What is NSU?
Non-specific urethritis (NSU) is an inflammation of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder and/or semen from the prostate gland to the outside of the body. NSU is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) among young adults; approximately two million people are diagnosed each year. In many cases, it isn’t possible to identify the exact cause of these infections through laboratory tests; when the causes of an infection are unknown, it’s called “non-specific.” There are a variety of suspected or known bacteria, viruses, yeasts, parasites, protozoans and/or fungi that cause urethritis. These infections are shared in almost all instances by vaginal, anal or oral intercourse with an infected partner. It’s not unusual for NSU to be associated with one or more other sexually transmitted infections. NSU may be made worse by things not directly related to sexual activity. Poor hygiene or consuming citrus, spicy foods, caffeine, carbonated beverages, high doses of vitamin
