Chlamydia discharge
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WHAT IS NON-GON
OCOCCAL URETHRITIS (NGU)?
It is sexually transmitted infection in males
who present with urethral discharge and dysuria. Several
bacteria may be responsible, the most common ones being
chlamydia trachomatis and ureaplasma urealyticum.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF NGU?
- Symptoms usually occur about 1 to 3 weeks after infection
- Presenting symptoms are urethral discharge and dysuria
(burning and irritation during urination). There
may be a white or yellow discharge
- The signs and symptoms are very similar to gonococcal
urethritis and thus accurate laboratory tests are needed
to confirm the diagnosis and to exclude gonorrhoea
- In some men there may be very mild symptoms or none
at all and diagnosis is made only after laboratory testing
WHAT ARE THE LONG TERM COMPLICATIONS OF NGU?
- If left untreated the infection may spread to the surrounding
organs such as testis, epididymis, prostate
- This may lead to infertility and chronic pain
- There may also be complications affecting the skin,
joints and eyes
HOW IS NGU DIAGNOSED?
- Smear and culture tests on secretions from the urethra
help to confirm the diagnosis
- Blood tests have no value in this condition
HOW IS NGU TREATED?
- Oral antibiotics (tetracyclines, erythromycin, ofloxacin,
azithromycin) are the treatments of choice
- Injections are not useful in the treatment of NGU
CAN THE INFECTION RECUR?
- Yes, recurrent or chronic urethritis is known to occur
in 10% to 15% of patients even after adequate treatment
WHAT SHOULD I DO?
- Seek medical treatment, do not self medicate
- Inform the doctor of any drug allergy
- Refrain from sex until cured
- Complete the course of treatment prescribed
- Refer your sex partner(s) for check-up so that he/she
can be treated early if found to be infected
- Always practise safer sex with casual partners and
prostitutes (sex workers)
WHAT IS SAFER SEX?
- This is sex without the exchange of body fluids, e.g.
vaginal secretions or semen during sex
- Use condoms correctly and every time you have sex
- Do not consume alcohol before or during sex, this may
impair your judgement
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