Non-Specific Urethritis (NSU or NGU)

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Non-specific Urethritis (NSU) which used to be known as NGU (Non-gonococcal urethritis), is a common STI-related condition that refers to any inflammation of the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body) that is not caused by an identified bacterial STI (gonorrhoea, chlamydia or mycoplasma genitalium). It can be transmitted through sex or through other activities. NSU infections can cause discharge, burning and/or urethral discomfort but may also be asymptomatic. NSU primarily affects people with penises. People with vulvas can get NSU, but it can be harder to diagnose as it does not cause many symptoms. 

NSU can be caused by several different bacteria or viruses, including those that cause other STI or may be caused by a non-STI bacteria or virus. 

NSU is usually treated with a short course of antibiotics, and you are unlikely to recover without treatment. If left untreated, NSU may lead to more serious infections.

Signs and Symptoms

Content warning: click to show images

NSU can be asymptomatic, but if symptoms do occur, they will often be within 2 to 35 days of exposure. They can also appear many months later. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other body areas, such as the prostate, testicles, cervix, or bladder.

Penis

Vagina/Vulva

Common Causes

NSU infections are most commonly caused by unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex. It can also be passed on when sharing sex toys. 

NSU can also be caused by deodorant, soap, phimosis, inserting objects such as urethral sounds or catheters into the urethra, excessive friction during sex or masturbation, ​​or by frequently squeezing the urethra.

Only sexually-transmitted NSU is contagious.

Prevention

You can prevent NSU infection by:

  • Using condoms and dams for oral, anal and vaginal sex
  • Using condoms when sharing sex toys
  • Avoiding activities and products that irritate the urethra 
  • Using undamaged, sterile equipment (like sounds, catheters, etc) for urethral play (particularly relevant to sex workers who provide BDSM, medical play, kink or fetish services)

It is recommended that you always change condoms when going from anal to vaginal or oral sex.

Testing 

Here’s some information about testing for NSW. You can view a list of sex worker-friendly sexual health clinics at our Where To Test page.

Testing Method

When to Test

Other Info

Treatment

NSU is easily treatable. Here’s what you need to know about treating it. 

Treatment Method/s

Costs and Other Information 

How might this impact my work? 

Practical Considerations

  • It is recommended that you not resume having sex until you have finished your medicine and your symptoms are gone.
  • If you can’t avoid having sex, then using a condom will help lower the chance of transmitting NSU, but there is no guarantee.
  • NSU can also increase the chances of passing on HIV infection due to breaks in the mucous membrane of the urethra.
  • Some antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraception (‘the pill’). 
  • If you often get thrush when you take antibiotics, you may want to take probiotics during and after your treatment to help prevent this.

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