What causes NSU and cervicitis? Non-specific urethritis (NSU) is the name given to a group of common STIs that affect men. They are non-specific because there are many different causes.

Urethritis is an infection of the urethra, the tube that empties urine from the bladder.

Cervicitis is the female equivalent of NSU.

How is NSU and cervicitis spread? Usually by unprotected vaginal sex, however also by unprotected oral or anal sex.

What are the symptoms of NSU and cervicitis? Often there are no symptoms. If there are symptoms, they may not show up for several days or weeks, and can include:

Females:		Males:
an unusual vaginal discharge a burning feeling when passing urine pain during vaginal sex lower abdominal pain.		a discharge from the penis pain when passing urine.

Untreated NSU and cervicitis can cause male and female infertility.

How do you get tested for NSU and cervicitis? Swabs taken from the cervix and/or urethra.

What is the treatment for NSU and cervicitis?

• antibiotics
• avoid sex until treatment is completed and the swabs are repeated
• make sure all sexual partners are tested and treated
• untreated, these infections can lead to serious diseases.

In females, the infection can spread to the fallopian tubes and cause infertility (see pelvic inflammatory disease).

In males, NSU can lead to prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland), epididymitis (inflammation of the testicles) and infertility.

How can you minimise the risk of contracting NSU and cervicitis?  Always use a condom.

Avoid sex with casual partners and/or decrease the number of partners.

Have a check-up for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) if you have had:

• unsafe sex  
• a new partner
• symptoms.

Visit the "Where can I go for help?" webpage to find out where you can get an STI check-up