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Nongonococcal Urethritis
(NSU, NGU)
What is nongonococcal urethritis (NGU)?
NGU refers to an infection of the urethra (the tube running from the
bladder through the penis in men or the labia in women through which urine
passes) caused by some agent other than gonorrhea. This infection can
be caused by any of several different organisms, although the most frequent
cause of NGU is a germ called chlamydia, and is a sexually transmitted
disease (STD).
Who gets NGU?
NGU is most often found in men since the organisms causing this infection
are sexually transmitted and the female urethra is seldom infected during
intercourse. Men between the ages of 15 and 30 having multiple sex partners
are most at risk for this infection.
How is NGU spread?
NGU is spread almost exclusively through sexual contact involving penis
to vagina or penis to rectum contact.
What are the symptoms of NGU?
The symptoms of NGU involve a slight burning or tingling during urination
that is sometimes accompanied by a slight (usually clear) discharge (drip)
from the urethra.
How soon do symptoms appear?
The symptoms associated with NGU usually appear from one to five weeks
after infection. Some people never develop obvious symptoms throughout
their infection.
When and for how long can is a person able to spread NGU?
A person can spread NGU from the time they are infected until they are
cured.
Does past infection with NGU make a person immune?
No. Past infection with NGU does not protect a person from contracting
the disease again.
What is the treatment for NGU?
NGU is treated through the use of antibiotics such as tetracycline.
What can be the effect of not being treated for NGU?
If not treated for NGU, a person may experience swelling of the testicles
(epididymitis) and infection of the prostate gland. More importantly,
they may infect sexual partners.
What can be done to prevent the spread of NGU?
There are a number of ways to prevent the spread of NGU:
Source: NY State Department of Health
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