What is non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU)?
- NGU is the name of sexually transmitted infections found in males caused by germs other than gonorrhea.
- NGU occurs in the urethra, the tube where urine is passed.
- Half of the time, NGU is caused by chlamydia (a sexually transmitted infection). The rest of the time it is caused by other germs such as herpes, ureaplasma, mycoplasma or trichomoniasis.
How is NGU spread?
- NGU may be spread by having unprotected sex (oral, anal or vaginal) with a person who is infected with any of the germs listed above.
- Sometimes NGU is not sexually transmitted.
What are symptoms of NGU?
- Sometimes there are no symptoms.
- If symptoms occur they may take one to three weeks to show up.
- Symptoms include:
- a clear to white discharge from the penis;
- burning upon urination;
- irritation at the opening of the penis.
How is NGU diagnosed?
NGU is diagnosed by taking a swab from the urethra and looking at it under a microscope.
How is NGU treated?
- NGU is treated with an antibiotic. The antibiotic used most often is given as four pills taken all at once. The pills are free.
- Regular sexual partners of males with NGU must be treated to prevent re-infection.
- If symptoms continue after treatment, it is important to return to your doctor or STD clinic.
What are the long-term problems of NGU?
If NGU is not treated it can lead to serious problems such as epididymitis, an infection of the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles. This may lead to sterility.
What will decrease the risk of getting NGU?
- Having no oral, genital and anal contact or sex.
- Using a latex condom for all sexual contacts.
- You and your partner do not have any other partners.
For more information contact:
Your family doctor, local public health office, OR a sexual health clinic (see Related Links, below).
Clinics in Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert and North Battleford.
