What are the main signs and symptoms of nongonococcal urethritis?

Condition analysis:
It usually takes one to three weeks after the infection occurs before a man develops any symptoms of NGU. The first symptom is usually a leakage of milky fluid (discharge) from the tip of the penis. The amount of discharge may vary from a little to quite a lot. There also may be mild burning of the penis during urination. If the symptoms are ignored, the discharge may decrease although the infection is still present. Sometimes there are no symptoms. If left untreated, the infection may move up around the testicles, causing pain, swelling and sterility. The infection also may spread to other parts of the body, causing severe illness.

Instructions:
How is urethritis diagnosed: Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms. They’ll likely also examine the genital area for discharge, tenderness, sores and any signs of an STI. This can help them to make a diagnosis.

They may order tests to analyze a urine sample or a swab taken from the urethra or vaginal area. If the doctor suspects a specific STI, there will likely be a test that can allow the doctor to confirm or rule out that potential diagnosis. Blood tests may be taken to check for other STIs, like HIV and syphilis.

Depending on your doctor and their lab, you can get test results back in as soon as a few days. This allows them to start you on treatment as soon as possible, and to let you know whether your partner needs to be tested and treated, too.