Normally, the male genital organs produce a certain secretion, which mainly serves a protective function. However, a change in the properties and frequency of secretions 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 from pathological secretion. In case of deviations from the norm, he must 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: normality 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 weak characteristic odor. It is normally released in portions during controlled urination. One of the urinary disorders is urinary incontinence. In this case, there is a periodic uncontrolled release of urine in portions of different volumes or constant, but drop by drop. This symptom indicates a pathology of the urinary system.
- Pre-cum.Colorless, odorless mucus, which is secreted during sexual and erotic stimulation (during masturbation, moderate erotic stimulation, during sexual intercourse and before ejaculation). Produced by Cooper's glands located paraurethrally. Pre-ejaculation 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.Grayish-white opalescent liquid. Produced by the prostate, it is part of ejaculation and ensures the normal fertilizing capacity of the sperm. The release of prostate juice outside of ejaculate is called prostatorrhea. Normally, the secretion can be released during mechanical action on the gland (massage) and during straining (during defecation). Other forms of prostatorrhea indicate alterations in the functioning of the gland.
- Ejaculate.Grayish-white mucous fluid with a characteristic odor. It has a complex composition. It is normally released during ejaculation during the male orgasm. 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, is considered physiological. Isolated cases of ejaculation during sleep, as a result of fright or physical stress, are not considered 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 sebaceous glands. Normally, the discharge is evenly distributed over 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 (on the foreskin) and becomes clearly visible. Microorganisms can use smegma for reproduction. Therefore, preventing stagnation of secretions is an important measure to maintain the health of the genital organs. If the discharge occurs excessively, a doctor should be consulted.
Normal discharge in men should be as described above. Any change in the properties, frequency and timing of urine, ejaculation or prostate secretion should alert you and be a reason to contact a urologist.
Pathological discharge from the urethra in men.
Unusual discharge from the urethra indicates the development of a pathological process in the genitourinary tract. Urological diseases in men can manifest themselves not only in heavy secretions. Even scanty discharge, alternating with "clean" periods, should attract attention. The most common types of pathological secretions in men are the following:
- Silt.Abundant secretion of mucus accompanies inflammatory changes in the urethra. The discharge may be clear, cloudy, or whitish.
- Mucopurulent discharge.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 secretion in men accompanies nonspecific infectious and inflammatory processes. A thick, cheesy discharge often accompanies candidiasis.
- Gray secret.The gray fluid or mucous secretion may be sperm or prostate secretion flowing outside of physiological conditions. But it is better to consult a specialist to rule out pathology.
- Bloody problems.Brown or pinkish 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 can be caused by injury, intense inflammation or the development of a neoplasm.
- Dirty 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, the discharge stops, creating the appearance of recovery. However, this is often associated with the development of a chronic pathological process and its transition to a slow form. After a while, pathological discharge from the urethra in a man may resume. The chronic course of diseases of the urogenital tract is fraught with serious complications (impotence, infertility, etc. ).
What other symptoms could 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, as they can be used to make assumptions about the location of the pathological process. A man may be worried 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, foam, flaky sediment, etc. );
- Pain in the lower abdomen;
- intoxication syndrome (weakness, drowsiness, apathy, etc. );
- decreased libido;
- erectile dysfunction;
- problems with ejaculation (premature ejaculation, difficulties reaching orgasm, changes in sperm properties, etc. );
- painful 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 chance 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 consult a urologist. The initial reception takes place in the following order:
- Conversation with the patient.The doctor conducts an examination, discovers complaints and collects a history. Honesty when communicating with a specialist is extremely important in determining further examination tactics.
- Physical exam.The urologist visually assesses the condition of the genital organs and mucous membranes. The digital rectal examination allows you to initially determine the size, structure and sensitivity of the prostate.
- Diagnosis.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 diagnostics (ultrasound of the pelvic organs, prostate, etc. ).
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 secretion, etiotropic therapy is carried out, corresponding to the cause of the existing deviations. Treatment may include the following:
- Pharmacological therapy with antibacterial, antiviral, antiprotozoal drugs, as well as immunomodulatory 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 removed by minimally invasive operations.
The most common cause of male discharge is sexually transmitted infections. In this case, conservative treatment is carried out. The 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 health of the male reproductive system. What needs to be prevented is not secretions, but diseases of the genitourinary tract. To achieve this goal, urologists recommend the following activities:
- compliance with personal hygiene standards;
- wear underwear made from natural fabrics;
- selectivity when choosing sexual partners;
- use of barrier contraceptives during casual sexual relations;
- avoid hypothermia;
- regular physical activity;
- balance 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 do not normally cause disease can provoke 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 with special attention.