Non-Gonococcal Urethritis is an infection of the urethra. This infection can be caused by a number of pathogens with the exception of the gonorrhea bacteria. Non-Gonococcal Urethritis is also referred to as NGU and is quite a common condition that can affect both men and women but is seen to be more prevalent in men. It is a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) and therefore people with an infection would need to abstain from all sexual relationships until they are completely cured to prevent the spread of the infection to their partner. People who indulge in unprotected sex and those with multiple partners are at a higher risk of contracting this infection.
There are several causes for NGU but the most common cause is a bacterial infection called Chlamydia. In addition to this infection, infecions such as Ureaplasma urealyticum or Haemophilus vaginalis too can cause NGU. In rare cases, Trichomonas vaginalis and the Herpes simplex virus too can cause this condition. An NGU infection must be treated immediately as it can cause severe health conditions if it is neglected. Epididymitis is a problem that is often the result of a neglected NGU and this can lead to infertility. In addition to this, the NGU can also cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease in women and recurring bouts of this disease can also lead to infertility.
The continuous urethral discharge that you have noticed will not clear up until the infection has been successfully treated. There are several medications that your doctor may recommend including Erythromycin, Ofloxacin, Azithromycin and Doxycycline. If you have had this infection before, the doctor may prescribe stronger antibiotics such as Metronidazole with Erythromycin. You can also use natural remedies to help treat this infection. Garlic cloves are rich in anti-microbial agents such as allacin and so you should include garlic in your meals. You can make a tonic and drink it daily to help your body fight off the infection. Chop about 2 or three pods of garlic. If you would like to, you can instead mash them with the flat side of a large knife. Put this garlic into a glass of boiling hot water and allow it to cool down considerably before drinking it. You should also add ginger to your daily diet. Ginger too is a very effective home remedy to bolster the body’s immunity levels.
The medications for the NGU are strong antibiotics and so you need to ensure that your body is receiving the right type of nutrition in order to negate the side effects of these antibiotics. Avoid all white flour products and refine sugars and instead have plenty of salads, skinless chicken and fish. This type of a diet is very healthy and will help to strengthen your body and replenish low energy levels.
Chlamydia culture: How common is NGU?Several types of germs cause NGU, the most common and serious is chlamydia. Chlamydia is very common in both males and females. The diagnosis of NGU is more commonly made in males than in females, mainly due to the anatomical differences. Germs that can cause NGU include but are not limited to:
- Chlamydia trachomatis (most common)
- Ureaplasma urealyticum
- Trichomonas vaginalis (rare)
- Herpes simplex virus (rare)
- Haemophilus vaginalis
- Mycoplasma genitalium
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