Male Urethritis: The Symptom Is One. The Causes Are Many.
Burning, discharge, pain when urinating. These symptoms have one name: Male Urethritis Syndrome. But the cause could be gonorrhoea, chlamydia, M. genitalium, trich, ureaplasma, or herpes. Treating the right one requires identifying the right one. That takes PCR.
syndrome in SA
What is Male Urethritis Syndrome?
MUS is not a single infection. It is inflammation of the urethra caused by any of several sexually transmitted organisms. SA public clinics treat MUS based on symptoms alone (syndromic management). Epicentre identifies the exact organism, so your doctor can prescribe the right treatment first time.
What is causing my urethritis?
When a man presents with discharge and burning, the organisms are investigated in order of likelihood. PCR testing at Epicentre identifies the specific cause instead of guessing.
"I see men who have been to three different clinics for the same discharge. Each time they get the same syndromic treatment. Each time the symptoms return. When we run a Medium PCR, we find the actual culprit, and one targeted course of treatment resolves it."Dr. Samantha Naidoo, MB ChB, FCP (SA), Medical Director, Epicentre
What happens if urethritis goes untreated?
Where can I test for urethritis in South Africa?
Urine sample or urethral swab. PCR identifies the exact organism. No referral needed.
Small PCR (4 pathogens)
Gonorrhoea + chlamydia + herpes + trich. Good for first-episode urethritis.
Medium PCR (9 pathogens) ⭐ Best for persistent urethritis
Everything in Small + M. genitalium + M. hominis + Ureaplasma + E. coli. Covers all common MUS causes.
Male Urethritis: Your Questions Answered
Why do my symptoms keep coming back after treatment?
The most likely reason: the actual cause was not identified. Syndromic treatment targets gonorrhoea and chlamydia. If the real cause is M. genitalium, trich, or ureaplasma, symptoms persist. PCR at Epicentre identifies the exact organism.
What is the difference between gonococcal and non-gonococcal urethritis?
Gonococcal (GC): caused by gonorrhoea, thick yellow-green discharge. Non-gonococcal (NGU): caused by chlamydia, Mgen, trich, ureaplasma, or herpes, typically clear/cloudy discharge. Treatment differs, which is why PCR identification matters.
Can urethritis cause infertility?
Yes. Untreated urethritis can spread to the epididymis and prostate. Chronic inflammation of these structures can reduce sperm count and motility. Early treatment based on PCR results prevents this.
Should my partner be tested too?
Yes. Whatever organism is causing your urethritis was transmitted sexually. Your partner needs testing and treatment at the same time to prevent reinfection. Epicentre tests both partners in the same visit.
Can I have urethritis without discharge?
Yes. Some organisms (especially M. genitalium and ureaplasma) cause burning without visible discharge. If you have burning urination after unprotected sex, get tested even without discharge.
Is MUS the same as a UTI?
Not exactly. UTIs are typically caused by E. coli entering the urinary tract. MUS is caused by sexually transmitted organisms infecting the urethra. The symptoms overlap (burning, frequency) but the causes and treatments are different. PCR testing distinguishes them.
How much does urethritis testing cost?
Small PCR: R1,235. Medium PCR: R1,508. Large Penile: R1,925. Students 10% off. Payflex 4× interest-free. View all packages →
Other infections in this guide
Still Burning? Stop Guessing. Start Testing.
PCR identifies the exact cause of your urethritis. The right diagnosis means the right treatment, first time.
