Men who contract NGU often manifest symptoms similar to those of gonorrhea infection, including discharge from the penis and a mild burning sensation during urination. Often the discharge is less pronounced than with gonorrhea; it may be evident only in the morning before urinating.
Women with NGU are generally unaware of the infection until they are informed that it has been diagnosed in a male partner. They frequently show no symptoms, although there may be some itching, a burning sensation during urination, and a mild discharge of pus from the vagina. A woman may unknowingly have the infection for a long time, during which she may pass it to sexual partners.
The symptoms of NGU generally disappear after 2 to 3 months without treatment. However, the infection may still be present. If left untreated in women, it can result in cervical inflammation or PID; in men it can spread to the prostate, epididymis, or both. In rare cases NGU can produce a form of arthritis.
Treatment
A single dose of azithromycin or a regimen of doxycycline for 7 days usually clears up NGU. All sexual partners of individuals diagnosed with NGU should be examined for the presence of an STI and treated if necessary.