Warning:

This document is being maintained for historical purposes, but is now out of date. To view current guidelines please visit:

• STD Treatment Guidelines   at http://www.cdc.gov/STD/treatment

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1993 Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines

09/24/1993

SUGGESTED CITATION
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 1993 Sexually
transmitted diseases treatment guidelines. MMWR 1993;42(No. RR-14):
{inclusive page numbers}.

CIO Responsible for this publication:
National Center for Prevention Services,
Division of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and HIV Prevention

Management of the Patient with Urethritis
     
     Urethritis, or inflammation of the urethra, is caused by an
infection characterized by the discharge of mucoid or purulent
material and by burning during urination. However, asymptomatic
infections are common. The two bacterial agents primarily
responsible for urethritis among men are N. gonorrhoeae and C.
trachomatis. Testing to determine the specific diagnosis is
recommended because both of these infections are reportable to
state health departments and because with a specific diagnosis,
treatment compliance may be better and the likelihood of partner
notification may be improved. If diagnostic tools (e.g., Gram stain
and microscope) are unavailable, health-care providers should treat
patients for both infections. The added expense of treating a
person with nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) for both infections also
should encourage the health-care provider to make a specific
diagnosis. (See Nongonococcal Urethritis, Chlamydial Infections,
and Gonococcal Infections.)

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