Normally, male genital organs secrete a certain type of secretion, which mainly 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 process or a tumor. Every man should know how to distinguish physiological secretions from pathological secretions. In case of deviation from the norm, you should immediately seek medical help. Below we will look at the most common types of urethral discharge in men and their possible causes.
Secretion from genital organs in men: normal and abnormal
Excretions of the male genital organs go out through the urethra or urethra. The following variations of physiological discharge in men may occur:
- Urine.The liquid has a slightly yellow color and a weak characteristic odor. Normally it is released in portions during controlled urination. One of the urinary disorders is urinary incontinence. In this case, urine is periodically released uncontrolled in portions with different volumes or constant but drop by drop. This symptom indicates a pathology of the urinary system.
- Ejaculate.Colorless and odorless mucus, secreted during sexual and sexual arousal (during masturbation, moderate sexual arousal, during sexual intercourse and before ejaculation). Produced by Cooper's glands located next to the urethra. Premature ejaculation acts as a natural lubricant and deacidifier in the male urethra and female genital tract to increase sperm survival. A deviation from the norm is the release of premature ejaculation in large quantities.
- Prostate secrets.Milky white liquid. Produced by the prostate, it is part of the ejaculation process and ensures normal fertilization by sperm. The secretion of prostate fluid during ejaculation is called prostatic hypertrophy. Normally, secretions can be released by mechanical action on the gland (massage) and by exertion (during defecation). Other forms of prostate disease show disturbances in the functioning of the gland.
- Ejaculate.Gray-white mucus liquid with a characteristic odor. It has complex composition. Normally it is released in ejaculation when a man reaches orgasm. Physiognomy is considered the release of ejaculate during sexual intercourse and during wet dreams (in adolescents and adult men during abstinence), as well as during intense sexual and erotic stimulation. Isolated cases of ejaculation during sleep due to fear or physical stress are not considered pathological. All other options for sperm release are reasons to consult a doctor.
Usually, men's attention is attracted by white discharge on the head. This is smegma, or sebaceous gland secretion. Normally, secretions are evenly distributed on the head, are washed off during cleaning and do not cause discomfort. 
If the glands are overactive or the rules of personal hygiene are violated, secretions accumulate in the foreskin sac (in the foreskin) and become visible. Microorganisms can use smegma to reproduce. Therefore, preventing secretion stagnation is an important measure to maintain the health of the genital organs. If secretions are produced excessively, you should consult a doctor.
Normal discharge in men should be as described above. Any change in the nature, frequency and duration of urine, ejaculation or prostatic secretion should alert you and be a reason to contact a urologist.
Pathological discharge from the urethra in men
Abnormal secretion from the urethra indicates the development of a pathological process in the genital tract. Urinary diseases in men can manifest themselves not only in excessive discharge. Even a small amount of discharge alternating with "clean" periods will attract attention. The most common types of pathological discharge in men are as follows:
- Slime.Excessive secretion of mucus is accompanied by inflammatory changes in the urethra. The discharge may be clear, cloudy or white.
- Mucus secretion.Purulent discharge from the urethra indicates an infectious process. Large amounts of pathological waste cause a sticky feeling and discomfort. Scarce - found exclusively in the form of traces on linen.
- White discharge. White mucus in men is accompanied by nonspecific inflammatory and infectious processes. Thick, viscous discharge often accompanies candida.
- Gray secret.Gray fluid or mucus may be sperm or prostatic secretions that flow out beyond physiological conditions. But it is better to consult a specialist to rule out pathology.
- Bloody matters.Brown or pink urine, bright red or clear mucus with streaks of blood, as well as the appearance of blood in semen are signs of structural changes in the genital organs, possibly due to trauma or severe inflammation. or the development of a tumor.
- Discharge foul.Vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor is characteristic of genital infection. A specific foul or putrid odor emanating from the genitals should be a reason to consult a doctor immediately.
Over time, even without treatment, a man may notice changes in the nature and amount of pathological discharge. In some cases, the excretion process stops, creating signs of recovery. However, this is often associated with the development of a chronic pathological process and its transition to a sluggish form. After a while, pathology of secretions from the urethra in men may continue. The chronic course of diseases of the genitourinary tract is fraught with serious complications (impotence, infertility, etc. ).
What other symptoms may be present?
Diseases of the genitourinary system in men rarely manifest themselves exclusively in the form of discharge that does not correspond to the norm. Other symptoms should also be paid attention to because they can be used to make assumptions about the location of the pathological process. A man may worry about the following deviations:
- dyspepsia disorders (frequent urination, difficulty urinating, feeling of incomplete urination, burning and stinging when urinating);
- change in urine parameters (abnormal color, odor, foam, flaky residue, etc. );
- lower abdominal pain;
- toxic syndrome (weakness, drowsiness, lethargy, etc. );
- decreased sexual desire;
- erectile dysfunction;
- ejaculation problems (premature ejaculation, difficulty achieving orgasm, changes in sperm properties, etc. );
- pain in the lower abdomen, perineum or scrotum, etc. v.
Pathological discharge can occur in both infectious and non-infectious diseases. The following symptoms will indicate the contagious nature of the deviations:
- pain and burning when urinating;
- itching in the groin;
- rash and ulcers in the genitals;
- unpleasant odor emanating from the genitals;
- decreased sexual desire;
- pelvic pain;
- increased body temperature, drowsiness, weakness, etc. v.
You should seek help as soon as symptoms begin. The earlier the diagnosis is made and the correct treatment is prescribed, the higher the chance of full recovery.
What should men do if there is discharge from the urethra?
The doctor will help you determine the exact nature of the pathological discharge. If you have signs of urinary tract diseases, you should contact a urologist. Initial reception takes place in the following order:
- Chat with patients.The doctor conducts a survey, detects complaints and collects anamnesis. Honesty when communicating with the specialist is extremely important in determining the strategy for further examination.
- 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.
- Diagnose.The urologist takes a smear from the urethra, then sends it for microscopic analysis. According to indications, patients are prescribed additional testing methods (blood tests, urine tests and PCR tests to detect sexually transmitted diseases) and instrumental diagnostics (ultrasoundpelvic organs, prostate, etc. ).
Based on the results of the examination, the doctor makes a final diagnosis and prescribes appropriate treatment.
Treatment of vaginal discharge in men
To eliminate pathological discharges, etiotropic therapy is performed, corresponding to the cause of the existing deviations. Treatment may include the following:
- Pharmacological 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 method - structural changes, hyperplastic processes and tumors are removed mainly by minimally invasive operations.
The most common cause of vaginal discharge in men is a sexually transmitted infection. 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 treatment, a control laboratory examination is performed.
Prevent vaginal discharge in men
Physiological secretion reflects the normal health state of the male reproductive system. What needs to be prevented is not discharge but diseases of the genital tract. To achieve this goal, urologists recommend the following activities:
- comply with personal hygiene rules;
- wear underwear made from natural fabrics;
- selective when choosing a partner;
- Use barrier contraception during regular sex;
- avoid hypothermia;
- regular physical activity;
- balancing diet;
- refuse bad habits;
- annual preventative exam with a urologist.
In conditions of immunodeficiency, the body's sensitivity to representatives of the opportunistic microflora increases. Microorganisms that are not normally pathogenic can cause the development of a nonspecific inflammatory process. Therefore, in conditions of increased physical or psychological stress, acclimatization and treatment with drugs that reduce immunity, it is necessary to especially carefully observe preventive measures.