Non-Gonococcal Urethritis (NGU)

Women with non-gonococcal urethritis are usually asymptomatic, so they often go undiagnosed. Men with non-gonococcal urethritis often see a white or cloudy discharge from their penis, which often feels sore and irritated at the tip. They may also experience pain while urinated or feel they need to urinate more often.

As the symptoms of non-gonococcal urethritis are the same as urethritis caused by gonorrhoea, sufferers should see their doctor immediately to rule out the sexually transmitted infection. The doctor will take a swab of fluid from the urethra and a urine test to diagnose urethritis. The doctor may also test for other STIs with the patient’s consent.

Antibiotics can usually resolve non-gonococcal urethritis in around two weeks. Past and current sexual partners should also receive treatment to avoid spreading any STIs or bacteria causing the problem.

If left untreated, non-gonococcal urethritis can cause reactive arthritis or testicle inflammation. If chlamydia caused non-gonococcal urethritis, the untreated condition can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. Since women usually don’t show symptoms, regular sexual health checks are essential for detecting a problem.

Using condoms with every partner can reduce the risks of contracting non-gonococcal urethritis, as unprotected sex is one of the most common ways the condition spreads. Kissing, hugging, sharing towels or baths, and even using an infected toilet seat can spread non-gonococcal urethritis.