$Unique_ID{BRK01592} $Pretitle{} $Title{What is NGU?} $Subject{discharge antibiotic diagnosis bacterial Infections Genitourinary lifestyle lifestyles NGU NonGonococcal Urethritis penis urethra gonococcus infection bacteria gonorrhea itching burning urination herpes virus Chlamydia trachomatous Ureaplasma urealyticum tetracyclines sexually transmitted disease std venereal disease vd sex infecting monogamous safe condom protection discharges Infectious bacterium urinating viruses viral Infected antibiotics tetracycline} $Volume{A-15, J-23} $Log{ Sexually Transmitted Disease: Herpes*0006401.scf Sexually Transmitted Disease: Chlamydia*0006404.scf Types of Urinary Tract Infections*0007101.scf Pathways of Infection of PID*0007902.scf} Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc. What is NGU? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ QUESTION: I visited my doctor for a disturbing and embarrassing discharge. I am a young (26 years old) otherwise healthy and normal male. My doctor wasn't too helpful, gave me an antibiotic and some medical mumbo jumbo as an explanation. All I can remember are the letters NGU, but can't find that in my home medical advisor. Can you help me in my search for information? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANSWER: I will certainly try. The mysterious letters you recall from your visit at the doctor's office stand for "NonGonococcal Urethritis" (or NGU). At one time in the past history of medicine, a discharge from the penis or the tubelike channel that runs through it (the urethra) was almost always due to an infection with a gonococcus, the bacteria that causes gonorrhea. When a discharge occurred that contained no gonococcal bacteria, it was thought to be due to a "strain" or perhaps too much alcohol or spicy food. It was even attributed to too much (or too little) sexual activity. The symptoms of both gonorrhea and NGU are very similar, a discharge, itching, and burning during urination. Only a careful examination and a lab test or two can tell the difference. The fact is that there are many possible causes of NGU, including several different types of bacteria and herpes virus. However, in about 3 cases out of 4 the culprit is either Chlamydia trachomatous or Ureaplasma urealyticum, both bacteria. In these cases an antibiotic, one in the class of tetracyclines, is usually effective. Treatment should continue for a week. Now a word of caution. NGU is considered a sexually transmitted disease, more likely in men who have more than one sex partner. Though it can be treated and cured with the proper course of antibiotics, it is also possible to become reinfected. If you are monogamous, it doesn't mean your partner is unfaithful. Women may harbour these infecting organisms for years before they show up. It might be wise to have her examined, and treated as well, if this is necessary. If this is not the case, practicing "safe sex" using a condom may be your best protection. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.