Non-specific urethritis (NSU) means any inflammation of a man’s urethra that is not caused by gonorrhoea (a sexually transmissible infection). It is sometimes called non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU). The infection can easily be caught through vaginal sex. It can also be acquired through anal or oral sex, although this is less common. NSU can sometimes occur without being sexually transmitted.
Symptoms occur two to four weeks after infection
Symptoms of NSU occur two to four weeks after infection and include:
- A clear or white discharge from the penis
- A burning sensation while urinating. Sometimes the pain occurs without the discharge
- Pain and swelling in the testicles. This may be a sign of an advanced infection.
The symptoms of NSU can be very mild and may be overlooked.
Untreated NSU can have serious consequences
If left undetected and untreated, NSU can lead to:
- Spread of the infection into the prostate or testicles
- Infertility – this can occur in extreme cases
- Spread of the infection to a female partner who may develop pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause infertility.
A number of different organisms cause NSU
Several organisms are known to cause NSU but, in many cases, the specific organism can’t be identified. About 50 per cent of cases are caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.
Treatment
NSU is treated with antibiotics.
Recurrences of NSU can occur
Although NSU is fairly easy to treat, in some cases it is difficult to get rid of and symptoms may recur. It will eventually clear up with the correct treatment.
Condom use effectively prevents NSU
The best way to prevent NSU is to always use condoms when you have sex. The rules for using condoms properly include:
- Open the packet carefully so that you don’t tear the condom.
- Pinch the tip of the condom before carefully rolling it down the entire shaft of the erect penis.
- Do not use spit, Vaseline, baby oil or other oil-based lubricants.
- Use water based lubricants such as KY, Muko or Wet Stuff.
- Withdraw the penis before the erection is lost, so that the condom does not fall off. Hold the base of the condom to prevent spills.
- Store condoms in a cool dry place and check the expiry date.
Where to get help
- Your doctor
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre Tel. (03) 9341 6200 or 1800 032 017 or TTY (for the hearing impaired) (03) 9347 8619
- Family Planning Victoria Tel. (03) 9257 0100
- Action Centre (for youth) Tel. (03) 9654 4766 or 1800 013 952
Things to remember
- NSU means any inflammation of the urethra not caused by gonorrhoea.
- NSU can cause infertility if left untreated.
- Use condoms as protection against NSU.
You might also be interested in:
Chlamydia.
Infertility - female.
Infertility - male.
Pelvic inflammatory disease.
Prostate gland and urinary problems.
Sexually transmissible infections - avoid the risk.
Sexually transmissible infections - overview.
Sexually transmissible infections - signs and symptoms.
Urinary system.
Urinary tract infections.
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