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Non - Specific Urethritis
Please note that some of the language in this article is sexually explicit.
Non-Specific Urethritis (NSU):
Is the inflammation of a man's urethra (the tube which urine and semen pass through) causing discharge and discomfort. The urethritis inflammation can often be caused by bacteria like Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea but often the exact cause is unknown hence the term Non Specific Urethritis. This STI (sexually transmitted Infection) is one of the most common infections in men. Occasionally the symptoms can be the result of a reaction to bubble bath, cystitis or a sensitivity response to washing powders. Often there are no symptoms initially but if they are present symptoms may include:
Symptoms:
- Burning or stinging sensation when passing urine
- A white or milky fluid from the tip of the penis
- Wanting to pass urine frequently
How is it contracted?
NSU is passed on via penetrative sexual intercourse which includes vaginal, oral or anal sex. It is not contracted from toilet seats or sharing towels. Some people suffer from NSU when they have not had sexual intercourse but have previously suffered from the condition this is called recurrent urethritis.
Diagnosis:
You will be asked to provide a specimen of urine; if you can try and make sure that you have not passed urine for three hours prior to giving the specimen. It will mean that the bacteria that could be causing your problem will not have been washed away by the urine and a more accurate diagnosis will be available.
Also a small cotton swab will be passed into the tip of your penis to obtain cells for analysis under the microscope.
Treatment:
NSU responds very well to antibiotic treatment and it is advised that your partner should be tested and treated at the same time to prevent re-infection. It is advised not to have sexual intercourse or masturbate whilst receiving treatment as the symptoms will settle faster.
If the condition is left untreated it can backtrack and cause inflammation of the epididymis causing Epididymitis
Prevention:
Condoms used correctly and consistently will prevent this STI from reoccurring; unprotected sexual intercourse will increase your chances of contracting another STI.
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