What is NGU? |
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NGU is a term
that describes an infection of the urethra (the
tube that carries urine from the bladder). NGU
stands for non gonococcal urethritis.
It means that after testing, gonorrhea has been
ruled out as the cause of the urethral infection.
Other sexually transmitted organisms are usually
the cause. Among the several organisms that
cause NGU, the most common and most serious is
chlamydia.
NGU generally
refers to symptoms that men have. Painful
urination and/or discharge are typical NGU
symptoms for men.
Women who get
chlamydia often have no symptoms--especially in
its early stages.
In women,
painful urination and/or unusual vaginal
discharge can be caused by organisms unrelated to
NGU.
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What are the symptoms of NGU
for men? |
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Key symptoms
include:
- Discharge
from the penis
- Burning
when urinating
- Burning or
itching around the opening of the penis
These symptoms
most frequently appear in the morning. Some men
will have no symptoms, or symptoms so mild they
go unnoticed.
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Can women get NGU? |
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Women can just
as easily be infected with the organisms that
cause NGU in men. In women, however, these
infections more often create problems in the
reproductive tract instead of the urethra. The long-term
consequences of these infections tend to be more
severe in women. Because the infection is
internal and often without noticeable symptoms, a
woman may not know she is infected until
complications set in.
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Can NGU be dangerous? |
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Yes, if left
untreated. And women and babies are most at
risk.
Don't be fooled
by a lack of symptoms or consoled by mild
symptoms. Left untreated, the organisms that
cause NGU-especially chlamydia-can lead to:
- Permanent
damage to the reproductive organs of both
men and women, resulting in infertility
- Problems in
pregnancy, resulting in premature
delivery or low birth weight
- Eye, ear,
and lung infections in newborns
A man can help
his female sex partner by getting tested at once
if he has symptoms.
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Getting tested |
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Go to a clinic
or doctor for an examination and tests. You can
be tested even if you don't have symptoms. Since gonorrhea can cause
urethritis, it must be ruled out before you can
be told you have NGU-- nongonoccocal
urethritis.
A man who is
diagnosed with NGU should tell his female sex
partner and ask her to get tested. He can prevent
lasting damage to her body by telling her right
away.
It's important
to be tested for other sexually transmitted
diseases as well, since having one infection can
indicate that you have other infections, too.
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How is NGU treated? |
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NGU is treated
with antibiotics. Follow instructions carefully.
Depending on your medication, you may take only
one pill or you may take pills everyday for a
week or more. Be sure to take all of the
medication-even if symptoms go away after a day
or two. It takes longer to get rid of the actual
infection.
All sex partners
of someone diagnosed with NGU should be treated
because:
- They may
have an infection and not know it
- It keeps
them from passing the infection back to
you or to others
- It prevents
them from suffering possible
complications
When you're
being treated, it's important to avoid sexual
contact with a partner until treatment is
completely finished. You could still be
contagious, even if your symptoms have gone.
A woman who is
pregnant, or thinks she might be, should tell her
doctor. This will ensure that an antibiotic will
be used that won't harm the baby.
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How can I avoid getting NGU?
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Guidelines for
preventing NGU are similar to those for other
sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including
HIV/AIDS.
- Practice
"Outercourse":
- The only
sure way to prevent STDs is to avoid
contact between the penis, vagina, mouth,
or anus. You can touch, kiss, cuddle,
massage, or tell each other your
fantasies. In general, using your hands
to give pleasure is safe.
- Use a Latex
Condom:
- Use a latex
condom (rubber) from start to finish
every time you have sex. For extra
protection, use a spermicidal jelly or
foam during vaginal sex. Use it with
latex condoms, not in place of them.
- Be Prepared:
- Have latex
condoms on hand and be ready to use them.
Be aware that people often don't make
good decisions in the heat of the moment-especially
if they are drunk or stoned.
- Limit
Number of Partners:
- The more
people you have sex with, the greater
your risk of getting an STD. If your
partner has sex with others, you are also
at risk.
- Get Tested:
- If you
think you have an STD, go to your doctor
or clinic right away. Ask your partner to
get tested too, so you won't pass a
disease back and forth. If you have sex,
get a checkup at least once a year.
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Find out more |
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- Contact the
STD clinic in your local health
department.
- Talk with
your health care provider.
- Call the
CDC National STD Hotline at 1-800-227-8922.
It's free and open to calls from 8 AM to
11 PM, Eastern time, Monday through
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