Normally, the male genital organs produce a certain secretion, which primarily performs a protective function. However, a change in the characteristics and frequency of discharge can be an early sign of the development of a urological disease, for example, a sexually transmitted infection, an inflammatory or tumor process. Every man should know how to distinguish physiological secretion from pathological. In case of deviations from the norm, seek medical attention immediately. Below we will consider the most common types of urethral discharge in men and their possible causes.
Male Genital Discharge: Normal and Abnormalities
The secretion of genitourinary organs in men comes out through the urethra or urethra. The following variants of physiological discharge in men are possible:
- Urine.Liquid with a yellowish hue and a faint characteristic odor. Usually it is released in portions during controlled urination. One of the urinary tract disorders is urinary incontinence. In this case, there is either periodic uncontrolled release of urine in portions of varying volume, or constant, but drop by drop. This symptom indicates a pathology in the urinary system.
- Pre-cum.Colorless and odorless mucus, which is secreted during sexual and erotic stimulation (during masturbation, moderate erotic stimulation, during intercourse and before ejaculation). Produced by the Cooper glands located paraurethral. Pre-ejaculate acts as a natural lubricant and deacidifier in the male urethra and female genitals to increase sperm viability. A deviation from the norm is the release of pre-ejaculate in a large volume.
- Prostate secret.Grey-white opalescent liquid. Produced by the prostate, it is part of the ejaculate and ensures the sperm's normal fertilizing ability. The release of prostatic fluid outside of ejaculation is called prostatorrhea. Normally, secretions can be released under mechanical influence of the gland (massage) and under strain (during defecation). Other forms of prostatorrhea indicate disturbances in the function of the gland.
- Ejaculate.Grey-white slimy liquid with a characteristic smell. It has a complex composition. Normally it is released during ejaculation during male orgasm. Physiologically, it is considered to be the release of ejaculate during intercourse and during wet dreams (in young and adult men during abstinence), as well as during strong sexual and erotic stimulation. Isolated cases of ejaculation during sleep, as a result of fright or physical stress, are not considered a pathology. All other possibilities for the release of sperm are a reason to consult a doctor.
Often men's attention is attracted by whitish discharge on the head. This is smegma, or the secretion of the sebaceous glands. Usually, the secretion is evenly distributed on the head, washed off during hygiene procedures and does not cause discomfort.
If the glands are overactive or the rules of personal hygiene are violated, the secretion accumulates in the preputial sac (in the foreskin) and becomes clearly visible. Microorganisms can use smegma for their reproduction. Therefore, prevention of stagnation of secretions is an important measure to maintain genital health. If the secretion is produced in excess, you should consult a doctor.
Normal discharge in men should be as described above. Any changes in the characteristics, frequency and timing of urine, ejaculate or prostatic secretion should alert you and be a reason to contact a urologist.
Pathological discharge from the urethra in men
Unusual secretion from the urethra indicates the development of a pathological process in the genitourinary tract. Urological diseases in men can manifest not only in strong discharge. Even scanty discharge alternating with "pure" periods should attract attention. The most common types of pathological discharge in men are as follows:
- Mucus.Abundant secretion of mucus accompanies inflammatory changes in the urethra. The discharge can be clear, cloudy or whitish.
- Mucopurulent discharge.The discharge of pus from the urethra indicates an infectious process. A large amount of pathological discharge causes a feeling of stickiness and discomfort. Scarce - found exclusively in the form of traces on linen.
- White discharge. White mucous discharge in men accompanies nonspecific infectious and inflammatory processes. A thick, cheesy discharge usually accompanies candidiasis.
- Gray secret.Gray fluid or mucous discharge may be semen or prostatic secretions flowing outside of physiological conditions. But it is better to consult a specialist to rule out pathology.
- Bloody trouble.Brown or pink urine, scarlet or clear mucus streaked with blood, as well as the presence of blood in the semen are signs of structural changes in the genitourinary organs, which may be caused by damage, intense inflammation or the development of a neoplasm.
- Felt discharge.Discharge with an unpleasant smell is characteristic of genital infections. A specific putrid or rotten smell coming from the genitals should be a reason to immediately consult a doctor.
Over time, even without treatment, a man may notice a change in the nature and volume of pathological discharge. In some cases, the secretion stops, creating the appearance of recovery. However, this is often associated with the development of a chronic pathological process and its transition to an indolent form. After some time, pathological discharge from the urethra in a man can resume. The chronic course of diseases of the urogenital tract is fraught with the development of serious complications (impotence, infertility, etc. ).
What other symptoms can there be?
Diseases of the genitourinary system in men rarely manifest exclusively as discharge that does not correspond to the norm. Other symptoms also require attention, as they can be used to make assumptions about the localization of the pathological process. A man may be concerned about the following abnormalities:
- dysuric disorders (frequent urge, difficulty urinating, feeling of incomplete emptying, burning and stinging during urination);
- changes in urine parameters (unusual color, odor, foaming, flaky sediment, etc. );
- abdominal pain;
- intoxication syndrome (weakness, drowsiness, apathy, etc. );
- decreased libido;
- erectile dysfunction;
- problems with ejaculation (premature ejaculation, difficulty achieving orgasm, changes in the characteristics of sperm, etc. );
- tender pains in the abdomen, perineum or scrotum, etc.
Pathological discharge can occur with both infectious and non-infectious diseases. The following symptoms will indicate the contagious nature of the abnormalities:
- pain, burning when urinating;
- itching in the groin;
- rash, sores on the genitals;
- unpleasant odor emanating from the genitals;
- decreased libido;
- pelvic pain;
- increased body temperature, drowsiness, weakness, etc.
You should seek help soon after symptoms begin. The sooner the diagnosis is made and the correct treatment is prescribed, the greater the likelihood of a full recovery.
What should a man do if there is discharge from the urethra?
A doctor will help you to accurately determine the nature of the pathological discharge. If you have signs of diseases of the urogenital tract, you should contact a urologist. The first reception takes place in the following order:
- Conversation with the patient.The doctor conducts an examination, finds out complaints and collects anamnesis. Honesty when communicating with a specialist is extremely important in determining further investigation tactics.
- Physical examination.The urologist visually assesses the condition of the genitals and mucous membranes. Digital rectal examination allows you to initially determine the size, structure and tenderness of the prostate gland.
- Diagnostics.The urologist takes a smear from the urethra, which is then sent for microscopic analysis. According to indications, the patient is prescribed additional laboratory methods (blood samples, urine samples and PCR tests for sexually transmitted infections) and instrumental (ultrasound of the pelvic organs, prostate, etc. ) diagnostics.
Based on the examination results, the doctor makes a final diagnosis and prescribes appropriate treatment.
Treatment of discharge in men
To eliminate pathological discharge, etiotropic therapy is carried out, corresponding to the cause of the existing deviations. Treatment may include the following:
- Drug treatment using antibacterial, antiviral, antiprotozoal drugs as well as immunomodulators and anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Physiotherapy is used in the complex treatment of chronic infectious and inflammatory diseases.
- Surgical methods - structural changes, hyperplastic processes and neoplasms are mainly eliminated using minimally invasive operations.
The most common cause of male discharge is sexually transmitted infections. In this case, conservative treatment is performed. Therapy is performed on an outpatient basis. The duration of treatment varies from several days to several months (depending on the type and form of the disease). At the end of the treatment, a control laboratory examination is carried out.
Prevention of discharge in men
Physiological secretion reflects the normal state of health of the male reproductive system. What needs to be prevented is not discharge, but diseases of the genitourinary tract. To achieve this goal, urologists recommend the following activities:
- compliance with rules of personal hygiene;
- wearing underwear made from natural fabrics;
- selectivity in choosing sexual partners;
- use of barrier contraception during casual intercourse;
- avoid hypothermia;
- regular physical activity;
- balanced diet;
- rejection of bad habits;
- annual preventive examinations at the urologist.
In conditions of immunodeficiency, the body's sensitivity to representatives of opportunistic microflora increases. Microorganisms that normally do not cause diseases can cause the development of a nonspecific infectious-inflammatory process. Therefore, in conditions of increased physical or psycho-emotional stress, acclimatization and treatment with drugs that reduce immunity, it is necessary to observe preventive measures especially carefully.