Discharge from the genitals in men occurs in the form of a small amount of fluid or mucus, which has a different condition and color. Fluid (mucus) is excreted from the urethra, it is also possible to separate the secretion of preputial gland, which is located under the skin covering the head of the penis.
Physiological discharge
- the criteria for urine norm are light golden color, no odor;
- the criteria for the rate of secretion from the prostate are viscous nature, a white hue, a certain odor;
- the criterion for the norm of ejaculate is semen mixed with secretions secreted by the prostate, gray in color, with 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 remnants of certain bacteria. The lubricant serves to reduce the feeling of friction between the head and foreskin. At different periods of life, the amount of secretion secreted by preputative glands is different, the peak decreases at puberty, and in old age it stops completely.
If hygiene rules are not observed, lubricant (smegma) is collected under the foreskin. Fats are oxidized and the proteins that make up the composition begin to break down. In short, the process of decay sets in. The color of the lubricant becomes greenish, there is an ugly odor. The constant accumulation of lubricant leads to chronic balanitis, or worse, malignant tumors develop.
The urinary glands secrete a colorless fluid called urethral rhea. It serves to protect the urethra. Its appearance is associated with strong arousal during erection. The amount of secretions depends on the physiological characteristics of each organism, but after a long period of rejection of sex, the amount increases.
In the morning, wet dreams (spontaneous ejaculation) not associated with sex are possible. Contamination is possible in both young and mature men who have not had intercourse for a long time.
With strong tension in the abdominal muscles, a small amount of translucent mucus is released from the urethra. Prostatorrhea can also occur during constipation.
Pathological changes in discharge
Abnormal discharge from the penis may indicate a sexually transmitted disease (STD), cancer, nonspecific inflammation, or genital mutilation.
It is possible to distinguish from ordinary secretions those associated with a pathological character, possibly by their nature, smell, color:
- the amount of discharge has become much more abundant or conversely decreased
- the color has changed, the discharge has become cloudy;
- there were impurities of blood, pus, lumps of mucus;
- change in structure: the discharge became sticky and thick;
- the odor has been fished, sour or sour;
- unpleasant sensations appear when urinating.
If you notice any change in your discharge, it is dangerous to self-medicate. It is necessary to seek medical attention as soon as possible, be sure to undergo tests and also take a smear.
Discharge characteristic of sexually transmitted diseases
Discharges that become very viscous and have a transparent color are usually a chronic form of mycoplasmosis and ureaplasmosis, chlamydia. Upon analysis, leukocytes are found in the field of view up to 5 units.
If the discharge has become white and translucent, this indicates the presence of an acute form of mycoplasmosis, chlamydia, ureaplasmosis.
Discharge with purulent stains 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 when urinating are also noted.
Infections with several pathogens are common in sexually transmitted diseases. Symptoms and nature of discharge have a completely different appearance, so it is very important to perform high-quality laboratory tests to identify the true causative diseases of the disease.
Non-genital inflammation and discharge in men
Non-genital inflammation occurs when nonspecific bacteria enter the pelvic organs and can also be the result of immune problems. Own microflora becomes pathogenic conditionally when pathogenic bacteria that are in small amounts begin to triumph over beneficial bacteria and thereby cause non-genital inflammation.
Non-gonorrheal urethritis is characterized by discharge in the form of purulent lumps in small amounts. There is a frequent urge to urinate, an itchy feeling. The infection increases, first infecting the bladder, 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 their own immunity as well as after taking antibiotics. Symptoms include discharge that resembles cottage cheese in structure. There is a sour smell, itchy sensations, especially when urinating.
Gardnerellosis in the urethra is determined by a specific fish odor, the discharge turns yellow-green in color with a small volume. This infection occurs when there is a violation in the microflora, in other words, when dysbiosis occurs.
If the foreskin becomes inflamed (balanoposthitis), the discharge becomes purulent and mucous. 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.
Discharge that is not characteristic of inflammation
Spermatorrhea is passive leakage of semen, without masturbation or intercourse. This disease is most often the result of stress, neurosis or diseases of the spine. With spermatrhea, the ducts innervate.
Bloody discharge can occur after trauma to the urethra, take a smear, insert a catheter, as well as when sand or small stones pass through the urethra. In this case, the hematoma is very painful.
A serious symptom is brown discharge with pus and blood - they indicate the presence of a malignant tumor.
If you find uncharacteristic discharge in yourself, contact a medical institution immediately and take the necessary tests. The sooner the correct diagnosis is made, the sooner the recovery will come.
How is the survey going?
- First of all, an examination of the penis is performed. The procedure is necessary to identify traces of trauma to the head and foreskin. Watch for rashes or discharge.
- Mandatory examination and palpation of lymph nodes in the groin, determination of their size, condition, temperature.
- Sampling of secretions from the prostate for laboratory research - for this purpose, prostate massage is performed through the rectum.
In the laboratory, under a microscope, an examination of the collected material is performed:
- a smear can determine the maturity of the leukocytes, their number in the field of view. An increased amount indicates acute urethritis or a chronic inflammatory process;
- an increased 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 - spermatorrhea;
- mucus is found in the smear - urethrorrhea;
- lipid grains are present in the smear - prostatorrhea.
For reliable results, follow some rules: do not wash before taking the material, do not have sex one day before the analysis, do not go to the toilet for a few hours before taking a smear.
LHC inoculation is necessary to identify the largest number of microorganisms belonging to the same species. Their properties are examined 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 indications, then tomography.
Any uncharacteristic discharge is a serious reason to consult a doctor. You can not self-medicate, even if the disease seems obvious to you. In this way, complications can be obtained that are difficult to treat even with the strongest antibiotics. The inflammatory process does not stop, but only takes on a latent form, filled with serious complications, even death.
Preventive measurements
Any disease is easier to prevent than to cure, so you can protect yourself from many problems by adhering to simple rules of personal hygiene. In addition, there are a few more rules:
- underwear must be made of natural materials, not tight;
- proper contraception is necessary
- casual sex should be avoided.
Mandatory treatment of both parties is necessary if a venereal disease is detected in at least one of them. Otherwise, re-infection will constantly occur, which is dangerous with a transition to a chronic form and even infertility.