Normally, the male genital organs produce a certain secretion that mainly performs a protective function. However, a change in the properties and frequency of discharge 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 secretion from pathological. In case of deviations 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 the genital organs in men: norm and abnormalities
The secretion of the genitourinary organs in men exits through the urethra or urethra. The following options for physiological discharge in men are possible:
- Urine.A liquid with a yellowish hue and a faint characteristic odor. It is usually released in portions during controlled mixing. One of the disorders of urination is urinary incontinence. In this case, there is either periodic uncontrolled excretion of urine in portions of different volumes, or constant, but drop by drop. This symptom indicates a pathology of the excretory system.
- Pre-cum.Colorless, odorless mucus that is released during sexual and erotic stimulation (during masturbation, moderate erotic stimulation, during intercourse and before ejaculation). It is produced by Cooper's glands located paraurethral. Pre-ejaculate 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 preejaculate in a large volume.
- Prostate secretion.Grey-white opalescent liquid. Produced by the prostate, it is part of the ejaculate and ensures the normal fertilizing ability of the sperm. The release of prostatic fluid outside of ejaculation is called prostatorrhea. Normally, the secretion can be released by mechanical impact on the gland (massage) and by straining (during defecation). Other forms of prostatorrhea indicate disorders in the functioning of the gland.
- Ejaculation.Gray-white mucus with a characteristic odor. It has a complex composition. It is usually released during ejaculation during the male orgasm. The release of ejaculate during 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 a whitish discharge on the head. This is smegma or the secretion of the sebaceous glands. Usually, the secretion is evenly distributed on the head, washed off during hygiene procedures and does not cause discomfort. 
With increased activity of the glands or violation of the rules of personal hygiene, the secretion accumulates in the preputial sac (in the foreskin) and becomes clearly visible. Microorganisms can use smegma for their reproduction. Therefore, preventing stagnation of secretions is an important measure for maintaining the health of the genital organs. If the secretion is released in excess, you should consult a doctor.
Normal discharge in men should be as described above. Any changes in the properties, frequency and timing of urine, ejaculate or prostate secretions should alarm 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 genitourinary system. Urological diseases in men can manifest themselves not only in heavy discharge. Even a scanty secretion that alternates with "clean" periods should attract attention. The most common types of pathological discharge in men are as follows:
- mucus.Profuse secretion of mucus accompanies inflammatory changes in the urethra. The discharge may be clear, cloudy, or whitish.
- Mucopurulent discharge.The 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 underwear.
- White discharge.White mucous discharge in men accompanies non-specific infectious and inflammatory processes. A thick, cheesy discharge usually accompanies candidiasis.
- A gray secret.Gray liquid or mucous discharge can be sperm or prostatic secretions that flow outside of physiological conditions. But it is better to consult a specialist to rule out pathology.
- Bloody trouble.Brown or pink urine, red or transparent mucus with streaks of blood, as well as the appearance of blood in the semen are signs of structural changes in the genitourinary organs, which can be caused by injury, intense inflammation or the development of a neoplasm.
- Bad release.Foul-smelling discharge 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 person can notice a change in the nature and volume of pathological discharge. In some cases, the secretion stops, giving 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 some time, the pathological discharge from the urethra in a man can resume. The chronic course of diseases of the urogenital tract is fraught with the development of serious complications (impotence, infertility, etc. ).
What other symptoms might there be?
Diseases of the genitourinary system in men rarely manifest exclusively as discharge that does not correspond to the norm. Other symptoms also require attention, because they can be used to make an assumption about the localization of the pathological process. One can worry about the following deviations:
- dysuric disorders (frequent urges, difficulty urinating, feeling of incomplete emptying, burning and stinging when urinating);
- changes in urine parameters (unusual color, smell, frothiness, scaly sediment, etc. );
- pain in the lower abdomen;
- intoxication syndrome (weakness, drowsiness, apathy, etc. );
- decreased libido;
- erectile dysfunction;
- problems with ejaculation (premature ejaculation, difficulties in achieving orgasm, changes in sperm properties, etc. );
- 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 appear. The sooner the diagnosis is made and the correct treatment is prescribed, the greater the likelihood of a full recovery.
What should a man do if there is a discharge from the urethra?
The doctor will help you accurately determine the nature of the pathological discharge. If you have signs of diseases of the urogenital tract, you should contact a urologist. The initial reception is carried out in the following order:
- Conversation with the patient.The doctor conducts an examination, detects complaints and collects anamnesis. Honesty when communicating with a specialist is extremely important in determining further research tactics.
- Physical examination.The urologist visually assesses the state of the genitals and mucous membranes. Digital rectal examination allows you to initially determine the size, structure and tenderness of the prostate gland.
- Diagnosis.The urologist takes a smear from the urethra, which is then sent for microscopic analysis. According to the patient's indications, additional laboratory methods (blood tests, urine tests and PCR tests for sexually transmitted infections) and instrumental (ultrasound of the pelvic organs, prostate, etc. ) diagnostics are prescribed.
Based on the results of the examination, the doctor makes a final diagnosis and prescribes appropriate treatment.
Treatment of male discharge
In order to eliminate the pathological discharge, etiotropic therapy corresponding to the cause of the existing deviations is carried out. Treatment may include the following:
- 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 mainly eliminated by minimally invasive operations.
The most common cause of male discharge is sexually transmitted infections. In this case, conservative treatment is prescribed. Therapy is conducted 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 health status of the male reproductive system. What should be prevented is not discharge, but diseases of the genitourinary system. To achieve this goal, urologists recommend the following activities:
- compliance with personal hygiene rules;
- wearing underwear made of natural fabrics;
- selectivity in choosing sexual partners;
- use of barrier contraception during casual intercourse;
- avoiding hypothermia;
- regular physical activity;
- balanced diet;
- giving up bad habits;
- annual preventive examinations at a urologist.
In conditions of immunodeficiency, the body's sensitivity to representatives of the opportunistic microflora increases. Microorganisms that usually do not cause diseases can cause 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 especially carefully.