Non-gonococcal urethritis
refers to urethritis caused by STD pathogens other than Neisseria gonorrhoeae, mainly Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma, others are Trichomonas, herpes virus, Candida, etc. General symptoms include: itching of the urethra, frequent urination, and painful urination, but the symptoms are generally milder than those of gonococcal urethritis.
Non-STD urethritis
Refers to non-STD bacteria, such as Escherichia coli (~80%) or other common gastrointestinal bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, etc), which cause inflammation in the urethra. Bacteria can also run into the bladder through the urethral, It sometimes can be traced back to the kidneys and cause nephritis.
Women, the elderly, diabetic patients, patients with urinary knots, and those who use urinary catheters are generally more susceptible to non-STD urethritis.
During sexual intercourse, if the private parts of both parties are not clean after defecating(female), it is easy to be infected by bacteria in the vulva, vagina or anus and cause urinary tract infection.
Causes of non-gonococcal urethritis
Nongonococcal urethritis is a multi-cause urethritis. Mostly related to Chlamydia trachomatis (30%-50%), followed by Ureaplasma urealyticum infection (20%-30%), about 10% caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, Candida albicans, herpes simplex virus, Mycoplasma genitalium, etc.
Transmission of non-gonococcal urethritis
It is usually spread through sexual contact, such as unsafe sex (oral sex, sexual intercourse or anal sex) or sharing sex toys) and caused infection with the above pathogens. It is worth mentioning that non-gonococcal pathogens can also infect the oral cavity through wounds or mucous membranes in the mouth, so it is possible to contract non-gonococcal urethritis during oral sex.
Common symptoms of non-gonococcal urethritis
The general symptoms include burning, itching or tingling of the urethra, accompanied by frequent urination, but the symptoms are milder than those of gonococcal urethritis. However, some infected people may have no symptoms or only a small amount of discharge (discharge may only appear before getting up in the morning).
The incubation period of non-gonococcal urethritis: around 7-21 days
Non-gonococcal urethritis testing
Tests with DNA of non-gonococcal pathogen can be performed through a urine sample or rectal cell/throat cell swab sample to confirm whether it is infected. Generally, the inspection depends on suspected infected part.
Treatment of non-gonococcal urethritis
It can be cured by antibiotic treatment.
