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01592.txt
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1994-01-17
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$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.
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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.