In most states there is no requirement to report cases of NGU to health authorities, so the exact number of cases is not known. Any man can get NGU if his sexual partner is carrying the bacteria that cause it. Some cases are even caused by bacteria that are normally carried in his partner's vagina, rectum, or mouth. The causes of NGU can be carried for many months and even several years. Therefore, the appearance of NGU in a monogamous man does not necessarily mean his partner has been unfaithful.
Problems usually begin between one and six weeks after catching the infection.
These symptoms are usually less severe in NGU than in gonorrhea, but that's not a certain way to tell the two diseases apart. Examination and testing are necessary to make the diagnosis. But the condition is not called NGU in women. Many infected women have no symp- toms, and the physical examination may be normal, which is why condom use is important. A. NGU is diagnosed by examining the patient to see if abnormal discharge is present, examining the discharge under a microscope, and testing the discharge for gonorrhea and chlamydia.