navigation Who are we and what do we do? navigation The answers to the questions we are regularly asked navigation Some useful links and stuff if we've missed anything
navigation How can you arrange to come and see us and what happens when you do? navigation
navigation Get clued up about infections and treatments navigation
navigation navigation

Non-Specific Urethritis

Non-specific urethritis (NSU) is an infection that can have different causes. Some of these are sexually transmitted, some not. In some men the cause is not identified after testing. It is possible to pass on NSU by having unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex.

The possible causes of NSU

These include:

  • Sexually Transmitted infections such as Chlamydia, and less often Trichomonas Vaginalis and Herpes.
  • Bacteria which lives naturally inside the urethra (where you pass urine from) rapidly multiplying due to stress or illness.
  • Urine infections
  • Having sex with someone with a vaginal infection such as thrush or BV
  • Irritation caused by shower gels/ soaps/ condoms

  • Damage to the urethra caused by vigorous sex, masturbation, squeezing or inserting objects into the urethra

Signs and symptoms

  • White or cloudy discharge from the penis
  • Pain when passing urine
  • Itching or irritation at the end of the penis

What happens if I am diagnosed with Non-specific urethritis?

NSU is easily treated with antibiotics. These will be given in clinic. You may have to wait for up to 2 weeks for the results of your STI screen to see if it has a sexually transmitted cause. If this is the case, you may require further treatment, but the treatment given to you in clinic is often sufficient. Someone will advise you of the steps to take next.

We would recommend that your partners get treated to avoid the infection being passed back to you.