Normally, the male genital organs produce certain secretions, which mainly perform a protective function. However, changes in the nature and frequency of discharge may be an early sign of the development of urological diseases, for example, sexual infections, inflammatory processes or tumors. Every man should know how to distinguish physiological secretions from pathological secretions. In case of deviation 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 abnormal
The secretions of the genitourinary organs in men exit through the urethra or urethra. The following physiological release variants in men are possible:
- Urine.A liquid with a yellowish color and a weak characteristic odor. Usually it is removed in part during controlled micturition. One of the urinary disorders is urinary incontinence. In this case, there is either periodic uncontrollable discharge of urine in varying volumes, or regular, but drop by drop. These symptoms indicate pathology of the urinary system.
- Pre-cum.Colorless and odorless mucus, which is secreted during sexual and erotic stimulation (during masturbation, moderate erotic stimulation, during intercourse and before ejaculation). Produced by Cooper's glands located paraurethally. Pre-ejaculation works as a natural lubricant and deacidifier in the male urethra and female genital tract to increase sperm resistance. A deviation from the norm is the release of pre-ejaculate in large quantities.
- Secrets of the prostate.Gray-white opalescent liquid. Produced by the prostate, it is part of ejaculation and ensures the normal fertilizing ability of sperm. The release of prostate juice outside of ejaculation is called prostatorrhea. Normally, the secretion can be removed during mechanical action on the gland (massage) and during straining (during defecation). Other forms of prostatorrhea indicate a disorder in the function of the gland.
- Ejaculation.A gray-white mucus liquid with a characteristic odor. It has a complex composition. It is usually released during ejaculation during male orgasm. Physiology is considered to be the release of ejaculation during sexual intercourse and during wet dreams (in adolescents and adult men during abstinence), as well as during strong sexual and erotic stimulation. Isolated cases of ejaculation during sleep, as a result of fear or physical stress are not considered pathological. All other options for sperm release are reasons to consult a doctor.
Often the attention of men is attracted by the discharge of whiteness on the head. This is smegma, or sebaceous gland secretion. Usually, secretions are evenly distributed on the head, washed off during hygiene procedures and do not cause any discomfort. 
If the gland is too active or the rules of personal hygiene are violated, the secretion accumulates in the preputial sac (in the foreskin) and becomes clearly visible. Microorganisms can use smegma for their reproduction. Therefore, preventing the stagnation of secretions is an important step to maintain the health of the genital organs. If the secretion is produced excessively, you should see a doctor.
Normal discharge in men should be as stated above. Any change in the nature, frequency and timing of urination, 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 genitourinary tract. Urological diseases in men can manifest themselves not only in strong discharge. Even a slight discharge, which alternates with "clean" periods, should attract attention. The most common types of pathological discharge in men are as follows:
- slime.Abundant mucus secretion 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 number of pathological discharges cause a sticky and uncomfortable feeling. Scanty - found exclusively in the form of traces on linen.
- Whiteness. The discharge of white mucus in men accompanies non-specific infectious and inflammatory processes. Thick, watery discharge usually accompanies candidiasis.
- Gray secrets.Gray fluid or mucus discharge may be sperm or prostate secretions that flow outside of physiological conditions. But it is better to consult a specialist to rule out pathology.
- Blood issue.Brown or pink urine, red or clear mucus streaked with blood, as well as the appearance of blood in the semen are signs of structural changes in the genitourinary organs, which may be caused by injury, intense inflammation or the development of neoplasms.
- Putrid discharge.Discharge with an unpleasant odor is characteristic of genital infections. A certain foul or foul smell emanating from the genitals should be a reason to see a doctor immediately.
Over time, even without treatment, a man may notice changes in the nature and amount of pathological discharge. In some cases, the secretion stops, which creates the appearance of recovery. However, this is often associated with the development of a chronic pathological process and its transition to a sluggish form. After some time, 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 be present?
Diseases of the genitourinary system in men rarely show themselves exclusively as discharges that do not fit 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 concerned about the following deviations:
- urination disorders (frequent urges, difficulty urinating, feeling incomplete emptying, burning and pain when urinating);
- changes in urine parameters (unusual color, smell, frothy, flaky sediment, etc. );
- pain in the lower abdomen;
- intoxication syndrome (weakness, drowsiness, apathy, etc. );
- decreased libido;
- erectile dysfunction;
- problems with ejaculation (premature ejaculation, difficulty reaching 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 contagious nature of the deviation:
- pain, burning when urinating;
- itching in the groin;
- rashes, sores on the genitals;
- unpleasant odor coming from the genitals;
- decreased libido;
- pelvic pain;
- increased body temperature, sleepiness, weakness, etc.
You should seek help as soon as symptoms begin. The sooner the diagnosis is made and the correct treatment is prescribed, the greater the chance of a complete 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. Early acceptance takes place in the following order:
- Conversation with the patient.The doctor conducts a survey, finds out complaints and collects anamnesis. Honesty when communicating with the specialist is very important to determine the tactics of the further examination.
- Physical examination.Urologists visually assess the condition of the genital organs and mucous membranes. A digital rectal examination allows you to initially determine the size, structure and tenderness of the prostate gland.
- Diagnostics.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 diagnostics (ultrasound of 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 pathological discharge, etiotropic therapy is carried out, corresponding to the existing cause of the deviation. Treatment may include the following:
- Drug therapy uses antibacterial, antiviral, antiprotozoal, as well as immunomodulators and anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Physiotherapy is used in the complex treatment of infectious diseases and chronic inflammation.
- Surgical methods - structural changes, hyperplastic processes and neoplasms are eliminated mainly using minimally invasive operations.
The most common cause of male discharge is a sexually transmitted infection. In this case, conservative treatment is carried out. Therapy is conducted 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 treatment, a control laboratory examination is carried out.
Prevention of discharge in men
Physiological secretion reflects the normal state of health of the male reproductive system. What needs to be prevented is not discharge, but diseases of the genitourinary tract. To achieve this goal, urologists recommend the following activities:
- compliance with personal hygiene rules;
- wear underwear made of natural fabrics;
- selectivity when choosing a sexual partner;
- barrier contraceptive use during casual sexual intercourse;
- avoid hypothermia;
- frequent physical activity;
- balanced diet;
- rejection of bad habits;
- annual preventive examination with a urologist.
In a state of immunodeficiency, the body's sensitivity to representatives of opportunistic microflora increases. Microorganisms that usually do not cause disease can cause the development of a non-specific infectious inflammatory process. Therefore, in conditions of increased physical or psycho-emotional stress, adaptation and treatment with drugs that reduce immunity, it is necessary to observe preventive measures especially carefully.