It can be caused by a number of different organisms, the most significant one being chlamydia. NGU not due to chlamydia may be due to exposure to normal vaginal or throat organisms. Men may experience a urethral discharge, pain when urinating, or urethral irritation. These symptoms may be more noticeable in the morning. Symptoms may develop between one and five weeks after the likely acquisition of infection.
Some men are unaware of any signs or symptoms.
NGU is transmitted in most cases, by having vaginal, anal or oral sex without a condom with someone who has an infection. NGU can be diagnosed by a swab collected from the urethra, or by urine sample. It is important not to pass urine for two hours before having these tests collected. Occasionally men with persisting NGU may require a second course. Sexual partners exposed by vaginal, anal or oral sex without using a condom in the previous few months are at risk of acquiring the infection.