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NGU (non-gonococcal urethritis)

NGU (non-gonococcal urethritis)

What is it?
Non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) is usually caused by a bacterial infection. It is sometimes called NSU (Non-specific urethritis). NGU only affects men.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• Inflammation of a man’s urethra (pee tube) causing pain or burning when peeing.
• A clear or white discharge from the penis.

• More frequent peeing.

How do people get it?
Several different types of bacteria can cause NGU, most commonly chlamydia. Very rarely, it can result from friction during sex, an allergy or excess alcohol.

How is it diagnosed and treated?
Swabs are taken from the urethra (pee tube) and a pee sample will also be taken. In most clinics, the result is available when you first visit and NGU is treated with a simple course of antibiotics.

What if it is not treated?
Rare complications can be inflammation of the testicles and reduced fertility. Even if treated NGU may reappear, but this is uncommon.

If left untreated, there may be complications although again these are rare. These could include a painful infection of the testicles, possible reduced fertility and an inflammation of the joints that may lead to Reiter’s Syndrome.

If you can, you should let anyone that you have had sexual contact with in the last 3 – 6 months know that they may have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and that they need to be checked out and possibly tested. Staff at the clinic will offer you as much support as you need to do this.

Where to get help
If you think you may have NGU, contact your local sexual health (GUM) clinic and make an appointment. It’s easy and completely confidential.

For more information on sexual health (including HIV), call the Sexual Health Line free (from the UK) on 0800 567 123, textphone (for people with hearing impairments) 0800 521 361 or phone your local NHS sexual health clinic.

Links and contact details

Name: NHS Direct Wales
Web: http://www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/encyclopaedia/th/article/thrush
NHS Direct Wales – Health Encyclopedia
Email:
Tel: 0845 46 47
Info: NHS Direct Wales is a health advice and information service available 24 hours a day, every day that was set up by the Welsh Assembly Government.

GUM Clinics in South East Wales

ABERDARE
Aberdare General Hospital
Aberdare, CF44 0RF
Tel: 01443 443597
Opening Times: Tue & Thu, 9.30am – 12.30pm

CARDIFF
Cardiff Royal Infirmary
Newport Road, Cardiff, CF24 0SZ
Tel: 029 2033 5207 / 8
Opening times: Mon, Tues, Thurs 8.40 a.m – 5.00 p.m; Wednesday – Closed; Friday Afternoon – Closed (Closed for lunch 12.15 – 1.15 p.m.)

NEWPORT
Royal Gwent Hospital
Cardiff Road, Newport, NP2 2UB
Tel: 01633 234555
Opening times: Mon – Fri, 9.00am – 12.30pm; 1.30pm – 4.30pm

PONTYPOOL
Panteg County Hospital
Coed-Y-Cric Road, Griffiths Town, Pontypool, NP4 5YA
Tel: 01633 234555
Opening times: Mon, 5.00pm – 7.30pm

PONTYPRIDD
Students Health Centre
Dewi Sant Hospital
University of Glamorgan, Pontypridd, CF37 1DL
Tel: 01443 443597
Opening times: Tue, 9.00am – 12.30pm

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