Non-specific urethritis can be caused by:

• a bacteria, the most common one being Chlamydia
• slight damage to the urethra or the end of the penis
• chemicals, such as those in soap powder, which may irritate the urethra.

Symptoms

Symptoms of NSU can be:

• drops of white liquid on the end of the penis (a discharge)
• a burning pain when passing urine and feeling like needing to urinate more than usual.

Most men who have NSU do not get any symptoms.

How it is transmitted 

You can get NSU through having sex. It is most easily passed on through penetrative vaginal or anal sex without a condom, although it can also be transmitted on fingers from the vagina to the penis.

What can I do if I think I have NSU?

If you think you have NSU you can go to an NHS sexual health clinic. You can read more about clinics and find your nearest one elsewhere on this website. You can also visit one of our Fastest clinics or your local or family doctor (GP).

By law sexual health clinics cannot tell anyone about your visit. However, these rules do not apply to your GP who can tell other people that you have had an appointment with them.

Testing

The doctor will test you for NSU by taking a small sample with cotton wool or a swab. Swabs are usually taken from the tip of the penis. Having a swab taken is not painful but it may be uncomfortable. 

The sample will then be tested for NSU.

Treatment

If you have NSU it is usually very easy to get rid of it with a course of antibiotic tablets, but you have to take all the tablets to cure the NSU.

Why get treated?

It is important to get rid of NSU as, in some rare cases, if it is untreated it can lead to other health problems. It can infect the testicles and make it difficult to conceive a baby.

Protect yourself and others

Using a condom can help protect against getting NSU. Remember too that using a condom will help protect you against getting or passing on other sexually transmitted infections.