Normally, the male genital organs produce a certain secretion, which primarily performs a protective function. However, a change in the properties and frequency of discharge may 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 one. In case of deviations from the norm, you should immediately seek medical help. Below we will consider the most common types of urethral discharge in men and their possible causes.
Discharge from the genital organs in men: normal and abnormalities
The secretion of the 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 tint and a weak characteristic odor. Normally it is released in portions during controlled miction. One of the urinary disorders is urinary incontinence. In this case, there is either periodic uncontrolled release of urine in portions of varying volumes, or constant, but drop by drop. This symptom indicates a pathology of the urinary system.
- Pre-cum.Colorless and odorless mucus, which is secreted during sexual and erotic stimulation (during masturbation, moderate erotic stimulation, during sexual intercourse and before ejaculation). Produced by the Cooper glands located paraurethrally. Pre-ejaculate serves as a natural lubricant and deacidifier in the male urethra and female genital tract to increase sperm viability. A deviation from the norm is the release of pre-ejaculate in a large volume.
- Prostate secret.Gray-white opalescent liquid. Produced by the prostate, it is part of the ejaculate and ensures the normal fertilizing ability of sperm. The release of prostatic juice outside of ejaculation is called prostatorrhea. Normally, secretion can be released during mechanical action on the gland (massage) and during straining (during defecation). Other forms of prostatorrhea indicate disturbances in the functioning of the gland.
- Ejaculate.Gray-white mucous liquid with a characteristic odor. It has a complex composition. Normally it is released during ejaculation during male orgasm. Physiological is considered to be the release of ejaculate during sexual intercourse and during wet dreams (in adolescents 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 options for sperm release are a reason to consult a doctor.
Often the attention of men is attracted by whitish discharge on the head. This is smegma, or the secretion of the sebaceous glands. Normally, the secretion is evenly distributed on the head, washed off during hygiene procedures and does not cause any 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, preventing stagnation of secretions is an important measure for maintaining the health of the genital organs. 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 properties, frequency and time 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 themselves not only in strong discharge. Even scanty secretion, which alternates with "clean" periods, should attract attention. The most common types of pathological discharge in men are as follows:
- Slime.Abundant secretion of mucus accompanies inflammatory changes in the urethra. The discharge may be clear, cloudy or whitish.
- Mucopurulent discharge.The discharge of pus from the urethra indicates an infectious process. A large amount of pathological discharge provokes a feeling of stickiness and discomfort. Scanty - 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 liquid or mucous discharge may be sperm or prostatic secretion that flows outside of physiological conditions. But it is better to consult a specialist to rule out pathology.
- Bloody issues.Brown or pink urine, scarlet or clear mucus streaked with blood, as well as the appearance of blood in semen are signs of structural changes in the genitourinary organs, which may be caused by injury, intense inflammation or the development of a neoplasm.
- Foul discharge.Discharge with an unpleasant odor is characteristic of genital infections. A specific putrid or rotten smell emanating 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, secretion stops, which creates the appearance of recovery. However, this is often associated with the development of a chronic pathological process and its transition to a sluggish form. After some time, pathological discharge from the urethra in a man may resume. The chronic course of diseases of the urogenital tract is fraught with the development of serious complications (impotence, infertility, etc. ).
What other symptoms might there be?
Diseases of the genitourinary system in men rarely manifest themselves exclusively as discharge that does not correspond to the norm. Other symptoms also require attention, since they can be used to make assumptions about the localization of the pathological process. A man may be concerned about the following deviations:
- dysuric disorders (frequent urge, difficulty urinating, feeling of incomplete emptying, burning and stinging when urinating);
- changes in urine parameters (unusual color, odor, foaminess, flaky sediment, etc. );
- pain in the lower abdomen;
- intoxication syndrome (weakness, drowsiness, apathy, etc. );
- decreased libido;
- erectile disfunction;
- problems with ejaculation (premature ejaculation, difficulties achieving orgasm, changes in the properties of sperm, etc. );
- aching pain in the lower abdomen, perineum or scrotum, etc.
Pathological discharge can occur in both infectious and non-infectious diseases. The following symptoms will indicate the infectious nature of the deviations:
- 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 complete recovery.
What should a man do if there is discharge from the urethra?
A doctor will help you accurately determine the nature of the pathological discharge. If you have signs of diseases of the urogenital tract, you should contact a urologist. The initial reception takes place in the following order:
- Conversation with the patient.The doctor conducts a survey, finds out complaints and collects anamnesis. Honesty when communicating with a specialist is extremely important for determining further examination tactics.
- Physical examination.The urologist visually assesses the condition of the genital organs 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 subsequently sent for microscopic analysis. According to indications, the patient is prescribed additional laboratory methods (blood tests, urine tests 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 therapy 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 eliminated mainly using minimally invasive operations.
The most common cause of male discharge is sexually transmitted infections. In this case, conservative treatment is carried out. Therapy is carried out 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 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 personal hygiene rules;
- wearing underwear made from natural fabrics;
- selectivity when choosing sexual partners;
- use of barrier contraception during casual sexual intercourse;
- avoiding hypothermia;
- regular physical activity;
- balanced diet;
- rejection of bad habits;
- annual preventive examinations with a 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.