Non-Specific Urethritis (NSU) in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Non-specific urethritis (NSU), also called non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU), is inflammation of the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body) that is not caused by gonorrhea.

Several different germs (organisms) can cause NSU, including some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but in many cases the exact cause is never found.

In Grand Rapids and across West Michigan, NSU is a common reason men visit primary care, urgent care, and sexual health clinics such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and local community clinics.

How NSU Is Spread

NSU is most often linked to sexual activity. It can be:

  • Easily passed through vaginal sex
  • Less commonly passed through anal or oral sex
  • Occasionally not sexually transmitted (for example, caused by irritation, other bacteria, or rarely from urinary tract infections)

Because symptoms can be mild—especially in younger, otherwise healthy men in Grand Rapids—NSU is sometimes missed or mistaken for a simple urinary tract infection.

NSU Symptoms in Men

Symptoms usually appear 2–4 weeks after infection, but they can be very mild or even absent.

Common symptoms include:

  • Clear or white discharge from the penis
  • Burning or stinging when you urinate
  • Needing to urinate more often
  • Itching, irritation, or discomfort inside the penis
  • Mild pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvic area

More serious symptoms can include:

  • Swelling or pain in the testicles
    This may be a sign that the infection has spread and needs urgent medical attention.

Because Michigan has cold, dry winters, some men in Grand Rapids may confuse NSU symptoms (like burning when urinating) with dehydration or simple irritation. If symptoms last more than a day or two, you should be checked for infection.

Possible Complications of Untreated NSU

If NSU is not diagnosed and treated, it can lead to more serious health problems, including:

  • Spread of infection to the prostate or testicles
  • Epididymitis (painful inflammation at the back of the testicle)
  • Infertility (in rare, severe, or long-term untreated cases)
  • Passing the infection to sexual partners

In women, a partner’s untreated NSU can lead to:

  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
  • Chronic pelvic pain
  • Increased risk of infertility or ectopic pregnancy

This is especially important in a family-focused community like Grand Rapids, where many couples are planning or growing families.

Diagnosis of NSU in Grand Rapids

If you have symptoms of NSU, you should see a healthcare provider in Grand Rapids as soon as possible. Diagnosis may include:

  • A medical and sexual history
  • Physical examination of the penis and testicles
  • A urine test
  • A swab from the urethra (tip of the penis)
  • STI tests (for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and others)

Local options for evaluation include:

  • Primary care providers and family doctors
  • Urgent care centers across Grand Rapids and Kent County
  • Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health clinics
  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health sexual health services

Treatment for Non-Specific Urethritis

NSU is typically treated with antibiotics, most often taken by mouth.

Key points about treatment:

  • Always finish the full course of antibiotics, even if your symptoms improve or disappear.
  • Your doctor may treat you for likely causes such as chlamydia or mycoplasma genitalium, even if tests are still pending.
  • Avoid sex (including oral sex) until:
    • You and your partner(s) have completed treatment, and
    • Your doctor confirms it is safe to resume sexual activity.
  • In some cases, NSU can be hard to clear completely, and symptoms may return. If they do, you may need:
    • A second course of antibiotics
    • Additional testing for other infections
    • A review of whether your partner(s) were also treated

With correct treatment and follow-up, NSU usually clears up fully.

Preventing NSU in Grand Rapids

The Best Way to Prevent NSU: Use Condoms Correctly

Using condoms every time you have sex is one of the most effective ways to prevent NSU and other STIs.

Condom tips:

  1. Check the package

    • Look for the expiration date.
    • Make sure the wrapper is not damaged.
    • Store condoms in a cool, dry place (not in a hot car or wallet).
      This is especially important with Michigan’s hot summers and cold winters, which can damage latex.

  2. Opening the condom

    • Open the packet carefully.
    • Do not use teeth, scissors, or anything sharp that could tear the condom.

  3. Putting the condom on

    • Put the condom on before any genital contact.
    • Pinch the tip of the condom to leave space for semen.
    • Roll the condom all the way down the entire shaft of the erect penis.

  4. Use the right lubricant

    • Use water-based lubricants (e.g., KY Jelly, Astroglide, Wet).
    • Do not use spit, Vaseline, baby oil, coconut oil, or any oil-based products, as they can weaken the condom and cause it to break.

  5. After sex

    • Withdraw the penis before the erection is lost.
    • Hold the base of the condom while pulling out to prevent it from slipping off.
    • Tie the condom in a knot, wrap it in tissue, and throw it in the trash (not the toilet).

Additional prevention tips:

  • Limit your number of sexual partners.
  • Get regular STI screening, especially if you are under 30 or have new partners.
  • Talk openly with partners about STI testing and protection.
  • Avoid sex if you have symptoms like discharge or burning until you’ve been checked.

When to See a Doctor in Grand Rapids

You should seek medical help if you:

  • Notice clear or white discharge from the penis
  • Feel burning or pain when you urinate
  • Have testicular pain or swelling
  • Have had unprotected sex and are worried about STIs
  • Have symptoms that don’t go away after a few days, even if you think it’s “just irritation”

Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids, MI

You can contact:

  • Your GP or family doctor
    Many primary care offices in Grand Rapids can test and treat NSU and STIs.

  • Local health systems and clinics:

    • Spectrum Health (Corewell Health) primary care and urgent care locations
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids clinics
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health clinics
    • Mercy Health physician offices and urgent care

  • Public health resources:

    • Kent County Health Department – Sexual Health Services
      Offers STI testing, treatment, and counseling
      Website: https://www.accesskent.com
    • Grand Rapids Public Health / community health centers
      Some offer low-cost or sliding-scale STI services.

If you do not have insurance, many community clinics and public health programs in Grand Rapids and Kent County provide reduced-cost or free STI testing and treatment.

NSU and Sexual Health in Michigan’s Climate

Living in West Michigan’s Great Lakes region means:

  • Cold winters can lead to less physical activity and more time indoors, which can increase opportunities for sexual contact and STI transmission.
  • Dry indoor air and dehydration can irritate the urinary tract but do not cause NSU; infection still requires germs, often passed through sex.
  • Busy college and young adult populations in and around Grand Rapids (e.g., GVSU, GRCC, local universities) mean that regular STI screening and condom use are especially important for sexually active young people.

Key Points About Non-Specific Urethritis (NSU)

  • NSU is inflammation of the urethra not caused by gonorrhea.
  • Several organisms can cause NSU, but the exact cause is often not identified.
  • It is most commonly spread through vaginal sex, and less often through anal or oral sex.
  • Symptoms can be very mild or easy to overlook, especially in otherwise healthy men.
  • Untreated NSU can lead to testicular or prostate infection, and rarely infertility.
  • NSU is treated with antibiotics, and it is essential to finish all prescribed medication, even if you feel better.
  • In some cases, NSU can be hard to get rid of, and symptoms may return, requiring follow-up care.
  • Consistent condom use and regular STI screening are the best ways to prevent NSU in Grand Rapids.

If you live in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and have symptoms of NSU or are concerned about your sexual health, contact a local healthcare provider or the Kent County Health Department for confidential testing and treatment.