- UDS refers to the presence of abnormal secretions in the distal portion of the urethra, usually accompanied with symptoms and signs.
- 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.
- The common symptoms and signs of UDS include urethral discharge, burning or painful micturition, itchy urethra and increased frequency and urgency of micturition.
- 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).
- 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.
Delayed or inadequate treatment may result into orchitis, epididymitis, urethral stricture and/or infertility.
Management and Treatment of UDS (flow chart 12.1:)