Non-specific urethritis (NSU) is a condition where the urethra becomes inflamed, usually due to infection.
The term "non-specific urethritis" is used when the cause of the urethritis has not yet been identified, but it is known that gonorrhoea is not responsible.
Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can also cause urethritis and tends to be more serious than NSU.
NSU can have a number of possible causes, but it is estimated that the STI chlamydia is responsible for 40% of all cases off NSU.
How common is non-specific urethritis?
NSU is one of the most common reasons men visit their local genito-urinary medicine (GUM) or sexual health clinic. In 2004, in the UK, there were 46,000 reported cases of NSU as a result of Chlamydia.
Prognosis
The prognosis for NSU is good. Symptoms tend to be mild and usually pass without the need for treatment within a few months.
However, you should always report symptoms of NSU to your GP or GUM clinic because treatment will be required to prevent the spread of infection.
Antibiotics are usually used to treat cases of NSU.
