Normally, the male genitals produce a certain secretion, which primarily plays a protective role. However, a change in the characteristics and frequency of discharge can be an early sign of the development of a urinary tract disease, for example, a sexually transmitted infection, an inflammatory or neoplastic process. Every man should know how to distinguish a physiological secretion from a pathological one. If there is a 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.
Male genital discharge: normal and abnormal
Male genital secretions come out through the urethra or urethra. The following variations of physiological discharge in men are possible:
- Urine.A liquid with a yellowish tint and a weak characteristic odor. It is usually released in doses during controlled dilution. One of the urinary disorders is urinary incontinence. In this case, there is either a periodic uncontrollable release of urine in doses of varying amounts, or constant, but drop by drop. This symptom indicates a pathology of the urinary system.
- Pre-combined.Colorless and odorless mucus, which is secreted during sexual and erotic stimulation (during masturbation, moderate erotic stimulation, intercourse and before ejaculation). Produced by Cooper's glands located in the urethra. 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 discharge before ejaculation in large quantities.
- Prostate secrets.Grey-white opalescent liquid. Produced by the prostate gland, it is part of the ejaculate and ensures normal fertilization of the sperm. The release of prostatic fluid outside of ejaculation is called prostatic rhea. Normally, secretion can be released by mechanical action on the gland (massage) and by straining (during bowel movements). Other types of prostate cancer indicate disorders of the gland's function.
- Ejaculation.Grayish-white mucus with a characteristic odor. It has a complex composition. It is usually released during ejaculation during male orgasm. Physiologically, it is considered to be 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. Individual cases of ejaculation during sleep, due to fear or physical stress, are not considered pathology. Any other possibility for ejaculation is a reason to contact a doctor.
Men's attention is often drawn by a whitish discharge on the head. This is smegma, or the secretion of sebaceous glands. Usually, the secretion is evenly distributed on the head, washed off during hygiene procedures and does not cause discomfort. 
If the glands are overactive or the rules of personal hygiene are violated, the secretion accumulates in the foreskin (in the foreskin) and becomes clearly visible. Microorganisms can use smegma for their reproduction. Therefore, preventing the stagnation of secretion is an important measure to maintain the health of the genitals. If the secretion is produced too much, you should contact a doctor.
Normal discharge for men should be as described above. Any change in the quality, 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
Abnormal discharge from the urethra indicates the development of a pathological process in the genitals. Urinary tract diseases in men can appear not only in strong discharge. Even a small amount of discharge, alternating with "clean" periods, should be alarming. 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.
- Mucous discharge.Discharge of pus from the urethra indicates an infectious process. A large amount of pathological discharge causes a feeling of stickiness and discomfort. Small - found only as traces on linen.
- White discharge.White mucous membrane in men follows non-specific infectious and inflammatory processes. A thick, cheesy discharge usually accompanies candidiasis.
- A gray secret.Gray fluid or mucus may be seminal or prostatic secretions that flow outside of physiological conditions. But it is better to consult a specialist to rule out pathology.
- Bloody matter.Brown or pink urine, scarlet or clear mucus with blood, as well as blood in the semen, are signs of structural changes in the genitals that can be caused by injury, severe inflammation or the development of a tumor.
- Bad graduation.Discharge with an unpleasant smell is characteristic of genital infections. A distinct putrid or putrid smell emanating from the genitals should be a reason to seek immediate medical attention.
Over time, even without treatment, a man may notice changes 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 person can start again. The chronic course of diseases of the urinary system is full of the development of serious complications (impotence, infertility, etc. ).
What other symptoms might there be?
Diseases of the genital organs in men rarely appear only 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. One may be concerned about the following anomalies:
- urinary disorders (frequent desire, difficulty urinating, feeling of incomplete emptying, burning and stinging during urination);
- changes in urine parameters (unusual color, odor, foaming, flaky sediment, etc. );
- lower abdominal pain;
- intoxication syndrome (weakness, drowsiness, apathy, etc. );
- decreased libido;
- erectile dysfunction;
- problems with ejaculation (premature ejaculation, difficulty achieving orgasm, changes in sperm characteristics, etc. );
- pain in the lower abdomen, abdominal cavity or groin etc. s. etc.
Pathological discharge can occur in both infectious and non-infectious diseases. The following symptoms indicate the contagious nature of the abnormalities:
- 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, lethargy, weakness, etc. etc.
You should seek help soon after symptoms begin. The earlier the diagnosis is made and the correct treatment is prescribed, the greater the chance of a full recovery.
What should one do if there is discharge from the urethra?
A doctor will help you determine the exact nature of the pathological discharge. If you have signs of urinary tract disease, you should contact a urologist. Initial reception takes place in the following order:
- Conversation with the patient.The doctor conducts a survey, finds out the complaints and compiles an anamnesis. Honesty in communication with an expert is extremely important in determining further examination procedures.
- Physical examination.The urologist visually assesses the condition of the genitals and mucous membranes. Digital rectal examination allows you to determine the size, structure and tenderness of the prostate initially.
- Analysis. The urologist takes a swab from the urethra, which is then sent for microscopic analysis. According to indications, the patient is prescribed additional laboratory methods (blood test, urine test and PCR test for sexually transmitted infections) and instrumental analysis (ultrasound of the pelvic organs, prostate, etc. ).
Based on the results of the examination, the doctor makes a final diagnosis and prescribes the appropriate treatment.
Treatment of discharge in men
To eliminate the pathological discharge, etiotropic treatment is carried out, which corresponds to the cause of the current abnormalities. Treatment may include the following:
- Drug therapy with antibacterial, antiviral, protozoan drugs, as well as immunosuppressive drugs and anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Physiotherapy is used in the complex treatment of chronic infectious and inflammatory diseases.
- Surgery - structural changes, hyperplastic processes and tumors are mainly eliminated with minimally invasive procedures.
The most common cause of male discharge is sexually transmitted infections. In this case, conservative treatment is performed. Treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis. The duration of treatment varies from a few days to a few months (depending on the type and form of the disease). At the end of the treatment, a comparative study is carried out in a laboratory.
Prevention of discharge in men
Physiological secretion reflects the normal health of the male reproductive system. What needs to be prevented is not discharge, but diseases of the genital organs. To achieve this goal, urologists recommend the following procedures:
- compliance with the rules of personal hygiene;
- wear underwear made of natural materials;
- specificity when choosing a roommate;
- use of barrier contraception during casual intercourse;
- avoid hypothermia;
- regular exercise;
- healthy diet;
- rejection of bad habits;
- annual preventive examinations by a urologist.
In immunodeficiency, the body's sensitivity to representatives of opportunistic microflora increases. Microorganisms that normally do not cause disease can cause the development of a non-specific infectious-inflammatory process. Therefore, it is necessary to pay special attention to preventive measures in situations of increased physical or mental stress, adaptation and treatment with drugs that reduce immunity.