Usually, the male genitals produce a certain secretion, which mainly performs a protective function. However, changes in discharge characteristics and frequency can be an early sign of the development of a urological disease, such as a sexually transmitted infection, inflammatory or tumor process. Every man should know how to distinguish physiological secretion from pathological. If there are deviations from the norm, you should immediately seek medical help. Next, we will consider the most common types of urethral discharge in men and their possible causes.
Male genital discharge: normal and abnormal
The secretion of the genitourinary organs in men is released through the urethra or urethra. For men, the following physiological release options are possible:
- Urine.A liquid with a yellowish tint and a weak characteristic smell. It is usually released in portions during controlled micturition. Urinary incontinence is one of the urinary disorders. In this case, there is either 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 and odorless mucus secreted during sexual and erotic stimulation (during masturbation, moderate erotic stimulation, intercourse and before ejaculation). Produced by Cooper's gland located paraurethral. Pre-ejaculate serves as a natural lubricant and deacidifier in the male urethra and female genitalia to increase sperm viability. A deviation from the norm is a large amount of pre-ejaculate discharge.
- The secret of the prostate.Gray-white opalescent liquid. It is produced by the prostate, is part of the ejaculate and ensures the normal fertilizing ability of the sperm. The discharge of prostate juice outside of ejaculation is called prostatorrhea. Normally, the secretion can be released by mechanical action on the gland (massage) and during straining (during defecation). Other forms of prostatorrhea indicate disorders of the gland.
- To ejaculate.A gray-white mucous liquid with a characteristic odor. It has a complex composition. It is usually released during ejaculation during 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. Certain cases where ejaculation during sleep, as a result of fear or physical stress, is not considered a pathology. All other possibilities of sperm release are a reason to consult a doctor.
Often, men's attention is attracted by a whitish discharge on the head. It is smegma, or sebaceous gland secretion. Usually, the secretions are evenly distributed on the head, are washed away during hygiene procedures and do not cause discomfort. 
If the glands are overactive or the rules of personal hygiene are violated, the secretion accumulates in the anterior pouch (forehead) and becomes clearly visible. Microorganisms can use smegma for their reproduction. Therefore, prevention of stagnation of secretions is an important measure for maintaining genital health. If the secretion is produced excessively, you should consult a doctor.
Normal discharge for men should be as described above. Any changes in the nature, frequency and timing of urine, ejaculate or prostate secretion should alert and be a reason to consult a urologist.
Pathological discharge from the urethra in men
Abnormal discharge from the urethra indicates the development of a pathological process in the urogenital tract. Urological diseases in men can be manifested not only by strong discharge. Even a tiny discharge interspersed with "clean" periods should attract attention. The most common types of pathological discharge in men are as follows:
- Mucus.Abundant mucus secretion accompanies inflammatory changes in the urethra. The discharge can be clear, cloudy or whitish.
- Mucopurulent discharge.The discharge of pus from the urethra indicates an infectious process. A large amount of abnormal discharge causes a feeling of stickiness and discomfort. Scarce - found only as traces on linen.
- White discharge.White mucous discharge in men accompanies non-specific infectious and inflammatory processes. Thick, cheesy discharge usually accompanies candidiasis.
- Gray mystery.Gray fluid or mucous secretions may be semen or prostatic secretions that are released outside of physiological conditions. But it is better to consult a specialist to rule out pathology.
- Bloody problems.Brown or pink urine, bright or clear mucus with blood, as well as the appearance of blood in semen indicate structural changes in the urogenital organs, which can be caused by trauma, intense inflammation or tumor development.
- Improper discharge.Discharge with an unpleasant smell is characteristic of genital infections. A specific smell of rot or decay emanating from the genitals is a reason to consult a doctor immediately.
Over time, even without treatment, a man may notice changes in the nature and volume of pathological discharge. In some cases, the secretion stops, which gives the appearance of recovery. However, it is often associated with the development of a chronic pathological process and its transition to a sluggish form. After some time, a man may resume abnormal discharge from the urethra. The chronic course of diseases of the urogenital tract is associated with the development of serious complications (impotence, infertility, etc. ).
What other symptoms could there be?
Diseases of the genitourinary system in men are rarely manifested as secretions that do not correspond to the norm. Attention should also be paid to other symptoms, because they can be used to make assumptions about the localization of the pathological process. A man may be concerned about the following deviations:
- dysuric disorders (frequent desire, difficulty urinating, feeling of incomplete emptying, burning and yellowing when urinating);
- changes in urine parameters (unusual color, smell, foaming, flaky deposits, etc. );
- lower abdominal pain;
- 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 testicles, etc.
Pathological discharge can occur both in infectious and non-infectious diseases. The following symptoms indicate the infectious nature of deviations:
- pain, burning when urinating;
- itching in the groin;
- rashes, sores on the genitals;
- unpleasant odor emanating from the genitals;
- decreased libido;
- pelvic pain;
- increased body temperature, drowsiness, weakness, etc.
You should seek help as soon as symptoms appear. The sooner the diagnosis is made and the correct treatment is prescribed, the greater the chance of a full recovery.
What should a man do if there is discharge from the urethra?
The doctor will help to accurately determine the nature of the pathological discharge. If there are signs of diseases of the genitourinary tract, you should contact a urologist. The initial admission takes place in the following order:
- Conversation with the patient.The doctor conducts a survey, clarifies complaints and collects anamnesis. Honesty when communicating with a specialist is extremely important in determining future investigative tactics.
- Physical examination.The urologist visually assesses the state of the genitals and mucous membranes. Digital rectal examination allows to initially determine the size, structure and sensitivity of the prostate gland.
- Diagnostics.The urologist takes a swab of the urethra, which is then sent for microscopic analysis. According to the indications, the patient is prescribed additional laboratory methods (blood tests, urine tests and PCR tests for detection of sexually transmitted infections) and instrumental (ultrasound of the pelvic organs, prostate, etc. ) diagnostics.
Based on the test results, the doctor makes a final diagnosis and prescribes appropriate treatment.
Treatment of discharge in men
To prevent pathological discharge, etiotropic therapy is carried out, which corresponds to the cause of the existing deviations. Treatment may include the following measures:
- 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 sexually transmitted infections. 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 the treatment, a control laboratory test is performed.
Prevention of discharge in men
Physiological secretion reflects the normal state of health of the male reproductive system. Diseases of the urogenital system should be prevented, not secretions. To achieve this goal, urologists recommend the following actions:
- observance of personal hygiene rules;
- wear underwear made of natural fabrics;
- selectivity in choosing sexual partners;
- use of barrier contraception during casual intercourse;
- avoiding hypothermia;
- regular physical activity;
- balanced diet;
- rejection of bad habits;
- annual preventive examinations at the urologist.
In conditions of immunodeficiency, the body's sensitivity 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, during acclimatization and treatment with immunosuppressive drugs, preventive measures should be observed especially carefully.