What is nongonoccocal urethritis?
It might be better to ask "what isn't it?"
Nongonococcal urethritis, or NGU, is defined as any form of urethritis not caused by gonorrhea. Approximately 15 to 50 percent of NGU cases are caused by chlamydia, but NGU can be caused by other sexually transmitted bacteria such as trichomonas vaginalis. The herpes simplex virus can also cause NGU.
NGU is a diagnosis of exclusion. That is, it tells you not what you are infected with, but what you aren't. In most cases, if you are diagnosed with NGU, further testing will be performed to try and identify the cause of the infection. However, with the exception of chlamydia, the bacteria that cause NGU can be hard to identify, and so your doctor may just decide to treat you with broad spectrum antibiotics.
For More Information:
- Nongonococcal Urethritis Symptoms (Warning: Photos May Offend Some Viewers)
- Nongonococcal Urethritis Testing
- Nongonococcal Urethritis Treatment
Sources:
Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines 2006: Diseases Characterized by Urethritis and Cervicitis Accessed 5/28/07
