What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• NGU (Non-Gonococcal Urethritis)
• Non-Specific Urethritis (NSU)
• NSU (Non-Specific Urethritis)

What is Non-Gonococcal Urethritis (Definition/Background Information)

• Non-Gonococcal Urethritis (NGU) is an infection of the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body from the bladder. It is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can affect men and women, though it is more common in men
• Non-Gonococcal Urethritis is not caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which is responsible for gonorrhea. It is typically caused by bacteria such as Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma genitalium
• Individuals who have unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex are at a higher risk of contracting Non-Gonococcal Urethritis. Men who have sex with men, people with multiple sexual partners, and those with a history of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are also at a higher risk
• The signs and symptoms of Non-Gonococcal Urethritis in men include discharge from the penis, burning or pain during urination, and itching or redness around the opening of the penis. Symptoms in women are often less pronounced, and they may include abnormal vaginal discharge and mild pain or itching around the vaginal opening
• The most common test for diagnosing this condition is the nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) for chlamydia and gonorrhea, which can detect the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae DNA in a urine sample or urethral swab
• Non-Gonococcal Urethritis is usually treated with antibiotics, usually azithromycin and doxycycline, for a minimum of 7 days. All sexual partners must also be treated to prevent reinfection. It is usually curable with proper treatment, but untreated or inadequately treated NGU can lead to serious complications
• The most effective method to prevent Non-Gonococcal Urethritis is to practice safe sex, including the use of condoms and regular testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In men, NGU can cause scarring of the urethra, which can lead to difficulty in urinating. In women, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, which can cause infertility and chronic pelvic pain

Who gets Non-Gonococcal Urethritis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Non-Gonococcal Urethritis (NGU) can affect individuals of any age and gender
• It is commonly observed in sexually active men, but women can also develop NGU
• NGU is more prevalent among younger age groups, particularly those in their late teens to early thirties, which corresponds to the demographic with higher rates of sexual activity

What are the Risk Factors for Non-Gonococcal Urethritis? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Non-Gonococcal Urethritis include multiple sexual partners, a history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unprotected sexual activity. 

• Individuals who have unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex are at a higher risk of contracting Non-Gonococcal Urethritis.
• Men who have sex with men
• People with multiple sexual partners
• People with a history of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Non-Gonococcal Urethritis? (Etiology)

• Non-Gonococcal Urethritis is typically caused by bacteria such as Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma genitalium
• It can also be caused by other pathogens, such as Ureaplasma, Trichomonas vaginalis, and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2)

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Non-Gonococcal Urethritis?

The signs and symptoms of Non-Gonococcal Urethritis in men include:

• Discharge from the penis
• Burning or pain during urination
• Itching or redness around the opening of the penis

The signs and symptoms in women are often less pronounced, and they may include:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Mild pain or itching around the vaginal opening.

How is Non-Gonococcal Urethritis Diagnosed?

• Non-Gonococcal Urethritis is diagnosed through symptom assessment, physical examination, and laboratory tests
• The most common test is the nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) for chlamydia and gonorrhea, which can detect the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae DNA in a urine sample or urethral swab

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Non-Gonococcal Urethritis?

• Non-Gonococcal Urethritis can lead to serious complications such as infertility if left untreated.
• In men, it can cause scarring of the urethra, which can lead to difficulty in urinating.
• In women, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, which can cause infertility and chronic pelvic pain.

How is Non-Gonococcal Urethritis Treated?

• Non-Gonococcal Urethritis is treated with antibiotics, usually azithromycin and doxycycline, for at least a week
• It is essential that all sexual partners are also treated to prevent reinfection

How can Non-Gonococcal Urethritis be Prevented?

The most effective method to prevent Non-Gonococcal Urethritis is to:

• Practice safe sex, including the use of condoms
• Regular testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

What is the Prognosis of Non-Gonococcal Urethritis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• Non-Gonococcal Urethritis is usually curable with proper treatment
• However, if left untreated or inadequately treated, NGU can lead to some severe complications

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Non-Gonococcal Urethritis:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/urethritis