What is Non-Specific Urethritis?

Also known as non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU), non-specific urethritis (NSU) is a sexually transmitted infection which occurs in men. Non- specific Urethritis is the inflammation of the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. This is usually when all the other possible causes for the inflammation are ruled out that the diagnosis of the non-specific urethritis is confirmed.

Causes of Non-Specific Urethritis

Usually, the causes for this condition to arise are Chlamydia or gonorrhoea. It is also commonly noticed that at times, the cause of the NSU is simply not identified. It is seen that in at least 50 percent of the cases, an infection from the bacteria Chlamydia is the underlying cause.

Other organisms and causes resulting in the Non-specific Urethritis are: Human papilloma virus (HPV), which causes genital warts; Herpes simplex virus (HSV), which causes genital herpes; Trichomonas vaginalis, a protozoan that causes trichomoniasis.

Symptoms of Non-specific Urethritis

The most commonly seen symptoms of the non-Specific urethritis are a burning sensation while passing urine, a slight white cloudy discharge coming from the penis especially early in the morning, general discomfiture of the penis, redness or soreness at the opening of the urethra.

At times, the infection may not show any symptoms amongst the suffering at all. In such cases, this might lead to a few additional problems like prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland), epididymo-orchitis (inflammation of the testes and the epididymis, the curly tubes that carry and store sperm) or arthritis.

In case these problems also do not occur, then the only way to identify the disease is when the partner of the already suffering man also contracts this disease and develops symptoms of the sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Who is Affected by Non-Specific Urethritis?

NSU is mostly seen in men and men of any age can contract this disease at any time of their life cycle. Men who practise unprotected sex with multiple partners are most prone to contracting this disease along with any other forms of Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

In cases of women, who are infected by this disease due to contracting STD from an already infected man, an infection from Chlamydia, which might leads to pelvic inflammatory disease and causes infertility, is most common.

Diagnosis of Non-Specific Urethritis

NSU can be diagnosed by testing for the presence of gonorrhoea by viewing the Gram’s Stain of the urethral discharge under the microscope. In this, one can clearly view the causative organism due to its distinctive appearance.

In order to identify the Chlamydia and other causes of urethritis, it requires the use of a more sophisticated technology; but this is one of the most commonly used modes of diagnosis today. These above two tests are usually ample to identify the majority of causatives and diagnosis of the Non-specific Urethritis. In case the tests do not bring any results and are negative, the causative for the NSU remains unknown.

Treatment of Non-specific Urethritis

The infection causing the NSU can easily be treated by administering antibiotics, antiviral or antifungal medication depending on the organism, which is causing the problem. While the treatment is being given and the infection completely treated and cured, it would be best to avoid any sexual contact at all.

Depending on the strain of ureaplasma, the treatment can be prescribes and the use of proper antibiotics be made. Since the NSU can be caused by multiple causatives, initially, the treatment may involve using of a wide range of antibiotics which are effective in fighting against Chlamydia. Doxycycline and azithromycin are few of such most commonly used antibiotics.

Treating both, the patient and his or her sexual partner is imperative in the proper treatment of NSU. In cases of women who are infected, the causative organisms may cause the pelvic inflammation. If the symptoms do not get treated, a consultation with the urologist may be necessary to avoid any further damage. If the NSU is not treated in time, complications like epididymitis and infertility may arise.

Development of the NSU may be avoided by making a consistent use of latex condoms during sexual activities.