NON-SPECIFIC URETHRITIS (NSU)

 
Cross Street Medical Clinic offers all relevant NSU/NGU screening tests and treatments. Speak to our doctors today about what you may need. Female doctors are available by appointment. We ensure patient privacy and confidentiality for all discussions, tests and treatments.
 
 
 
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What is Non-specific Urethritis (NSU)?

Non-specific urethritis, NSU (or non-gonococcal urethritis [NGU]) is an inflammation of the urethra that is not caused by gonorrhoea. It can occur in both men and women.
Chlamydia is the most common cause of NSU/NGU.

 
 

How do we contract Non-specific Urethritis ?

Commonly, NSU/NGU is caused by spread of an infection through vaginal, anal or oral sex.
However, there are also non-sexual causes of NSU/NGU.

Causes of Non-specific Urethritis

There are many causes of NSU/NGU.
  • Bacteria
The most common bacterial cause is Chlamydia trachomatis but it can also be caused by Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Gardnerella vaginalis, Haemophilus vaginalis, Acinetobacter lwoffi, Ac.calcoclaceticus and E.coli.
  • Viruses
Herpes simplex virus (rare), Adenovirus, Cytomegalovirus
  • Fungi
Candida Albicans
  • Parasites
 Trichomonas vaginalis
  • Noninfectious
NSU/NGU can be caused by mechanical injury (from a urinary catheter or a cystoscope), or by an irritating chemical (antiseptics or some spermicides).

How can we tell that we may have Non-specific Urethritis

Symptoms can vary depending on cause.
Men may experience the following:

  • Clear or cloudy white discharge from the penis
  • Burning sensation or pain while urinating
  • Itch, irritation or discomfort inside urethra or at opening of penis
  • Pain and swelling in the testicles. This may be a sign of an advanced infection
  • Rectal pain, discharge or bleeding

Women may experience the following:

  • Discharge from vagina
  • Burning sensation or pain when urinating
  • Rectal pain, discharge or bleeding
  • Abdominal pain or abnormal vaginal bleeding


Testing for Non-specific Urethritis

Chlamydia screening:

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT/NAT) are the most sensitive tests and suitable for self-collected vaginal swabs or urine-based screening.

Tests may be done on:

  • A urine sample or a swab of the cervix, vagina, or urethra
Other types of infection:
Direct observation under microscopic, general and specific cultures and/or DNA Probe Screen using:

For men

  • A urine sample

For women

  • A urine sample
  • A swab of the cervix, vagina, or urethra

Cross Street Medical offers all relevant screening tests for NSU/NGU. Speak to our doctors about what you may need. Female doctors are available by appointment. We ensure patient privacy and confidentiality for all discussions, tests and treatments.

What is the treatment for Non-specific Urethritis

NSU/NGU is treated with antibiotics and/or antifungals.
It is important that you must complete the course of medication, even if the symptoms have disappeared. If not, NGU/NSU may recur, and you could potentially spread it to other people.

What does Non-specific Urethritis do to our bodies
If NSU/NGU is not treated, infection can spread and cause:

  • Men may develop infection of the prostate (prostatitis) or testicles (epididymitis)
  • Women may develop pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause infertility

 How do we prevent infection and re-infection

  • Avoiding high risk sex , including commercial sex workers, casual sex and multiple sex partners
  • Always using condoms, including during oral sex
  • Being in a long-term monogamous relationship with a partner who has tested negative for STD/STI

Cross Street Medical offers all relevant treatments for NSU/NGU.
Speak to our doctors about what you may need. Female doctors are available by appointment.