Asymptomatic urethritis is common and is associated with characteristics that suggest sexually transmitted etiology.

We evaluated 236 asymptomatic men for urethritis, assessed sexual behaviors, and tested urine for pathogens. Asymptomatic urethritis was present in 38 (16.1%). Of these, nearly half (42.1%) had a previously unrecognized discharge on examination; only 18.4% had a known pathogen. Correlates included black race, anal intercourse, and number of sex partners.