Urethral syndrome; NGU; Non-gonococcal urethritis

In men:

• Blood in the urine or semen
• Burning pain while urinating (dysuria)
• Discharge from penis
• Fever (rare)
• Frequent or urgent urination
• Itching, tenderness, or swelling in penis or groin area
• Pain with intercourse or ejaculation

In women:

• Abdominal pain
• Burning pain while urinating
• Fever and chills
• Frequent or urgent urination
• Pelvic pain
• Vaginal discharge

The health care provider will perform a physical examination. In men, the exam will include the abdomen, bladder area, penis, and scrotum. The physical exam may show:

• Discharge from the penis
• Tender and enlarged lymph nodes in the groin area
• Tender and swollen penis

A digital rectal exam will also be performed.

Women will have abdominal and pelvic exams. The health care provider will check for:

• Discharge from the urethra
• Tenderness of the lower abdomen
• Tenderness of the urethra

The following tests may be done:

• Complete blood count (CBC)
• C-reactive protein test
• Pelvic ultrasound (women only)
• Pregnancy test (women only)
• Urinalysis and urine cultures
• Tests for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and other sexually transmitted diseases

Images

Female urinary tract

Male urinary tract

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Urethritis Overview

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Urethritis Treatment

Review Date: 09/03/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Scott Miller, MD, Urologist in private practice in Atlanta, Georgia. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)