Persistent Urethritis (NGU)

[puzzled1624]

Hello All,

I was hoping that a member here could give some advice and/or similar experience to that one that i've having right now.  If you have any insight i would appreciate a response.  i'm already discussing the issue with my doctor, but this forum is perfect for additional info.

On about Sept. 15 I was diagnosed with non-chlamydial nongonoccal urethritis after a clear discharge (very clear, like mucus) and i took azithromycin (1 oral dose) to try to cure it.  This didn't work so i then was put on a week of doxycycline and also a week of ciprofloxacin.  my symptoms seemed to subside after taking that regimen for a week or so.  Then on a thursday about a week after finishing this regimen, i noticed heavy discharge at about 4 PM after i got home from work and painful urination.  the discharge this time was more milky.  the next day, i had significant burning when i urinated...nothing crazy like razor blades, but clearly new.  I also noticed that the discharge in the morning when i milked the urethra was more yellowish.  I have also not been exposed and not had sex since diagnosis.

The next regimen i was given was a week of erythromycin four times daily and 2 grams of metronizadole for potential trich exposure.  Just an FYI that i received a full urinalysis at an STD center and was negative for everything.  Swab test was negative for chalmydia and gonorrhea, but showed inflammation, regardless...pretty bad inflammation actually.

I am now on day 6 of my treatment and i've noticed a "slowdown" of symptoms but there is still a discharge and same pain on urination.  I had pain in my groin yesterday afternoon but that seems to be gone today, but the areas is still "sensitive".  don't know if nodes are swollen in groin because i've never seen what an enlarged node looks like.  If this treatment doesn't work, i'm clueless as to what to do???  most stuff i've read says that persistent ngu is a big problem to treat.  My questions are as follows:

1.  Has anyone else had such experience before or at least have some info as to the best way to treat this issue?

2.  Does persistent NGU have anything to do with HIV infection, meaning does it prolong things and make it harder to get rid of symptoms or infection?  Especially this early on?

3.  Would a longer course of anti-biotics prevent a relapse of this condition and therefore, shoudl i discuss with my doctor about going on another week of the erythromycin?  Or another regimen of a new drug?

4.  Does this sort of thing ever just go away on its own (i've been told it does)?

5.  I've been told my new girlfriend is not at risk due to chlamydia not being involved as it never leads to any negative health outcomes, is that the case with anyone else?

6.  I've now tried azithromycin, doxycycline, metronizadole and now erythromycin and i'm wondering if there is no hope or if a urologist may help?

This has now consumed my life and i can't even think straight anymore...just don't know what to do.  any shared expereince or updates as to what worked for you is very much appreciated.

[auntiejessi]

Yeah, maybe, but it depends on what kind of tests they ran.  Many times, they won't checked for white blood cells, and those can be indicative of a prostate problem.  A simple call to the doctor's office will clear that up.

And the prostate exam might just help by ruling it out.

AJ

[puzzled1624]

I had a full urinalysis done at a real steep price at the clinic recently and there was nothing detected at all in urine...just an enflamed urethra.  If this were something having to do with the prostate, wouldn't something show up in my urine?

[auntiejessi]

Hi there -

This has nothing to do with HIV, so you can relax on that front.

I think its time that you see a urologist.  You might have prostatitis that is causing all this, and urologists know more specific testing to do.

This does go away for many men, but it can take awhile sometimes.  I think a urologist is your best thought.

Aj