Urethritis (non-specific) and urethral irritation diagnosis and management :: SA Health
Urethritis is inflammation swelling and irritation of the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the body. Both bacteria and viruses may cause urethritis. Some of the bacteria that cause this condition include E coli, chlamydia , and gonorrhea. These bacteria also cause urinary tract infections and some sexually transmitted diseases. Viral causes are herpes simplex virus and cytomegalovirus. The health care provider will examine you.
Urethritis (non-specific) and urethral irritation diagnosis and management
Nongonococcal Urethritis NGU is a bacterial infection of the urethra in men and more rarely, in women , usually caused by another sexually transmitted infection STI , most often Chlamydia. NGU is usually caused by another STI that was transmitted via oral, vaginal, or anal sex, but can also be caused nonsexually and perinatally. This may cause the baby to have infections in the:. If you do have symptoms, they may include:. A doctor can diagnose nongonococcal urethritis through visible urethral inflammation swelling in men, a urethral swab or oral swab, and a Pap smear for women.
We recommend that sexually active gay men and other men who have sex with men be tested for HIV and STDs gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis every three months. Testing for syphilis usually involves a quick physical exam and a blood test. Testing for gonorrhea and chlamydia involves a urine sample if you perform insertive oral sex or anal sex i. If you are not getting tested every three months ask your provider if you can be. You can ask your provider what your syphilis infection status is; whether you have gonorrhea or chlamydia in your butt, throat or penis; and talk with your provider about ways to reduce your risk for getting STDs and HIV.