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Urethritis - male - Management
How should I follow up a man with urethritis?

A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is generally considered to be the underlying cause of urethritis in most, (but not all), men. Ideally, urethritis should be managed in a service specializing in sexual health or a general practice providing an enhanced sexual health service. The following recommendations apply to men who cannot access these services within a reasonable time frame, or are unwilling to attend despite receiving appropriate advice.

  • Advise the man to re-attend in 2 weeks if his symptoms have not resolved.
  • If chlamydia is isolated, the man should have a follow-up interview which may be conducted by telephone.
    • Ask whether:
      • Symptoms have resolved.
      • Treatment has been adhered to.
      • All his partners have been notified.
      • The man has had sex with an untreated partner.
    • Do not routinely test for microbiological cure if treatment was taken appropriately, there has been no sexual contact for 7 days, and symptoms have resolved.
    • If symptoms have not resolved, see Treatment failure.
  • If gonorrhoea is isolated, see the CKS topic on Gonorrhoea.
  • If trichomoniasis is isolated, see the CKS topic on Trichomoniasis.

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