What is it?

Urethritis is an inflammation of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. If the inflammation is not caused by the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhoea it is usually referred to- non gonococcal urethritis (NGU) or non- specific urethritis. It can be caused by damage to the urethra and infections such as urinary tract infection. Many times, the cause for urethritis will not be found- then treatment for infection will still be offered. In women, NGU typically does not cause any symptoms. In men it can cause pain and discharges from the penis, burning sensation while urinating and pain and swelling of the testicles. If left untreated, complications may include spreading of the infection into the prostate or testicles, infertility and spreading it to a female partner.