What is Non Specific Urethritis?

Non-specific Urethritis can also be referred to as non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) or non-specific genital infection (NSGI).

All of these terms mean that the urethra (the tube in the penis that the urine comes out of) is irritated.

How do I know I’ve got it?

You may have any of the following symptoms:

• Pain or burning when passing urine
• Discharge from your penis

 How do you get it?

• Through unprotected sex (having sex with no condom)

Where can I get tested?

NSU can really only be diagnosed using a microscope, and these are usually only used in some sexual health clinics. A soft cotton swab is used to take a sample from the end of the penis. It is important you try not to pass urine for 2 hours before this sample is taken.

What is the treatment?

Antibiotics will get rid of the infection.

Avoid having sex until 1 week after you and your partner(s) have been treated.

You don’t usually need a repeat test to ensure your infection is gone.

 Sexual partners

It is essential that your sexual partner(s) are tested/ treated. You can discuss this with the health adviser who can help you tell/talk to your partner to get tested and treated.

How do I make sure I don’t get NSU again?

The best way to prevent all sexually transmitted infections is to practice safer sex. This means using a condom for vaginal, oral or anal sex.