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What is nongonococcal urethritis?

Nongonococcal urethritis can be described as a bacterial infection that occurs in the urethra, which is caused by a germ, other than gonorrhea. The bacteria that can usually lead to nongonococcal urethritis in a person are Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Haemophilus vaginalis, and Mycoplasma genitalium. In some rare cases Trichomonas vaginalis, Herpes simplex virus or other germs could also lead to nongonococcal urethritis. This condition usually occurs in men, as an early symptom of Chlamydia. Although nongonococcal urethritis is more common in men, it can be sexually transmitted to women. Nongonococcal urethritis in women could result in infertility.

Causes

Nongonococcal urethritis causing germs can easily be passed on from one person to another, during sexual intercourse, where the mucus membranes come in direct contact with an infected person. However, some of the nongonococcal urethritis causes include:

• Bacterial inflammation in the prostate gland
• Infections in the urinary tract
• Closing or the narrowing of the urethral stricture
• Catheterization (inserting a tube in the penis)
• Tightening of the foreskin in men

If a pregnant woman suffers from nongonococcal urethritis during delivery, then her baby could also be exposed to the germs, while passing through the birth canal. If this happens, the baby could suffer from infections in the lungs (pneumonia), ears and eyes (conjunctivitis).

Symptoms

Both men and women suffering from nongonococcal urethritis may experience infections and sore throats. However, other symptoms in men and women can be slightly different. The most common symptoms of nongonococcal urethritis in men are:

• Discharge from the penis
• Stains on the underwear
• Itching, tenderness or skin irritation in the groin area
• Burning sensation while urinating

The symptoms of nongonococcal urethritis in women are:

• Vaginal discharge
• Pain or a burning sensation while urination
• Severe abdominal pain

Treatment

There are quite a few precautionary measures that can be taken to prevent this condition. However, once a person is infected, it is best to get this infection treated without any delay. Most doctors recommend antibiotics like doxycycline, azithromycin, ofloxacin and erythromycin for nongonococcal urethritis treatment. However, pregnant women are generally not allowed to take antibiotics. Therefore alternate treatment options high consumption of water and a specific diet that is low in carbs and sugars may be more apt for women who are pregnant.

Nongonococcal urethritis can be quite a serious problem, if it is not treated at the right time. Therefore, all cases of nongonococcal urethritis should be closely monitored by a doctor.