Non-specific urethritis (NSU)
- Urethritis is an inflammation of the urethra, the tube that empties urine from the bladder.
- You can reduce the risks of getting NSU by practising safe sex, and limiting your sex partners.
- Non-specific urethritis (NSU) refers to inflammation of the urethra in men that has been caused by an infection other than gonorrhoea or chlamydia. They are non-specific because there are many different causes.
How do you get NSU?
There are many causes of NSU. It can be caused by squeezing the penis and mechanical irritation of the urethra.
It can also be caused by infection with a variety of microbes including:
Infection usually occurs through unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex.
What are the symptoms of NSU?
Symptoms include:
- a discharge from the penis
- pain when passing urine.
How do I know if I have NSU?
If NSU is suspected, a urine sample and/or swab is taken from the urethra. The samples will be tested in a laboratory.
It’s a good idea to have tests for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at the same time.
How is NSU treated?
If you have NSU you will be given antibiotics. It is important that you finish the course of antibiotics.
Do not squeeze your penis to look for discharge. This will make your symptoms worse.
Avoid sex until treatment is completed and the swabs are repeated.
Make sure all your sexual partners are tested and treated.
How can NSU be prevented?
You can reduce the risks of getting NSU, as well as other STIs, by following this advice:
- Always use condoms and water-based lubricant. Condoms are the best way to protect you from these and other STIs. Always use condoms during vaginal and anal sex, and dams during oral sex, until you’re totally sure that both you and your partner don’t have an STI.
- Have a long-term relationship where neither of you is already infected, and neither of you has other partners.
- Limit your sex partners. The fewer people you have sex with, the less chance you have of having sex with someone who has an STI.
- Have regular STI checks.
Acknowledgements
Sexual Health and Blood-borne Virus Program, Public Health
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