You've Got What?
How infectious diseases are spread and simple and practical advice for preventing the spread of infection in the home and community
Urethritis, infection of the urethra (the urinary canal leading from the bladder to the outside of the body), which is not caused by gonorrhoea or chlamydia is called non-specific urethritis. Gonorrhoea and chlamydia infection are by far the most common cause of urethritis, but a number of other organisms can cause this condition. Non-specific urethritis is most commonly diagnosed in men.
Most infections are sexually transmitted.
In men, symptoms may include a watery discharge from the penis and a burning sensation in the penis when urinating.
In women, pain occurs when urinating and discharge may not be noticed. These symptoms occur to varying degrees.
Diagnosis is usually made when symptoms are present but tests for gonorrhoea and Chlamydia are negative. There are no tests for most of the organisms which can cause this condition and it is likely there are some causes which have not yet been identified. Some of the likely causes are bacteria such as Ureaplasma parvum and Mycoplasma genitalium, parasites such as Trichomonas vaginalis and viruses such as herpes simplex virus.
(time between becoming infected and developing symptoms)
Variable, usually between 2 to 35 days.
(time during which an infected person can infect others)
Until antibiotic therapy has been completed.
Treatment varies depending on the specific cause of the infection. Continued or recurring symptoms may require referral for specialist treatment.