Normally, the male genital organs produce a certain secretion, which primarily performs a protective function. However, a change in the nature and frequency of discharge can be an early sign of the development of a urological disease, for example, a sexually transmitted infection, inflammatory or cancerous process. Every man should know how to distinguish physiological secretion from pathological. In case of deviation from the norm, you should immediately seek medical help. Below we discuss the most common types of urethral discharge in men and their possible causes.
Discharge from the genital organs in men: normal and abnormalities
The secretions of the genital organs in men come out through the urethra or urethra. The following options for physiological discharge in men are possible:
- urine.A liquid with a yellowish tint and a weak characteristic smell. It is usually released in portions during controlled mixing. Urinary incontinence is one of the urinary disorders. In this case, there is a periodic uncontrolled release of urine in parts of different volumes, or constant, but drop by drop. This symptom indicates a pathology of the urinary system.
- preliminary com.Colorless and odorless mucus, which is released during sexual and erotic stimulation (during masturbation, during moderate erotic stimulation, during sexual intercourse and before ejaculation). Produced by Cooper's glands located paraurethral. 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 a large volume of preejaculate.
- The secret of the prostate.Gray-white opalescent liquid. Produced by the prostate, it is part of the ejaculate and ensures the normal fertilizing ability of sperm. The discharge of prostate juice outside of ejaculation is called prostatorrhea. Normally, the secretion can be released during mechanical action on the gland (massage) and straining (during defecation). Other forms of prostatorrhea indicate a malfunction of the gland.
- ejaculation.A gray-white mucous liquid with a characteristic odor. It has a complex composition. It is usually released during ejaculation during a male orgasm. It is considered physiological to release ejaculate during intercourse and during wet dreams (in adolescents and adult men during abstinence), as well as during strong sexual and erotic stimulation. Individual cases of ejaculation during sleep as a result of fear or physical stress are not considered pathological. All other options for sperm release are a reason to consult a doctor.
Often a man's attention is attracted by a whitish discharge on his head. This is smegma, that is, the secretion of sebaceous glands. Usually, the secretion is evenly distributed on the head, is washed off during hygienic procedures and does not cause discomfort.
In case of overactive glands or violation of personal hygiene rules, the secretion accumulates in the preputial sac (foreskin) and is clearly visible. Microorganisms can use smegma for their reproduction. Therefore, preventing the stagnation of secretion is an important measure to maintain the health of the genital organs. If the secretion is excessive, you should consult a doctor.
Normal discharge in men should be as described above. Any changes in the properties, frequency and timing of urine, ejaculation or prostate secretion should alert you and be a reason to consult a urologist.
Pathological discharge from the urethra in men
Unusual discharge from the urethra indicates the development of a pathological process in the urinary tract. Urological diseases in men can be manifested not only by strong discharge. Even scanty discharge alternating with "pure" periods should attract attention. The most common types of pathological discharge in men are:
- Slime.Abundant secretion of mucus is accompanied by inflammatory changes in the urethra. Discharge can be clear, cloudy or whitish.
- mucous purulent discharge.Purulent discharge from the urethra indicates an infectious process. A large amount of pathological discharge causes a feeling of stickiness and discomfort. Scarce - occurs exclusively in the form of traces on linen.
- white discharge.White mucous discharge in men is accompanied by non-specific infectious and inflammatory processes. Usually, candidiasis is accompanied by a thick, cheesy discharge.
- gray mysteryGray fluid or mucous discharge may be sperm or prostate secretions that flow outside of physiological conditions. But to rule out pathology, it is better to consult a specialist.
- bloody matters.Brown or pink urine, streaks of scarlet or transparent mucus with blood, as well as the appearance of blood in semen are signs of structural changes in the urogenital organs, which can be caused by damage, intense inflammation or the development of a neoplasm.
- gross discharge.Foul-smelling discharge is characteristic of genital infections. A specific putrid or rotten smell coming from the genitals should be a reason for urgent consultation with a doctor.
Over time, even without treatment, a man may notice a change in the nature and volume of abnormal discharge. In some cases, the 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 men can resume. The chronic course of diseases of the urogenital tract is full of the development of serious complications (impotence, infertility, etc. ).
What other symptoms can there be?
Diseases of the genitourinary system in men are rarely manifested exclusively in the form of 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 suffer from the following deviations:
- Dysuric disorders (increased desire, difficulty urinating, feeling of incomplete emptying, burning and tingling during urination);
- Change in urine parameters (unusual color, smell, foam, scaly sediment, etc. );
- pain in the lower abdomen;
- intoxication syndrome (weakness, drowsiness, apathy, etc. );
- decreased libido;
- erectile dysfunction;
- problems with ejaculation (premature ejaculation, difficulty reaching orgasm, changes in sperm properties, etc. );
- Painful pain in the lower abdomen, perineum or scrotum, etc. Sh.
Pathological discharge can occur both in infectious and non-infectious diseases. The following symptoms indicate the infectious nature of deviations:
- pain, burning during urination;
- itching in the groin;
- rashes, sores on the genitals;
- An unpleasant odor coming from the genitals;
- decreased libido;
- Pelvic pain
- Increase in body temperature, drowsiness, weakness, etc. Sh.
You should seek help as soon as symptoms begin. The earlier the diagnosis is made and the correct treatment is prescribed, the greater the probability of a full recovery.
What should a man do if he has discharge from the urethra?
The 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 consult a urologist. The initial reception is carried out in the following order:
- Talking to the patient.The doctor conducts a survey, determines complaints and collects an anamnesis. Honesty in communication with a specialist is extremely important in determining the tactics of further investigation.
- 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 sensitivity of the prostate.
- diagnosis.The urologist takes a swab from the urethra, which is then sent for microscopic analysis. According to the indication, the patient is prescribed additional laboratory methods (blood tests, urine tests and PCR tests for sexually transmitted infections) and instrumental (ultrasound of pelvic organs, prostate, etc. ) diagnostics.
Based on the results of the examination, the doctor makes a final diagnosis and prescribes appropriate treatment.
Treatment of discharge in men
To eliminate pathological discharge, etiotropic therapy is carried out, which corresponds 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 a sexually transmitted infection. In this case, conservative treatment is performed. 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 the treatment, a control laboratory examination is performed.
Prevention of discharge in men
Physiological secretion reflects the normal state of the male reproductive system. What should be avoided is not discharge, but diseases of the genitourinary system. To achieve this goal, urologists recommend the following activities:
- observance of personal hygiene rules;
- wearing underwear made of natural fabric;
- selectivity in choosing sexual partners;
- use of barrier contraception during casual intercourse;
- prevention of hypothermia;
- regular physical activity;
- balanced diet;
- rejection of bad habits;
- Annual preventive examinations with a urologist.
In conditions of immunodeficiency, the sensitivity of the body to representatives of opportunistic microflora increases. Microorganisms that usually do not cause diseases can cause the development of a non-specific infectious-inflammatory process. Therefore, in conditions of increased physical or psycho-emotional stress, acclimatization and treatment with immunosuppressive drugs, it is necessary to observe preventive measures especially carefully.