Discharge from the genital organs can bother not only girls, but also men. Males have normal discharge that is odorless. Their source is the urethra. In women, the discharge is called leucorrhoea. If you notice unhealthy discharge, immediately go to an in-person appointment with a urologist.
Normal or pathological?
The urethra is the male urethra. From there they appear from time to time. There is such a thing as urethrorrhea. It can be physiological or libidinal. A transparent discharge appears from the urethral outlet. This happens in the morning, immediately upon awakening, or when a man is sexually aroused.
Urethrorrhea can be more or less pronounced. The lubricant that is released during arousal contains sperm. Therefore, if you do not want to have children yet, you should protect yourself even during foreplay with the genitals. Discharge in men helps sperm pass through the urethra and into and past the partner's vagina. After all, the environment there is acidic, and this is harmful to the life of sperm.
Pathological discharge
The physiological discharge that normally occurs in boys and men is described above. Here we will look at discharge that is associated with health problems. Mostly pathological discharge from the urethra worries menfor urethritis. This is an inflammatory process that develops in the urethra. Urethritis can be caused by infection or non-infectious factors.
The infection can be either specific or nonspecific. Specific is mainly trichomoniasis or gonorrhea. Anonspecific urethritiscan be triggered by the following pathogens:
- mycoplasma
- ureaplasma
- chlamydia
- herpes
- staphylococcus
- streptococcus
Non-infectious causes of urethritisand associated discharge from the genital tract:
- trauma, narrowing of the urethra
- irritation by chemical factors
- mechanical damage to the mucous membrane
- influence of allergens
Discharge from the genital tract in males can vary in color and transparency. It depends on how active the inflammation is, at what stage it is, and what flora is causing it.Discharge from the penis includes::
- slime
- liquid
- cells of various origins
If there is a lot of the last named component, then the discharge becomes cloudy, which can be visually observed by the man himself. If epithelial cells appear in the discharge in large numbers, the discharge thickens and acquires a gray tint.
If you find yourselfyellow-green, greenish or yellowish dischargeMost likely, they contain a lot of leukocytes. This means that the discharge contains purulent masses, which are a consequence of the inflammatory process. With the same disease, discharge can be of different thickness, quantity and nature. For example, at the beginning of the disease they may be thicker, and then gradually become more and more liquid. This is such an individual process that during an examination the doctor will not be able to determine your disease, and you will need to undergo a series of tests.
Discharge in menwhitemay have different reasons. The first thing that doctors assume is the proliferation of Candida fungus. The disease is called accordingly -. You've probably heard that women get thrush. It happens in men too, but mostly occurs in a hidden form. But in rare cases, white discharge from the genitals may occur.
Discharge with odor
The first possible reason (and the most harmless) is poor hygiene. As mentioned above, smegma is normal (not indicating illness) male discharge. If you do not wash regularly, at least once a day, then smegma accumulates, bacteria multiply in it, causing not very pleasant odors. These odors may differ for different men.
If you follow good hygiene rules and still have an unpleasant odor, your doctor may suspect a metabolic disorder. In such cases, the most common cause is diabetes. Smegma will be released in quite large quantities, so the laundry will be wet.
Infections are also the cause of odor-bearing discharge in men. The pathological process mainly occurs in the urethra. Your doctor may suspect urethritis due to a gonorrheal infection. The nature of the discharge is described above. If the discharge from the penis in men smells sour, urogenital candidiasis is most likely developing.
Bloody discharge in men
The main reason is infections. The discharge can be completely bloody or include streaks of blood. If the infection multiplies in the urethra, then you will notice such a symptom, but not necessarily. Urethritis is mainly caused in such cases by candida, trichomonas or gonorrheal infection. The stronger the inflammation, the more blood is released.
Blood can be due to chronic inflammation of the urethra. The essence of the process is that the mucous layer of the urethra becomes loose. If an irritant acts, the membrane is damaged and blood begins to be released. Even urination can be an irritant.
Probable reason number two is medical procedures performed carelessly. The urethra is injured, which is why blood is released. Procedures that may cause damage to the urethra:
- catheter installation
- catheter removal
- bougienage
- taking a smear
- cystoscopy
The discharge with blood is immediate. It should be noted that in this case the blood is scarlet, without clots, and quickly stops.
The passage of stones and sand is the next cause of bloody discharge from the penis. They are secreted from the kidneys or bladder and pass through the urethra. Microliths are hard, they injure the mucous membrane and the walls of blood vessels, which becomes the direct cause of bleeding. Pain also occurs.
Discharge of blood with sperm
Such discharge is called "hematospermia". It can be true and false. If hematospermia is false, then the blood mixes with the sperm as it passes through the urethra. If this pathology is true, then the blood mixes with sperm before passing through the urethra.
Hematospermia manifests itself with the following symptoms:(clinical picture):
- urinary disorders
- pain during ejaculation
- discomfort and pain in the lower back
- pain and/or swelling in the genitals
- high body temperature
Causes of blood discharge with semen:
- long-term sexual abstinence
- overly active sex life (during coitus, the walls of blood vessels rupture)
- varicose veins of the pelvic organs
- stones in the testes and vas deferens
- malignant and benign formations in the genitourinary organs
- biopsy
- genital surgery
If you notice discharge from your genitals that does not go away within a day or two, immediately go for an in-person consultation with an experienced doctor. If discharge appears after unprotected sexual intercourse, there is no need to sound the alarm, but you need to go to the doctor and get tested as quickly as possible. Health to you and your other halves!
Discharge from the genital organs in men is discharge from the urethra (urethra) and secretionpreputialglands that are located on the head of the penis, under the skin of the foreskin. The urethra opensejaculatoryduct, prostate ducts,urethralAndbulbourethraliron
Variants of physiological secretions
Criteria for normal discharge,corresponding to the functions of the organs of the urogenital system:
- Urine- transparent, straw to golden yellow in color, practically odorless, containing no flakes or other inclusions;
- Prostate secrethas a viscous consistency and a whitish tint, there is a specific smell of sperm;
- Ejaculate:sperm from the ejaculatory duct mixes with secretions from the Littre (urethral), Cooper (bulbourethral) glands and prostatic secretions, acquiring a grayish-white color and mucous consistency;
- Fresh smegmafrom the preputial glands looks like a thick white lubricant; may become yellowish or greenish over time.
Preputial lubrication –smegma– stands out constantly, accumulating under the inner layer of the foreskin and in the coronary groove of the penis. The lubricant consists of fats and bacterial residues, is evenly distributed and reduces friction between the skin of the foreskin and the glans. The maximum activity of the preputial glands is characteristic of the period of puberty; with age, secretion decreases and by old age it stops completely.
Urethrorrhea, mucous, colorless dischargefrom the bulbourethral and urethral glands. They appear only with excitement associated with libido. The excretion of clear mucus is intended to lubricate the urethra and improve the passage of sperm. The amount of secretion ranges from scanty to abundant; these parameters are related to the individual characteristics of the body and the frequency of sexual activity. After prolonged abstinence, the volume of discharge increases.
Emission - spontaneous release of sperm, not associated with sexual intercourse. Usually observed in the morning, when testosterone levels rise. Depends on age and intensity of sexual activity: it appears in boys during puberty, in adult men - with irregular or rare sexual intercourse.
Prostatorrhea, discharge of a small amount of clear mucus from the urethrawith grayish-white inclusions. Occurs after straining the abdominal muscles (for example, with constipation) or after urinating. The secretion consists of a mixture of seminal fluid and prostate discharge; increased volume and cloudiness may be signs of prostatitis.
Pathological discharge
In men, the causes of discharge from the penis can be STDs, tumors, nonspecific inflammation of the urogenital organs, various injuries, medical procedures or operations.
Pathological discharge from the urethra differs from normal:
- By volume (too abundant or scanty, perhaps moderate);
- By color and transparency (from white to yellow-green, cloudy);
- By impurities (blood, pus, lumps of mucus);
- Consistency (very liquid or too thick and sticky);
- By smell (sourish, putrid, fishy);
- According to the frequency of appearance (depending on the time of day, constant or episodic discharge);
- In connection with urination, sexual arousal, drinking alcohol, hot and spicy foods.
The nature of the discharge depends on the causative agent of the disease, the status of the immune system, and concomitant ailments, as well as the severity and duration of inflammation (acute or chronic).
If there is a change in the amount, density or color of the discharge, or if an unpleasant odor appears, it is recommended to consult a doctor and have tests done. There is no point in self-diagnosis; it is very difficult to correctly recognize the disease based on just one symptom.
Penile discharge associated with STDs
Mucous: transparent discharge, viscous and small in quantity, occurs in the chronic form, or urethritis. Microscopy reveals a moderate number of leukocytes in the discharge (the norm is up to 4 cells in the field of view).
Mucopurulent: white discharge, translucent; observed in the acute phase of chlamydia, ureaplasmosis and mycoplasmosis. With chlamydial infection, they accumulate on the head of the penis, as if "sticking" to the skin.
Purulent discharge, having an unpleasant odor, are characteristic of. They are sticky, thick, yellow or greenish in color, and have a putrid odor. Under microscopy, epithelial cells from the urethra and many leukocytes are visible in the material.
Symptoms accompanying gonorrheal urethritis: constant and heavy discharge; especially strong when urinating.
With sexually transmitted diseases, combined infections are often observed, combining several pathogens at once. Gonorrhea and are accompanied by chlamydia, mycoplasmosis and ureaplasmosis usually occur "in pairs". The symptoms of such diseases differ from classical manifestations; urethral discharge can also take on a completely different character. Therefore, for final diagnosis, modern analytical techniques with a high degree of reliability are used, and not the characteristics of the secretions.
Nonspecific (non-venereal) inflammation
The cause of nonspecific inflammation is the patient’s own microflora, which is classified as opportunistic and is activated only in case of problems with the body’s immune defense. Strepto- and staphylococci, fungi of the genusCandidaand E. coli are always present on the surface of the skin and mucous membranes, but they begin to actively multiply and displace beneficial bacteria after hypothermia, prolonged stress, uncontrolled treatment with antibiotics, after courses of radiation and chemotherapy.
Discharge not associated with inflammation
Spermatorea - discharge in the form of passively flowing sperm,occur outside of sexual intercourse or masturbation, without the feeling of orgasm. The reasons are some diseases of the nervous system, spinal injuries, chronic stress and any long-term inflammation of the genital area. Spermatorea is associated with impaired innervation and decreased tone of the vas deferens.
Hematorrhea,bloody issues. Often appears with injuries of the urethral canal received duringbougienage, after productioncatheteror when taking a smear from the mucous membrane. In these cases, the blood is fresh, without clots, the amount is small, and the bleeding stops quickly. When small kidney stones or sand pass, blood is released during or immediately after urination, hematorrhea is accompanied by very severe pain (renal colic). Discharge of blood duringhematuric form of glomerulonephritis(inflammation of the renal glomeruli) are combined with edema and persistently elevated blood pressure, the appearance of protein in the urine.
Discharge is brown, with clots of blood or mucus, mixed with pus, appear with malignant tumors emanating from the prostate, urethra or bladder. Brownish mucus can form during the healing of wounds on the mucous membranes, and is released during polyposis of the urethra and/or bladder.
Prostatorrhea- secretion of the prostate gland flowing from the urethra. Occurs in chronic prostatitis, prostate adenoma, impaired innervation (neurogenic bladder).
Examination algorithm for the presence of pathological discharge from the penis
- Inspection of the perineum, penis, foreskin and glans.The goal is to identify deformations of the genital organs, traces of injury, signs of external inflammation, discharge, rash, etc. Traces of discharge are sometimes noticeable on underwear.
- Palpation of the inguinal lymph nodes, assessment of their condition:size, whether they are hotter or colder than the surrounding tissues, painful or not, soft or dense, mobile or fused to the skin, whether there are ulcerations over them.
- Digital examination of the prostate;massage the prostate through the rectum and obtain secretions for microscopic examination. Before the massage, it is advisable to refrain from urinating for 1-2 hours. With prostate adenoma, its lobes are enlarged approximately equally, dense cords are palpable. Uneven growths and their consistency are typical for a malignant tumor; during palpation of the prostate, blood with clots may be released from the urethra.
- Material – for microscopy.When examined under a microscope, the stained smear reveals blood cells, epithelium, sperm, fatty inclusions, and some pathogens (Escherichia coli, gonococci, gardnerella, yeast).Increased white blood cell countcharacteristic of acute urethritis or exacerbation of chronic inflammation,eosinophils– for urethritis with allergies.Red blood cellsfound in severe inflammation, tumors, injuries of the genitourinary organs, and urolithiasis.Large amount of epithelium– a sign of chronic urethritis, urethral leukoplakia. When spermatorrhea is found in a smearspermatozoa, with urethrorrhea –slime, simpler -lipid grains.
- General clinical blood test,blood for sugar- in the morning, on an empty stomach.Detailed urine analysis(morning portion, immediately after sleep).
- Ultrasound of the prostate, bladder and kidneys; CT and urography.
If the manifestations of genital inflammation are severe, then before receiving test results, the patient is immediately prescribed broad-spectrum antibiotics. In case of heavy bleeding, hospitalization and active measures to stop the bleeding are indicated. The suspicion of a malignant tumor can only be confirmed by the result of a biopsy; the final diagnosis is made on the basis of histological examination.
Important:
- Discharge from the penis is just one symptom that cannot be used as a guide when making a diagnosis.
- Unacceptableindependent prescription of pharmaceuticals. drugs, even if the manifestations seem obvious for a particular disease.
Normal amount of mucus
The volume of pre-ejaculate directly depends on the guy’s degree of arousal. Maximum concentration is achieved with strong sexual desire.The normal amount of liquid is 5 ml.
Some representatives of the stronger sex are physiologically unable to secrete lubricant. The absence of pre-ejaculation during an erection reduces the ability to conceive.
Healthy pre-ejaculate has the following characteristics:
Pre-seed performs cleansing functions, so its consistency can change. A man may experience clouding of the lubricant with repeated sexual intercourse, lack of hygiene, or before ejaculation. She will return to normal in 1-2 days. Otherwise, the development of a pathogenic process should be suspected.
Signs of deviation from the norm
Pathological mucus discharge in men differs from healthy ones in color, smell and consistency. They are almost always accompanied by unpleasant sensations.
Symptoms indicating deviation of the lubricant from the norm:
These signs are characteristic of pathological processes indicating the development of diseases.
Unhealthy discharge in men is divided into types:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Spermatorrhoea | Random leakage of sperm without achieving orgasm. The cause of the process is decreased muscle tone of the vas deferens. Pathology develops due to chronic inflammation |
| Hematorrhea | Discharge of lubricant mixed with blood. Appears with injuries to the urethral mucosa |
| Leukocytic urethrorrhea | The exudative phase of the inflammatory process, resulting from thermal, mechanical, chemical or viral damage to the urethral mucosa |
| Mucopurulent | They consist of a small number of leukocytes, serous fluid and gland secretions. This mucus is characterized by active formation at night. A man notices pus discharge in the morning, and yellow spots can be found on his underwear. Mucopurulent discharge appears when the urethra is damaged by bacteria: trichomonas, ureamicoplasma, chlamydia |
| Purulent | They include a large number of leukocytes, urethral epithelium, mucus and serous fluid. They have a thick consistency and an unpleasant odor. They appear in the form of drops with a yellow or greenish tint. Evidence of the development of gonococcal urethritis, which is formed against the background of chlamydia and gonorrhea |
The volume of mucus released can be either copious or small. It can be quite difficult to notice poor lubrication. To do this, you have to press on the urethra so that fluid comes out of the opening. It dries quickly, forming a film on the membrane of the head of the penis. The viscous consistency causes the sponges of the urethra to stick together.
Causes of pathological discharge
The secretion of lubrication that differs from the norm is in most cases due to sexually transmitted diseases, but there are a number of other conditions.
Sexually transmitted diseases
If pathological discharge appears with unpleasant symptoms, one should suspect the development of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Such diseases develop under the influence of unfavorable microflora, which settles on the mucous membrane of the urethra, external areas and cavities of the genital organs, and in the glands.
What changes indicate the disease
Various changes in pre-ejaculate indicators are cause for concern. The reasons for immediately visiting a specialist are:
- Change in the color of the liquid - it may be grayish, with a green or yellow tint (which indicates the presence of purulent contents).
- Blood impurities.
- Cloudiness.
- Cottage cheese-like consistency.
- Unpleasant, musty odor.
These signs indicate an inflammatory process. The following symptoms often appear:
- Pain in the lower abdomen.
- Frequent urge to go to the toilet.
- Heat.
- Hyperemia of skin areas.
- The appearance of purulent discharge from the urethra at rest (in the absence of sexual arousal).
Mucus can be released from the urethra with the development of postoperative complications during surgical operations on the prostate and other organs of the genitourinary system.
The release of clear fluid in the absence of an erection is one of the symptoms of pathology, the causative agents of which are streptococci, staphylococci, and E. coli. A similar situation is observed when infected with sexually transmitted infections. In such cases note:
- Hyperemia of the external reproductive organs.
- Itching sensation in the penis and scrotum.
- Swelling of the lower extremities.
If a man notices cheesy inclusions in the pre-ejaculate, he urgently needs to consult a qualified doctor, as this indicates the presence of candidiasis. This inflammatory disease is caused by fungi of the genus Candida, which are opportunistic microflora. Under normal conditions, they exist in the body without causing any harm. The action of negative external factors and weakened immunity contribute to the rapid proliferation of fungi and their transition to a pathogenic form.
A few sperm are found in the pre-ejaculate, which makes conception possible. Therefore, if a couple is not planning a pregnancy, they should take contraceptive pills or protect themselves in another way not only during sexual intercourse, but also during foreplay.
Other reasons
The prostate gland plays a key role in the formation of sperm. It produces a secretion, without which the seminal fluid loses its functionality. When the prostate becomes inflamed, its production increases.
Men suffering from chronic prostatitis may observe that when aroused, a copious amount of lubricant comes out of the urethral opening. This is a prostate secretion that has a fairly high similarity to pre-ejaculate.
Excessive discharge during excitement can appear with the development of various inflammatory processes.
The appearance of clear mucus from the urethra can be observed after probing. This fluid is formed as a protective reaction of the body to the resulting microtraumas on the surface of the mucous membrane.
A copious amount of clear discharge during ejaculation may indicate the development of infertility.
To diagnose pathologies, not only the visual nature of the liquid is taken into account, but also its biological composition. The man needs to see a doctor for examination.