What is Non-gonococcal urethritis NGU ?
Urethritis is inflammation (pain, redness and/or swelling) of the urethra (tube where urine comes out).
It is called non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU), when the cause is not yet known and gonorrhoea (which can cause inflammation) has been ruled out.
Hence, Non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) is due to causes other than gonorrhoea.
This used to be called nonspecific urethritis (NSU).
There are different types of NGU which includes:
- Chlamydia
- Mycoplasma genitalium
- Mycoplasma Hominis
- Trichomonas vaginalis
- Ureaplasma urealyticum
- Herpes simplex viruses
And many more different bacteria and viruses.
Bacteria that cause infection in the urinary tract (kidneys, bladder and urethra) can lead to inflammation of the urethra.
If your partner is a female, A vaginal infection in your partner, such as thrush or bacterial vaginosis, may trigger NGU in you!
In some cases of NGU, no infection is found on tests and the cause is unclear.
But how do you get NGU?
You can catch NGU when you have sex with someone who already has the infection.
This can be by vaginal sex, oral sex or anal sex.
Not all cases of non-specific urethritis are caused by having sex.
Even if you have had NGU before, you can still catch it again
NGU cannot be caught by kissing, from swimming pools, by sharing towels, saunas or from toilet seats.
And how do i know if i have the symptoms of NGU?
The most common symptoms in men are:
- Burning when passing urine
- Discharge from the end of the penis
- Irritation / itch at the tip of the penis
- There may be discomfort or pain in the testicles
However, Some men have no symptoms.
There are tests available to check for Non-gonococcal urethritis.
Firstly, your doctor will do an examination of your genitals.
After that ,your doctor will take a swab tip of the penis (urethra) and send it to a laboratory where it will be tested.
Urine test may also be used.
If you have NGU, you should also be tested for other sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, as you can have more than one infection at the same time.
Dont fret, there are treatment for NGU depending on the cause of it.
The treatment is simple with antibiotic tablets.
Frequent Asked Questions:
Should I have sex if I have NGU?
You should avoid any sex, even with a condom, until after both you and your partner have finished all your treatment and you are reviewed by your doctor.
What are the possible complications of NGU?
In rare cases, NGU may cause other symptoms such as arthritis (swollen joints) and inflammation of the eyes.
This is known as reactive arthritis.
Do I need to tell my partner?
Yes. If your sexual partner is infected and not treated, the infection can be passed back to you.
Any person you have had sex with in the last four weeks should be tested for infection, even if they do not have any symptoms.
If you have NGU without any symptoms then you may have had it for some time. In this situation, any sexual partners within the previous six months should be tested and treated.
For more questions, please email them at hello@dtapclinic.com.sg to make an appointment today or visit them at www.dtapclinic.com
