Non-Gonococcal Urethritis[edit | edit source]

Microscopic view of bacteria commonly associated with non-gonococcal urethritis.

Non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) is a condition characterized by inflammation of the urethra not caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the agent responsible for gonorrhea. NGU is a common type of urethritis and is often classified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Overview[edit | edit source]

NGU occurs when the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body, becomes inflamed due to infection by bacteria other than Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Causes[edit | edit source]

The most common causes of NGU include:

Chlamydia trachomatis, the bacteria responsible for chlamydia
Mycoplasma genitalium, a less common cause
Ureaplasma species
Trichomonas vaginalis (in rare cases)

Other causes can be non-infectious, such as irritation from products or physical trauma.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Symptoms of NGU may include:

Pain or burning during urination
Discharge from the penis or vagina
Itching or irritation at the urethra opening
Sometimes, the infection may be asymptomatic

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of NGU involves:

A physical examination
Analysis of discharge from the urethra
Urine tests or urethral swabs to identify the causative organism

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment typically includes:

Antibiotics, tailored to the specific causative organism
Partners of infected individuals should also be treated to prevent reinfection

Prevention[edit | edit source]

Prevention strategies include:

Safe sexual practices, including the use of condoms
Regular STI screening, particularly for sexually active individuals

Non-gonococcal urethritis Resources
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