Normally, male sexual organs produce a certain secretion that primarily performs a protective function. However, a change in the characteristics and frequency of discharge may be an early sign of the development of a urological disease, for example, a sexually transmitted infection, an inflammatory or tumor process. Every person 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 consider the most common types of urethral discharge in men and their possible causes.
Discharge from the genital organs in men: normal and abnormalities
In men, the secretion of the genitourinary organs comes out through the urethra or urethra. The following types of physiological discharge are possible in men:
- Pee.Liquid with a yellowish tint and a weak characteristic odor. It is normally released in portions during controlled micturition. One of the urinary disorders is urinary incontinence. In this case, there is either periodic uncontrolled release of urine in portions of varying volumes, or it is constant, but drop by drop. This symptom indicates pathology of the urinary system.
- Before ejaculation.Colorless and odorless mucus secreted during sexual and erotic arousal (during masturbation, moderate erotic arousal, during sexual intercourse and before ejaculation). It is produced by the paraurethral located Cooper glands. Pre-ejaculation acts as a natural lubricant and antacid in the male urethra and female genital tract to increase sperm viability. Deviation from the norm is the release of a large amount of pre-ejaculation.
- Prostate secret.Gray-white iridescent liquid. It is part of the ejaculate produced by the prostate and ensures the normal fertilization ability of sperm. The release of prostate juice other than ejaculation is called prostatorrhea. Normally, secretion can be released by mechanical action on the gland (massage) and during straining (during defecation). Other forms of prostatorrhea indicate disorders in the functioning of the gland.
- Cum.Gray-white mucus liquid with a characteristic odor. It has a complex composition. It is normally released during ejaculation during male orgasm. Physiologically, it is considered to be the release of ejaculate during sexual intercourse and during wet dreams (during abstinence in adolescents and adult males), as well as during strong sexual and erotic arousal. Individual cases of ejaculation occurring during sleep as a result of fear or physical stress are not considered a pathology. All other options for sperm release are a reason to consult a doctor.
Most often, men's attention is attracted by whitish discharge on the head. This is smegma or the secretion of the sebaceous glands. Normally, the secretion is evenly distributed on the head, is washed off during hygiene procedures and does not cause any discomfort. 
In case of overactivity of the glands or violation of the rules of personal hygiene, the secretion accumulates in the preputial sac (foreskin) and becomes clearly visible. Microorganisms can use smegma for their reproduction. Therefore, preventing stagnation of secretions is an important measure to protect the health of the genital organs. If the secretion is produced in large amounts, you should consult a doctor.
Normal discharge in men should be as described above. Any change in the characteristics, frequency and time of urine, ejaculate or prostatic secretion should alert you and constitute a reason to consult a urologist.
Pathological discharge from the urethra in men
Unusual secretion from the urethra indicates the development of a pathological process in the genitourinary system. Urological diseases in men cannot manifest themselves only with strong discharge. Even scanty secretion alternating with "clean" periods should attract attention. The most common types of pathological discharge in men are:
- Slime.Inflammatory changes in the urethra are accompanied by abundant mucus secretion. The discharge may be clear, cloudy or whitish.
- Mucopurulent discharge.Discharge of pus from the urethra indicates an infectious process. A large amount of pathological discharge causes a feeling of stickiness and discomfort. Scant - found only in the form of traces on the linen.
- White discharge.White mucus discharge in men accompanies nonspecific infectious and inflammatory processes. Candidiasis is often accompanied by a thick, cheesy discharge.
- Gray secret.Gray fluid or mucus discharge may be sperm or prostate secretion flowing outside physiological conditions. But to exclude pathology, it is better to consult a specialist.
- Bloody problems.Brown or pink urine, red or clear mucus streaked with blood, and the appearance of blood in the semen are signs of structural changes in the genitourinary organs that may be caused by injury, intense inflammation, or the development of a neoplasm.
- Bad current.Discharge with an unpleasant odor 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 man may notice a change in the nature and volume of pathological discharge. In some cases, secretion stops, creating the appearance of healing. However, this is often associated with the development of a chronic pathological process and its transition to a slow form. After a while, pathological discharge from the urethra in men may continue. The chronic course of diseases of the urogenital system 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 themselves only as discharge that does not comply with the norm. Other symptoms also require attention, as they can be used to make assumptions about the localization of the pathological process. A man may be worried about the following deviations:
- dysuric disorders (frequent urge to urinate, difficulty urinating, feeling of not fully passing urine, burning and stinging when urinating);
- changes in urine parameters (unusual color, odor, foaminess, flaky sediment, etc. );
- pain in the lower abdomen;
- intoxication syndrome (weakness, drowsiness, apathy, etc. );
- decreased libido;
- erectile dysfunction;
- problems with ejaculation (premature ejaculation, difficulties in reaching orgasm, changes in sperm properties, etc. );
- in the lower abdomen, perineum or scrotum, etc. aching pain.
Pathological discharge can occur in both infectious and non-infectious diseases. The following symptoms will indicate the contagious nature of deviations:
- pain, burning during urination;
- 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 immediately after symptoms begin. The earlier 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 discharge from the urethra?
A doctor will help you accurately determine the nature of pathological discharge. If you have symptoms of diseases of the urogenital system, you should consult a urologist. The initial reception is carried out in the following order:
- Don't talk to the patient.The doctor conducts a survey, identifies complaints and collects anamnesis. Honesty in communicating with a specialist is extremely important for determining the tactics of further examination.
- Physical examination.The urologist visually evaluates the condition of the genital organs and mucous membranes. Digital rectal examination allows you to initially determine the size, structure and sensitivity of the prostate gland.
- Diagnosis.The urologist takes a smear from 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 sexually transmitted infections) and instrumental (ultrasound of the pelvic organs, prostate, etc. ) diagnostics.
Based on the examination results, the doctor makes a definitive diagnosis and prescribes appropriate treatment.
Treatment of discharge in men
To eliminate pathological discharge, etiotropic treatment is carried out corresponding to the cause of the existing deviations. Treatment may include:
- 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 discharge in men is sexually transmitted infections. In this case, conservative treatment is applied. Therapy is carried out 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 needs to be prevented is not discharge, but diseases of the genitourinary system. To achieve this goal, urologists recommend the following activities:
- compliance with the rules of personal hygiene;
- wearing underwear made from natural fabrics;
- selectivity in choosing sexual partners;
- use of barrier contraception during casual sexual intercourse;
- avoiding hypothermia;
- regular physical activity;
- balanced diet;
- rejection of bad habits;
- annual preventive examinations with a urologist.
In conditions of immunodeficiency, the body's sensitivity to representatives of the opportunistic microflora increases. Microorganisms that normally 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 comply with preventive measures especially carefully.