Urethral Discharge
PRESENTATION
Generally, a young, sexually active male presents complaining of urethral discharge (watery to purulent), with or without urethral burning or itching, and burning on urination. Urinary frequency and urgency are typically absent. Urethral discharge is the most common symptom of venereal infection.
HISTORY
Ask about recent sexual contacts, prior history of venereal disease, and first onset of symptoms.
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
Gonococcal Urethritis
Gonococcal urethritis (GCU) has a short incubation of 1 to 5 days and generally produces a thick, purulent, yellowish discharge. The causative organism is Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Up to 30% of males with GCU will also be infected with Chlamydia trachomatis.
Nongonococcal Urethritis