
How to Protect Against STIs and HIV/AIDS
The only way to guard against getting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is not to have sex or to ave sex only with partners who you know are free of infection. If you do have sex, you should use a latex barrier, such as a male condom, afemale condom, or a dental dam, every time. Condoms provide protection against against STIs, including HIV, the virus that causes AIDs. Tapestry Health clinicians recommend using such barriers even in combination with other methods of birth control. Latex condoms are preferred to lambskin condoms for the prevention of STIs. Using a spermicide together with a latex barrier can also help keep you from getting an STI.If you have questions about nongonoccocal urethritis or any STI, talk to your clinician.
