Non-specific urethritis

Non-specific urethritis (NSU) is when the urethra (the tube that urine comes down) becomes inflamed. The exact cause isn't known, but it's usually caused by bacteria that live in the anus, cock and mouth. Many people don't notice symptoms. But you might get:

• a discharge from your cock
• pain when you urinate
• pain in your anus or balls.

If it's left untreated it can cause long-term damage to your balls, arthritis and prostatitis (inflammation of the anus).

How is it passed on?
NSU can be passed on and picked up through anal and oral sex without a condom.

Treatment
NSU can be treated with antibiotics.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia normally affects the urethra, but it can also be in the anus and throat. Chlamydia is caused by bacteria.

Many people don't notice symptoms when they have chlamydia, but you might get:

• discharge from your cock and anus
• pain when you urinate
• pain in your anus or balls

If it's left untreated, it can cause long-term damage to your balls, arthritis and prostatitis (inflammation of the anus).

How is it passed on?
Chlamydia can be passed on and picked up through anal and oral sex without a condom, and through rimming.

Treatment
Chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics.

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is also known as 'the clap'. It is caused by bacteria that live on moist, warm parts of the body such as the inside of the anus, mouth, throat and urethra.

You may not notice any symptoms if you get gonorrhoea but if you do, these could be:

• a white/yellow discharge and pain when you urinate
• you might want to piss but can't, or only a little
• discharge on your shit or pain when you shit
• a sore throat (if you get the infection in your throat).

If it's left untreated it can cause long-term damage to your balls, arthritis and prostatitis (inflammation of the anus).

How is it passed on?
Gonorrhoea can be passed on and picked up through unprotected anal and oral sex, and through rimming.

Treatment
Gonorrhoea can be treated with antibiotics.

Syphilis

In the past 10 years there has been a big rise in the number of men diagnosed with syphilis in Britain.

There are three stages of infection:

1. A painless red sore may appear on your penis, or in your mouth, throat or anus, two to four weeks after infection.

2. Weeks or months after infection, you might get a body rash and/or a fever and feel ill.

3. If left untreated, syphilis can eventually cause serious damage to your brain, heart and nervous system.

How is it passed on?
Syphilis can be passed on and picked up through unprotected anal and oral sex, as well as fingering and fisting.

Treatment
Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics.

Herpes

Genital or anal herpes are caused by a virus. The symptoms include:

• sores or blisters (usually on your penis, anus, throat or mouth)
• flu-like aches and pains.

How is it passed on?
The virus is passed on by skin contact with someone's herpes sores. This could be through anal or oral sex, rimming or fingering, as well as contact with sores (called cold sores) in or around the mouth.

Treatment
There's no cure for herpes, although you can get treatment to alleviate pain and reduce the blisters and sores.

Further information
For more information about STIs visit:
www.chapsonline.org.uk/infections