Non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU)
Non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) is an inflammation of the urethra (which is the tube that carry the urine from bladder where the urine is normally stored and out of the body) that is not caused by gonorrhoeal infection.
Most common cause of NGU is sexually transmitted infection acquired during unprotected sexual intercourse caused by organisms such as:
- Chlamydia
- Mycoplasma genitalium
- Mycoplasma hominis
- Trichomonas vaginalis
- Ureaplasma urealyticum
- Herpes simplex viruses
NGU commonly do not cause any symptoms in both women and men. However, in certain symptomatic cases men can present with burning pain during urination, creamy white color discharge, sore and itch at the penile head and pain or discomfort at the testis. In severe cases, it can cause inflammation at the epididymis causing epididymitis and scarring formation leading to infertility and prostatitis.
In women, symptoms include cloudy white color discharge from the vagina, soreness and itch at the labia and burning pain when urinating. In severe cases, women can also develop pain over lower abdomen and abnormal vaginal bleeding due to inflammation at the upper genital tract (PID) with risk of infertility.
Treatment includes course of antibiotic such as Doxycycline and Azithromycin and to abstain from sexual activity for 7 days, starting after the completion of therapy for the patient. All partners must be treated to prevent risk of reinfection. Prevention of NGU is by using protection with condom and avoid high risk behaviours such as multiple sex partner.
If you have any concern about NGU or other STI, come and visit us for consultation for further information.
