Non Specific Urethritis

What is it?

Non Specific Urethritis or NSU is an inflammation of the urethra (the tube that carries pee from the bladder out of the body). Non Specific Urethritis is not a sexually transmitted infection and can occur anytime. However NSU is often caused by either chlamydia or gonorrhoea.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of NSU in men can include:
A white or cloudy discharge from the tip of the penis
A burning or painful sensation when you pee
The tip of your penis feeling irritated and sore
A frequent need to pee

NSU tends to cause no noticeable symptoms in women unless the infection spreads to other parts of the female reproductive system, such as the womb or fallopian tubes (which connect the ovaries to the womb). If the infection does spread, a woman may develop pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID is a serious health condition and can cause pain and infertility.

How do I get tested?

You can visit any one of our centres across Walsall. Non Specific Urethritis (NSU) is diagnosed by a simple swab test. It is recommended that you are also tested for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea at the same time as NSU, as these can give very similar symptoms to NSU.

Is there any treatment?

Once diagnosed, Non Specific Urethritis (NSU) is usually treated with antibiotics. You can get free treatment for NSU at any one of our centres across Walsall. If your urethritis is caused by gonorrhoea, this may be treated differently.

How can I prevent it?

Most cases of Non Specific Urethritis (NSU) are caused by an STI. You can protect yourself from STI’s by always using a condom every time you have vaginal, anal or oral sex.

If you would like to know more about NSU, visit the NHS Choices website.

Learn More About STIs