|
Causative organisms Coliforms |
Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Note: Sexually transmissible causes are more likely in younger people (<35 years), and while urinary tract pathogens such as coliforms are increasingly likely in older people (>35 years), STI should be considered in all age groups. A pathogen is often not identifiable. |
| Incubation period |
Poorly defined, probably days to weeks depending on the organism
|
| How far back to trace |
See relevant sections if chlamydia or gonorrhoea are isolated
|
| Usual testing method |
Clinical diagnosis may be reinforced by detection of urethritis on gram stain chlamydia and gonorrhoea nucleic acid amplification testing and urine microscopy and culture
|
| Common symptoms |
Scrotal pain, swelling and erythema occasionally associated with dysuria and urethral discharge
|
| Likelihood of transmission per act of condomless intercourse | Depends on specific pathogen |
| Likelihood of long-term sexual partner being infected | Depends on specific pathogen |
| Protective effect of condoms |
High for sexually transmitted pathogens
|
| Transmission by oral sex |
Relevant for/N. gonorrhoeae
|
| Duration of potential infectivity |
Depends on specific pathogen
|
| Important sequelae |
Untreated infection can lead to orchitis (testicular infection); some evidence of reduced fertility.
|
| Direct benefit of detection and treatment of contacts | Cure where a pathogen is found |
|
Usual management of contacts |
Counselling, clinical examination, test for C.trachomatis and N.gonorrhoeae Consider presumptively treating sexual contacts if there has been sexual contact within the past 2 weeks in line with local guidance or when the person’s individual circumstances mean later treatment may not occur. |
| Contact tracing priority |
High - Where C. trachomatis or N. gonorrhoeae isolated Medium - Younger people and their current sexual partners where a sexually transmitted pathogen is not isolated Low - Older people and their previous sexual partners, where a sexually transmitted pathogen is not isolated None - Where a urinary tract pathogen is isolated |
| Notification | Not notifiable |
Page last updated September 2022