Chlamydia & NSU
Although chlamydia is often thought of as being more of a problem for straight people, thousands of UK gay and bisexual men are treated in clinics for chlamydia or NSU each year.
Chlamydia is caused by bacteria. It normally affects the urethra, but can be in the arse and throat.
NSU stands for non-specific urethritis and is sometimes called non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU).
It is one of the most common STIs.
NSU is when the urethra becomes inflamed (the urethra is the pipe in your dick that piss comes down). It’s usually caused by bacteria that live in the arse, cock and mouth but you only get NSU in your cock.
NSU is called ‘non-specific’ because usually the exact cause isn’t known but often it’s caused by chlamydia.
Symptoms
With both infections, many people don’t notice symptoms. But 10 to 20 days after getting infected you might notice:
- a discharge from the cock
- a discharge from the arse (if chlamydia is present)
- pain when pissing
- pain in the arse or balls.
How it is transmitted
Both can be passed on through unprotected:
- fucking or being fucked
- sucking or being sucked
Chlamydia can also be passed on through rimming.
Lots of sex or wanking can cause NSU through inflammation of the urethra.
What can I do if I think I have chlamydia/NSU?
You can go to a free and confidential NHS sexual health clinic. You can go to any, not just the nearest. Your local or family doctor (GP) might also test and treat for STIs – if not, they will refer you to a clinic. You can read more about clinics and find your nearest one here.
By law sexual health clinics cannot tell anyone about your visit. But if you are referred by your GP to a clinic they will send a letter to your doctor saying what tests and treatment you had; this will go on your GP records. If you don’t want this to happen it’s better to go straight to the clinic without involving your GP.
Treatment
A sample of your piss is tested or a swab taken from your urethra.
Antibiotics cure the infection – one tablet or a course lasting a week or two.
Untreated chlamydia or NSU can cause serious damage to your balls (known as epididymitis), arthritis or prostatitis (long-term inflammation inside the arse).
Protect yourself and others
Using a condom greatly reduces the risk that either infection is picked up or passed on.
No-one is immune to chlamydia or NSU. If you’ve had it before, you can get it again.
This article was last reviewed on: 21/10/11
Date due for next review: 21/10/13
