Normally, the male genitals produce a certain secretion that primarily serves a protective function. However, changes in the characteristics and frequency of discharge can be an early sign of the development of a urological disease, such as a sexually transmitted infection, inflammatory or neoplastic process. Every person should know how to distinguish physiological discharge from pathological discharge. In case of deviation from the norm, a doctor should be consulted immediately. Below we look at the most common types of urethral discharge in men and their possible causes.
Genital discharge in men: normal and abnormal
In men, secretions from the urinary organs exit through the urethra or urethra. In men, the following physiological secretions are possible:
- Urine.Yellowish liquid with a weak characteristic odor. Normally, it is released in chunks during controlled movement. One of the urinary tract disorders is urinary incontinence. In this case, the periodic uncontrolled release of urine in parts of variable volume, or constant, but drop by drop. This symptom indicates a pathology of the urinary system.
- Pre-cum.Colorless and odorless mucus secreted during sexual and erotic stimulation (masturbation, moderate erotic stimulation, during sexual contact and before ejaculation). It is produced by the paraurethral Cooper glands. Pre-ejaculate acts as a natural lubricant and deacidifier in the male urethra and female genitalia to increase sperm viability. A deviation from the norm is the release of preejaculate in large quantities.
- Prostate secret.Gray-white opal liquid. It is produced by the prostate, is part of the ejaculate, and ensures the normal fertilizing ability of sperm. The discharge of prostatic fluid in addition to ejaculation is called prostatorrhea. Normally, the secretion can be released during mechanical action on the gland (massage) and straining (defecation). Other forms of prostatorrhea indicate disorders of the gland.
- Shoots.Grey-white slimy liquid with a characteristic smell. It has a complex composition. It is usually released during ejaculation during male orgasm. The release of ejaculate during sexual intercourse and wet dreams (during abstinence in adolescents and adult men), as well as during strong sexual and erotic stimulation, is considered physiological. Individual cases of ejaculation during sleep, as a result of fright or physical stress, are not considered pathologies. Any other possibility of sperm release is a reason to consult a doctor.
Men's attention is often attracted by the whitish discharge on their heads. This is smegma, or the secretion of the sebaceous glands. Normally, the discharge is evenly distributed on the head, is washed off during hygiene procedures and does not cause discomfort. 
If the glands are overactive or personal hygiene rules are violated, the secretion accumulates in the preputial sac (the foreskin) and becomes clearly visible. Microorganisms can use smegma for their reproduction. Therefore, preventing secretion stagnation is an important measure to preserve the health of the genital organs. If the secretion is produced in excess, a doctor should be consulted.
Normal discharge for men should be as described above. Any change in the quality, frequency, and timing of urine, ejaculate, or prostate secretions should alert you and give you a reason to see your urologist.
Abnormal discharge from the urethra in men
Unusual discharge from the urethra indicates the development of a pathological process in the urogenital tract. Men's urological diseases can manifest themselves not only in heavy secretions. Even a slight discharge alternating with "clean" periods should draw attention. The most common types of abnormal discharge in men are:
- Mud.Inflammatory changes in the urethra are accompanied by copious secretion of mucus. The discharge can be clear, cloudy or whitish.
- Mucous purulent discharge.The discharge of pus from the urethra indicates an infectious process. A large amount of abnormal discharge causes stickiness and discomfort. Few - found exclusively in the form of canvas traces.
- White discharge.In men, white mucus discharge accompanies non-specific infectious and inflammatory processes. Candidiasis is usually accompanied by a thick, cheesy discharge.
- A gray secret.Gray fluid or mucous secretions can be sperm or prostate secretions that flow outside of physiological conditions. But it is better to consult a specialist to rule out pathology.
- Blood problems.Brown or pink urine, red or clear mucus streaked with blood, as well as the appearance of blood in semen are signs of structural changes in the urinary organs, which can be caused by injury, intense inflammation or tumor formation.
- Disturbed discharge.Foul-smelling discharge is typical of genital infections. A special putrid or putrid smell emanating from the genitals may be a reason to consult a doctor immediately.
Over time, even without treatment, a man may notice a change in the nature and amount of abnormal secretions. In some cases, the secretion stops, giving the appearance of healing. However, this is often associated with the development of a chronic pathological process and its transition into a slow form. After a while, abnormal discharge from the urethra may continue in a man. The chronic course of diseases of the urogenital tract is associated with the development of serious complications (impotence, infertility, etc. ).
What other symptoms can there be?
Diseases of the male urogenital system rarely appear exclusively in the form of secretions that do not meet the norm. Other symptoms also require attention, as the localization of the pathological process can be assumed based on them. A man may be concerned about the following differences:
- dysuria disorders (frequent urge, difficulty urinating, feeling of incomplete emptying, burning and stinging sensation during urination);
- changes in urine parameters (unusual color, smell, frothiness, flaky sediment, etc. );
- pain in the lower abdomen;
- intoxication syndrome (weakness, drowsiness, apathy, etc. );
- decreased libido;
- erectile dysfunction;
- ejaculation problems (premature ejaculation, difficulties in achieving orgasm, changes in the properties of sperm, etc. );
- aching pain in the lower abdomen, perineum or scrotum, etc.
Abnormal discharge can occur in both infectious and non-infectious diseases. The following symptoms indicate the infectious nature of the deviations:
- pain, burning sensation during urination;
- itching in the groin;
- rashes, sores on the genitals;
- unpleasant odor from the genitals;
- decreased libido;
- pelvic pain;
- increased body temperature, drowsiness, weakness, etc.
You should seek help immediately after symptoms appear. The sooner the diagnosis is made and the appropriate treatment prescribed, the greater the probability of a complete recovery.
What should a man do if there is discharge from the urethra?
The doctor will help you to accurately determine the nature of the pathological discharge. If there are signs of diseases of the urogenital tract, consult a urologist. The first bet is made in the following order:
- Conversation with the patient.The doctor performs an assessment, finds out the complaints and collects the medical history. When communicating with a specialist, honesty is extremely important to determine further investigation tactics.
- Physical analysis.The urologist visually assesses the condition of the genitals and mucous membranes. Digital rectal examination allows the initial determination of the size, structure and sensitivity of the prostate gland.
- Diagnostics.The urologist takes a swab from the urethra, which is then sent for microscopic analysis. According to the indications, the patient is prescribed additional laboratory methods (blood test, urine test and PCR test for sexually transmitted infections) and instrumental (pelvic organs, prostate ultrasound, etc. ) diagnostics.
Based on the results of the examination, the doctor makes a final diagnosis and prescribes the appropriate treatment.
Treatment of discharge in men
In order to eliminate the pathological discharge, etiotropic therapy is carried out, which corresponds to the cause of the existing deviations. Treatment may include:
- Drug therapy with antibacterial, antiviral, antiprotozoal drugs, as well as immunomodulators and anti-inflammatory agents.
- Physiotherapy is used in the complex treatment of chronic infectious and inflammatory diseases.
- Surgical methods - structural changes, hyperplastic processes and tumors are mainly removed by minimally invasive surgeries.
The most common cause of discharge in men is sexually transmitted infections. In this case, conservative treatment is performed. Therapy is performed on an outpatient basis. The duration of treatment ranges from several days to several months (depending on the type and form of the disease). At the end of the treatment, a control laboratory test is performed.
Prevention of discharge in men
Physiological secretion reflects the normal health of the male reproductive system. It is not discharge that should be prevented, but urinary tract diseases. To achieve this goal, urologists recommend the following activities:
- compliance with personal hygiene rules;
- wearing underwear made of natural materials;
- selectivity in choosing sexual partners;
- use of barrier-free contraception during casual sex;
- avoiding hypothermia;
- regular physical activity;
- a balanced diet;
- rejection of bad habits;
- annual preventive examinations with a urologist.
In the case of immunodeficiency conditions, the body's sensitivity to representatives of the opportunistic microflora increases. Microorganisms that usually do not cause disease can cause a non-specific infectious-inflammatory process. Therefore, in case of increased physical or psycho-emotional stress, acclimatization and treatment with immunosuppressive drugs, preventive measures must be observed with particular care.