Live Life Team
Urethra get inflammed due to infection, this is called as Non specific urethritis (NSU). The cause of urethritis is not yet determined hence it is called as Non specific.
It is largely believed that gonorrhoea is not responsible. It is more dangerous than NSU and is a sexually transmitted infection that is also responsible for urethritis.
Although NSU can be caused by numerous possibilities but is believed that STI chlamydia is responsible for it. At least 40% cases of NSU are due to chlamydia.
How common is non-specific urethritis,
In UK about 46000 cases were reported of NSU in 2004 due to chlamydia. This is one of the most important reason why men visit sexual health clinic
Prognosis
This is very good for people with NSU condition. Due to this symptoms get milder and go without any treatment with in few weeks. NSU symptoms should be reported to the Doctor or in the GUM clinic as measures need to be taken to prevent it from spreading the infection. Antibiotics are also recommended in some cases of NSU.
Symptoms
NSU in men The symptoms listed below are of NSU in men
- A frequent need to urinate
- The tip of your penis may feel irritated and sore
- A burning, or painful, sensation when you urinate.
- A white, or cloudy, discharge from the tip of the penis. This discharge may only be noticeable if you squeeze or massage your urethra (the tube that urine passes through).
Symptoms of NSU are not noticeable, however this shouldn’t be taken lightly and be carefree if your sexual partner informs you of sexually transmitted infection that causes NSU and that there is chance that you might have got exposed to it. It is rcommended to get the required test done in a sexual health clinic.
NSU in women Similar to men, symptoms of NSU in women can also go unnoticed until the infection spreads to other parts of female reproductive system like fallopian tubes or womb from urethra. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is developed if the infection spreads. This causes severe pain and infertility.
Few PID symptoms include
- aching, or pain, in your lower abdomen
- discomfort, or pain, during sexual intercourse,
- pain in your rectum (back passage)
- fever and vomiting
- a thick, or unusual, vaginal discharge
- bleeding between perioh2>
Causes
At least 43% of NSU cases are due to Chlamydia, a sexually transmitted infection. A bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for this and is spread during oral sex, anal sex and unprotected sex.
Other bacteria
Bacteria are found in the rectum, mouth or throat and line without harming. If they reach up till urethra NSU can develop, which can be in a case of anal or oral sex.
Urethra damage
Inflammation in urethra is a result of non-infectious cause of NSU. This can also be damaged by insertion of any object, masturbating or violent sex. Irritation due to tea tree oil, soap and liquid disinfectant can also cause inflammation.
Viruses
NSU in men can also be caused by viruses. But this is a very racenario.
Diagnosis
You are recommended to visit a sexual health clinic , genito urinary medicine clinic or even family planning clinic if you feel you have NSU. These clinics have equipment which aren’t available with your doctor
Swab test
In this test sample of cells are taken from urethra with a swab, swabs are small cotton ball or bud with a plastic loop at its end. This isn’t painful but can be often uncomfortable.
Urine test
Before taking the urine sample, you will be asked not to urinate for at least 2 hours. This improves reliability of the test results. These samples of swab and urine are checked under microscope for viruses, bacteria. Results will be given in few hours, days or week depending upon the clinic.
