Urethritis and Urethral Discharge in Men

What is urethritis and what causes it?

Urethritis means inflammation of the urethra. The urethra is the tube between the bladder and the end of the penis. Urethritis is usually caused by a sexually transmitted infection, but not always. It can occur within a stable relationship.

• Gonorrhoea is one type of sexually transmitted infection which can cause urethritis. A separate leaflet describes gonorrhoea in more detail.
• Non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) is the term used to describe urethritis caused by anything other than gonorrhoea. A bacterium called chlamydia is the common cause of NGU. This is one type of sexually transmitted infection. NGU can also be caused by a variety of other bacteria or viruses (germs). NGU may rarely have a non-infective cause. For example, injury or surgery to the urethra can cause inflammation. A separate leaflet describes NGU in more detail.

Some men have a combination of gonococcal and non-gonococcal urethritis at the same time.

What are the symptoms of urethritis?

• A discharge (fluid) from the end of the penis is common, but does not always occur.
• Pain or burning when you pass urine. This may be confused with a urine infection.
• You may have irritation inside the penis, or a feeling of wanting to pass urine frequently.
• Some men with urethritis never develop any symptoms. For example, up to half of men with chlamydia infection (the most common cause of NGU) do not have any symptoms.

How does urethritis progress?

Symptoms often clear over time, even without treatment. This may take from two weeks to six months. However, when the cause is due to a bacterial infection such as chlamydia, some bacteria often remain in the urethra. It is just the symptoms that may go.

Therefore, you are still likely to be infectious and can still pass on the infection even if symptoms go. The bacterium that commonly causes urethritis in men (chlamydia) can cause serious problems in women.

What should I do if I have symptoms of urethritis?

• Don't ignore it. See a doctor, or go to your local genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinic, even if symptoms go. You can go to the local GUM clinic without a referral from your GP.
• Your doctor may do tests or refer you to a GUM clinic. Tests such as a 'swab' of the discharge and a urine test are usual to find out the cause of the infection.
• Antibiotics will usually clear an infection. The antibiotic prescribed depends on the cause.
• Tell your sexual partner(s) to see their doctor or go to a GUM clinic, even if they have no symptoms. Many women with sexually transmitted infections do not have symptoms.
• Don't have sex until you and your sexual partner(s) have completed tests and treatment.

Further help and information

If you suspect that you have a sexually acquired urethritis or any other sexually transmitted infection, then contact your local genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinic or see your GP. You can go to the local GUM clinic without a referral from your GP. You can ring the local hospital or health authority and ask where the nearest clinic is. It may also be listed in the phone book under 'Genito-Urinary Medicine'.

fpa
Helpline: 0845 122 8690 Web: www.fpa.org.uk
Provides information and advice on all aspects of contraception and sexual health.

British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH)
www.bashh.org
A professional association but their website includes contact details of GUM clinics.

Chlamydiae.com
www.chlamydiae.com
The comprehensive reference and education site for Chlamydia and the chlamydiae. By the University of Southampton.

Department of Health - information about chlamydia
www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/HealthAndSocialCareTopics/Chlamydia/fs/en
Includes information about the national screening programme to detect young people with chlamydia who do not have symptoms.