Health Services
Self Care

Non-gonococcal Urethritis(NGU) in Men


Description
Non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) is an infection of the male urethra, the tube that connects the bladder to the urinary opening. NGU can be caused by a number of microscopic organisms, the most common of which is Chlamydia trachomitis. These microorganisms are usually transmitted by sexual contact. A chlamydia infection in women can cause urethritis, and cervicitis (an inflammation of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and/or ovaries).

Symptoms
Common symptoms of NGU include discomfort inside the urethra, painful urination, and an itching sensation. A urethral discharge may also be evident. This discharge may be clear, white, or yellow, and may be evident as a small coating or mucus at the tip of the penis noticed in the morning or a crusty discharge in the undergarments. Although these symptoms are common, it is not unusual for an infected male to have no symptoms. Thus, it is especially important that a man who has had sexual contact with an infected partner be examined for NGU, since he may have contracted NGU but has no symptoms.

Both men and women can be carriers. A person who is a carrier harbors the chlamydia microorganism and can transmit it to others while they themselves do not have an infection.

Treatment
An antibiotic such as tetracycline is usually prescribed to treat NGU. This medication must be taken for 7 to 10 days. No sexual contact is recommended until treatment is completed unless a condom is used. Adherence to the medical treatment program is essential to ensure complete cure. Students should return for a follow-up visit to determine if the infection has been thoroughly healed. This is important because the symptoms may disappear but the urethritis can occasionally persist. It is then necessary to extend the treatment period or change the medication.

Complications
If NGU is untreated, the organisms that cause the infection can travel up the urinary tract and invade the epididymis or prostate. Long-term infection can cause sterility.

Prevention
The following health habits may be helpful in preventing urethritis:

• Use condoms during sexual activity.
• Urinate and wash the penis immediately after sexual activity.
• Avoid intimate contact with anyone who has a sexually transmissible disease.

More Information/Questions
For more information, Messiah students may call the Health Center at 691-6035.