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Urethritis is a term used to decribe the inflamed condition of the urethra which is the tubelike organ that transports urine out of the body from the bladder and in the male also carries semen.

Urethritis is classified either as either gonoccocal or nongonoccocal depending on whether or not gonorrhea causing bacteria are identified as the cause. Thus nongonococcal urethritis or NGU, refers to any area infection of the urethra that is not caused by gonorrhea.

Some pathogens can cause diseases that are similar to gonorrhea but that are not always sexually transmitted. One of these diseases is called nongonococcal urethritis or NGU. This pathogen causes pain and swelling in various parts of the urinary tract. Although gonorrhea also causes inflammation of parts of the urinary tract, the gonorrheal bacteria are not the same as the pathogens that cause NGU.

In males, NGU mainly causes an inflammation of the urethra. The urethra is a tube through which urine passes from the body. In females, the disease usually affects the birth canal. NGU can be transmitted through sexual contact and thus sometimes classified as a STD. However, males can contract NGU from certain soaps, deodorants, or clothing dyes. The long-term effects of NGU are not known.

Only a physician can diagnose NGU and determine the proper treatment for it. In most cases of NGU, a physician will prescribe an antibiotic as part of the treatment.

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