Non-specific Urethritis: What You Need to Know

There are certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that get a lot of publicity. We’ve all heard stories about syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia but there are a number of sexual health problems that don’t get talked about in the same way. Non-specific urethritis (NSU) is one of those conditions – but it is not always an infection.

It is a condition that affects the urethra, which is the tube that drains urine from the bladder. NSU causes this tube to become inflamed which can lead to pain, redness and swelling. It is usually caused by an infection but this isn’t always the case. It is sometimes referred to as non-gonoccocal urethritis so as to differentiate it from the similar symptoms of gonorrhoea.

What causes NSU?

NSU is usually caught by having either vaginal, anal or oral sex with a partner who already has the condition. Often a microorganism is ultimately to blame, but there can actually be a large variety of causes which is why the infection is referred to as ‘non-specific’. The most common infection found in NSU is chlamydia which accounts for nearly half the cases in men.

Infection isn’t always the cause. Inflammation of the urethra can sometimes occur due to friction from excessive sex or masturbation or by inserting objects or applying liquids into the tube.

What are the symptoms of NSU?

Not all men who develop inflammation of the urethra will show symptoms – and some are so mild that they are easy to ignore. But some of the more prominent symptoms are difficult to ignore. These include cloudy discharge from the penis, which is usually more noticeable first thing in the morning, and pain or a burning sensation when urinating.

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Non-specific Urethritis: What You Need to Know

Categories: NSU, STI, urethra

What Is An NSU And How Can You Avoid It?

NSU stands for non-specific urethritis and is a sexual health problem caused by having unprotected sex with someone who has a sexually transmitted infection (STI). This can be vaginal, oral or anal sex, and it is usually caused by a micro-organism (but can be caused by other factors, which is why it is referred to as ‘non-specific’).

The most common case of an NSU is an STI called Chlamydia. This may, in fact, account for as many as 50 percent of cases of NSU in men. Trichomonas Vaginalis and Herpes are also causes of NSU, as are Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma Gentialium bacteria.

There are occasions when an NSU is caused by inflammation rather than by a bacteria, and this inflammation can affect the wellbeing by causing pain and difficulty in passing urine. It can be caused by vigorous sex or masturbation or by inserting objects, chemicals or liquids into the urethra.

NSUs are far easier to diagnose in men than in women, due to the nature of the urethra. They are generally passed on through any type of unprotected sex that allows the bacteria to transmit from one person to another. They are not transmitted in any other way, such as sharing towels or toilet seats or by hugging or kissing.

Symptoms vary from person to person, with some people experiencing only mild symptoms and others finding their wellness severely affected by an NSU. Symptoms can include a white or cloudy discharge from the penis, which may indicate infection, or a feeling of needing to go to the toilet more often. It may also cause pain, a burning sensation when passing water or a difficulty in urinating. It can also cause irritation or itching at the opening of the urethra.

Treatment is usually given in the form of antibiotics, and can take some time to clear up altogether.

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What Is An NSU And How Can You Avoid It?

Categories: NSU, sexual, STI