Discharge from the genitals in men appears in the form of a small amount of fluid or mucus, which has a different condition and color. Fluid (mucus) is secreted from the urethra, it is also possible to separate the secretion of the preputial gland, which is located under the skin covering the head of the penis.
Physiological discharge
- the criteria for the norm of urine are light golden in color, no smell;
- the criteria for the rate of secretion from the prostate are viscous nature, a white tint, a certain smell of semen;
- the criterion for the norm of the ejaculate is the sperm mixed with the secretion secreted by the prostate, gray in color, having the consistency of mucus;
- the criterion for the smegma norm is a thick white fat.
Smegma (preputial lubricant) accumulates under the foreskin of the penis and is an accumulation of fat and residues of certain bacteria. The lubricant serves to reduce the sensation of friction between the head and the foreskin. At different periods of life, the amount of secretion secreted by the preputial glands is different, the peak falls during puberty, and with old age it completely stops.
If the rules of hygiene are not followed, the lubricant (smegma) is collected under the foreskin. Fats are oxidized and the proteins that make up the composition begin to break down. Simply put, the decay process begins. The color of the lubricant becomes greenish, a putrid smell appears. The constant accumulation of lubricant leads to chronic balanitis or, worse, the development of malignant tumors.
The urethral glands secrete a colorless liquid called urethral rhea. It serves to protect the urethra. Its appearance is associated with strong arousal during an erection. The volume of secretions depends on the physiological characteristics of each organism, but after a long period of refusal from sex, the amount increases.
In the morning, wet dreams are possible (spontaneous discharge of semen) that are not associated with sex. Pollution is possible in both teenagers and mature men who have not had sex for a long time.
With strong tension of the abdominal muscles, a small amount of translucent mucus is released from the urethra. Also, prostatorrhea can occur during constipation.
Pathological changes in discharge
Abnormal discharge from the penis can indicate sexually transmitted disease (STD), cancer, non-specific inflammation, or genital trauma.
It is possible to distinguish from ordinary secretions those associated with a pathological nature, possibly by their nature, smell, color:
- the volume of discharge has become much more abundant or, on the contrary, has decreased;
- the color has changed, the discharge has become cloudy;
- there were impurities of blood, pus, lumps of mucus;
- change in structure: the discharge has become sticky and thick;
- the smell has become fishy, sour or putrid;
- unpleasant sensations appear when urinating.
If you notice a change in your discharge, it is dangerous to self-medicate. It is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible, be sure to undergo tests, and also to take a smear.
Characteristic of discharge of sexually transmitted diseases
Discharges that become very viscous and have a transparent color, as a rule, are a chronic form of mycoplasmosis and ureaplasmosis, chlamydia. During the analysis, leukocytes are found in the visual field up to 5 units.
If the discharge has turned white and translucent, this indicates the presence of an acute form of mycoplasmosis, chlamydia, ureaplasmosis.
Discharge with purulent spots and a characteristic odor is a sign of gonorrhea. Their structure is very thick and sticky, the color is greenish-yellow. In laboratory tests, a large number of leukocytes are detected. Painful sensations are also noted when urinating.
Infections with multiple pathogens are common in sexually transmitted diseases. The symptoms and nature of the discharge take on a completely different aspect, so it is very important to conduct high-quality laboratory tests to identify the true causative agents of the disease.
Inflammation and non-venereal discharge in men
Non-venereal inflammation occurs when non-specific bacteria enter the pelvic organs and can also be the result of immune problems. Its own microflora becomes conditionally pathogenic, when pathogenic bacteria, which are in small numbers, begin to prevail over beneficial bacteria, thus causing non-venereal inflammation.
Non-gonorrhea urethritis is characterized by discharge in the form of purulent lumps in small quantities. There is a frequent need to urinate, an itchy feeling. The infection is ascending, infecting the bladder first, then the kidneys. When the kidneys become infected, the discharge contains blood. This is a very dangerous symptom.
Fungi of the genus Candida cause candidiasis. An increase in the number of these fungi occurs with a weakening of one's immunity, as well as after taking antibiotics. Symptoms include secretions that resemble cottage cheese in texture. There is an acrid smell, itchy sensations, especially when urinating.
Gardnerellosis of the urethra is determined by a specific fishy smell, the discharge becomes yellow-green, small in volume. This infection occurs when there is a violation of the microflora, in other words, when dysbiosis appears.
If the foreskin becomes inflamed (balanoposthitis), the discharge becomes purulent and mucus. The head of the penis turns red and becomes very painful.
Prostatitis manifests itself as a cloudy discharge that appears at the end of urination. This disease has serious complications such as lack of erection and complete impotence, anuria.
Unusual discharge of inflammation
Spermatorhea is a passive loss of semen, without masturbation or sexual intercourse. This disease is most often the result of stress, neurosis or spinal diseases. With spermatorhea, the ducts are innervated.
Bloody discharge can appear after trauma to the urethral canal, taking a smear, inserting a catheter, as well as when sand or small stones pass through the urethral canal. In this case, the bleeding is very painful.
A serious symptom is brown discharge with pus and blood - they indicate the presence of a malignant tumor.
If you find unusual discharge in yourself, you should immediately contact a medical institution and take the necessary tests. The sooner the correct diagnosis is made, the sooner recovery will come.
How's the exam going?
- First of all, an examination of the penis is carried out. The procedure is necessary to identify traces of trauma to the head and foreskin. Look for a rash or discharge.
- Mandatory examination and palpation of the lymph nodes in the groin, determination of their size, condition, temperature.
- Sampling of secretions from the prostate for laboratory research - for this, prostate massage is performed through the rectum.
In the laboratory, under the microscope, a study of the collected material is carried out:
- a smear can determine the maturity of leukocytes, their number in the visual field. A larger amount indicates acute urethritis or a chronic inflammatory process;
- an increase in the number of eosinophils indicates an allergic process in the urethra;
- when erythrocytes are detected, we can talk about tumors, severe inflammation;
- if the amount of epithelium exceeds the norm, then we are talking about chronic urethritis;
- the smear contains sperm - spermatorrea;
- mucus is found in the smear - urethrorrhea;
- lipid grains are present in the smear - prostatorhea.
For reliable results, you need to follow some rules: do not wash before taking the material, do not have sex the day before the analysis, do not go to the toilet for a few hours before making a scrub.
The inoculation of LHC is necessary to identify the largest number of microorganisms belonging to the same species. Their properties are being studied for further diagnosis of the infection. A general analysis of blood and urine is performed. An ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs and prostate is performed, if necessary, according to the indications, then tomography.
Any unusual discharge is a serious reason to see a doctor. You cannot self-medicate, even if the disease seems obvious to you. In this way complications that are difficult to treat even with the most powerful antibiotics can be gained. The inflammatory process will not stop, but will acquire only a latent form, which is fraught with serious complications, up to and including death.
Preventive measures
Any disease is easier to prevent than to cure, therefore, observing simple rules of personal hygiene, you can protect yourself from many problems. Also, there are some other rules:
- underwear should be made of natural, not tight-fitting materials;
- adequate contraception is required;
- casual sex should be avoided.
Mandatory treatment of both partners is necessary if venereal disease is detected in at least one of them. Otherwise, reinfection will constantly occur, which is dangerous with the transition to a chronic form and even infertility.