Non-Specific Urethritis
Urethritis is an inflammation of the urethra. This is the tube that carries urine and semen through the penis.
Cause:
Can be bacteria, virus, yeast, parasite, protozoan and/or fungi. Hence, non-specific, or by eating spicy foods or drinking too much alcohol.
Transmission:
Vaginal or anal intercourse or oral sex with someone who is infected.
First symptoms and diagnosis: May appear 2 days - 3 weeks after exposure. However many people have no symptoms. Examination includes a physical exam, urethral smears, and cultures.
Usual symptoms for men: Most men have no symptoms. If symptomatic, with men, sometimes there is pain with urination and a discharge from the urethra that can be thin and watery or thick and sticky. The discharge is usually cloudy white or yellow and a microscopic examination reveals the presence of puss cells.
Usual symptoms for women: Most women have no symptoms. When symptoms are present, there may be pain and/or frequency of urination, similar to a urinary tract infection, UTI or bladder infection. There may be an abnormal vaginal discharge and it may have a foul odor.
Treatment:
Antibiotics are administered for 7 - 10 days or longer. Sometimes it is necessary to attempt therapy with several different antibiotics.
Complications for men:
Infection of the prostate or testicles.
Complications for women:
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, including an increased risk of ectopic or tubal pregnancy, infected miscarriage or abortion, infected premature delivery, and newborns with the risk of serious eye infections.
Although it is rare in both men and women, NSU and NGU can cause heart trouble, skin disease, arthritis, and eye damage if left untreated. NSU and NGU can also cause sterility.