Non-specific urethritis (NSU) can cause different symptoms in men and women. In some cases, NSU does not cause any symptoms at all.
Symptoms of NSU in men
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 urinate
- the tip of your penis feeling irritated and sore
- a frequent need to urinate
Depending on the cause of NSU (see NSU - causes), symptoms may begin a few weeks after an infection or several months later. If NSU has a non-infectious cause, symptoms may begin after a couple of days. Symptoms that start a day or two after sex are usually not caused by an STI, but testing for STIs is still recommended.
If a current or recent sexual partner informs you that you may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause NSU, but you don't have any symptoms, don't assume that you do not have NSU. In these circumstances, it is always recommended that you visit your local genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic or sexual health clinic for testing.
Symptoms of NSU in women
NSU tends to cause no noticeable symptoms in women unless the infection manages to spread 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 that can cause persistent pain. Repeated episodes of PID are associated with an increased risk of infertility.
Symptoms of PID include:
- pain around the pelvis or lower part of your tummy
- discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse that is felt deep inside the pelvis
- bleeding between periods and after sex
- unusual vaginal discharge
- a high temperature (fever) of 38°C (100.4°F) or above
See the Health A-Z topic about PID for more information about this condition.
