Most cases of non-specific urethritis (NSU) are caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI). The best way to protect yourself against STIs is to practise safe sex by always using a condom when you have sex, including vaginal, oral and anal sex.
Safe sex
If you are sexually active, having safe sex offers you and your partner the best protection against STIs. Following the advice below will enable you to have a safer sex life.
- Keep the number of sexual partners that you have to a minimum.
- Use a barrier method of contraception, such as condoms, every time you have vaginal or anal sex.
- If you have oral sex, cover the penis with a condom or the female genitals with a latex or plastic square (dam).
- If you are not sure how to use a condom, see the Health A-Z topic about Condoms - how to use a condom.
- Avoid sharing sex toys. If you do share them, make sure that you wash them or cover them with a new condom before anyone else uses them.
You and your partner(s) should have regular check-ups for STIs. If you are not in a stable relationship and you are sexually active, you should have a check-up every year. You should have tests more often than this if you have unprotected sex with a new partner, or if you notice any symptoms that worry you.
Testing can be done at your GP surgery or at a genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic or sexual health clinic. You can use the Find services directory to find sexual health services in your area.
These measures can help protect you against STIs or, if you have an STI, will prevent you from passing it on to your partner.
Further help and advice
If you need further help and advice about any sexual health issue, you can call the Department of Health's sexual health helpline on 0800 567 123. It is free to call and is available 24 hours a day. See Live Well: if you need help now for more information.
Alternatively, you can call the sexual health direct helpline, which is run by the FPA, on 0845 122 8690. They can give you confidential information and advice on all STIs, contraception, sexual wellbeing and pregnancy questions. The sexual health direct helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm.
Leaflets about all STIs can also be downloaded from the FPA website, or see Live Well: sexual health for information on all aspects of sexual health.
