Nongonococcal Urethritis (NGU)

Nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) is an infection of the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. NGU is caused by bacteria other than Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which is the bacterium that causes gonorrhea.

Causes and Risk Factors

NGU is typically caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as:

• Chlamydia trachomatis
• Mycoplasma genitalium
• Ureaplasma urealyticum
• Trichomonas vaginalis
• Herpes simplex virus (HSV)

Risk factors for NGU include:

• Unprotected sex with multiple partners
• Previous history of STIs
• Young age (15-24 years old)
• Male sex

Symptoms

Symptoms of NGU may include:

• Dysuria (painful urination)
• Urethral discharge or bleeding
• Frequent or urgent need to urinate
• Pain or discomfort in the penis, testicles, or groin area
• Itching or burning sensation in the urethra

Diagnosis

NGU is typically diagnosed through a combination of:

• Physical examination
• Medical history
• Urine tests, such as:
• Urinalysis
• Urine culture
• Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs)
• Swab tests to collect discharge or cells from the urethra

Treatment

Treatment for NGU typically involves antibiotics, such as:

• Azithromycin (Zithromax)
• Doxycycline (Vibramycin)
• Levofloxacin (Levaquin)

Treatment may also involve:

• Antiviral medications for HSV or other viral infections
• Pain relief medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen

Complications and Prevention

If left untreated, NGU can lead to complications, such as:

• Epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis)
• Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland)
• Infertility or sterility
• Increased risk of HIV transmission

To prevent NGU, it is recommended to:

• Practice safe sex with condoms or other barrier methods
• Get regular STI screenings
• Avoid sharing sex toys or personal items
• Wash hands and genitals regularly