By ULY CLINIC

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Urethral discharge syndrome (UDS)

 

UDS refers to the presence of abnormal secretions in the distal portion of the urethra, usually accompanied with symptoms and signs. 

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The major pathogens that cause urethral discharge are Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis. In syndromic management, treatment of a patient with urethral discharge should adequately cover these two organisms.

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The common symptoms and signs of UDS include urethral discharge, burning or painful micturition, itchy urethra and increased frequency and urgency of micturition. 

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Persistent or recurrent symptoms of urethritis may be due to drug resistance, poor compliance or re-infection. In some cases there may be infection with Trichomonas vaginalis (TV).

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Male patients complaining of urethral discharge and/or dysuria should be examined for evidence of discharge. If none is seen per inspection, the urethra should be gently milked from the ventral part of the penis towards the meatus.

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Delayed or inadequate treatment may result into orchitis, epididymitis, urethral stricture and/or infertility

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