Normally, the male genitals produce a certain secretion, which primarily performs a protective function. However, a change in the nature and frequency of discharge can 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 between physiological and pathological secretions. In case of deviation from the norm, seek medical help immediately. Below we will consider the most common types of urethral discharge in men and their possible causes.
Genital discharge in men: normal and abnormal
The secretion of the genitourinary organs in men exits through the urethra or urethra. The following variants of physiological discharge in men are possible:
- Urine.A liquid with a yellowish tint and a weak characteristic smell. It is usually released in portions during controlled urination. One of the urinary disorders is urinary incontinence. In this case, there is either periodic uncontrolled release of urine in portions of different volumes, or constant, but drop by drop. This symptom indicates a pathology of the urinary system.
- Pre-cum.Colorless and odorless mucus, which is secreted during sexual and erotic stimulation (during self-gratification, moderate erotic stimulation, during intercourse and before ejaculation). It is produced by Cooper's glands located paraurethral. 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 the release of pre-ejaculate in a large volume.
- The secret of the prostate.Grey-white opalescent liquid. Produced by the prostate gland, it is part of the ejaculate and ensures the normal fertilizing ability of the sperm. Release of prostate juice outside of ejaculation is called prosatorrhoea. Normally, the secretion can be released during mechanical action on the gland (massage) and during straining (during defecation). Other forms of prosatorrhoea indicate disorders in the work of the gland.
- To ejaculate.Grey-white slimy liquid with a characteristic smell. It has a complex composition. It is usually released during ejaculation during a male orgasm. The release of ejaculate during sexual intercourse and during wet dreams (in adolescents and adult men during abstinence), as well as during strong sexual and erotic stimulation, is considered physiological. Isolated cases of ejaculation during sleep, as a result of fear or physical stress, are not considered pathology. Any other possibility of sperm release is a reason to consult a doctor.
Often the attention of men is attracted by a whitish discharge on the head. This is smegma, or the secretion of the sebaceous glands. Normally, the secretion is evenly distributed over the head, is washed away 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 stagnation of secretions is an important measure to preserve the health of the genital organs. If the secretion is produced in excess, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
Normal discharge in men should be as described above. Any change in the characteristics, frequency and timing of urine, ejaculate or prostate should alert you and be 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 tract. Urological diseases in men can be manifested not only by heavy discharge. Even scanty discharge, which alternates with "pure" periods, should attract attention. The most common types of pathological discharge in men are:
- Slime.Abundant secretion of mucus accompanies inflammatory changes in the urethra. The discharge can be clear, cloudy or whitish.
- Mucopurulent discharge.The discharge of pus from the urethra indicates an infectious process. A large amount of pathological discharge causes a feeling of stickiness and discomfort. Scarce - found exclusively in the form of traces on bedding.
- White discharge.White mucous discharge in men follows non-specific infectious and inflammatory processes. A thick, cheesy discharge usually accompanies candidiasis.
- A gray secret.A gray liquid or mucous discharge can be spermatozoa or prostatic secretions that flow outside of physiological conditions. But it is better to consult a specialist to rule out pathology.
- Bloody problems.Brown or pink urine, crimson or clear mucus streaked with blood, as well as the appearance of blood in semen are signs of structural changes in the genitourinary organs, which may be caused by injury, intense inflammation or the development of a neoplasm.
- Nasty discharge.Foul-smelling discharge is characteristic of genital infections. A specific putrid or rotten smell coming from the genitals should be a reason to consult a doctor immediately.
Over time, even without treatment, a man may notice a change in the nature and volume of pathological discharge. In some cases, the secretion stops, which gives the appearance of recovery. However, it 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 men can continue. The chronic course of diseases of the urogenital tract is full of the development of serious complications (impotence, infertility, etc. ).
What other symptoms could there be?
Diseases of the genitourinary system in men are rarely manifested exclusively as discharge that does not correspond to 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:
- dysuric disorders (frequent urge, difficulty urinating, feeling of incomplete emptying, burning and stinging when urinating);
- changes in urine parameters (unusual color, smell, foamy, scaly sediment, etc. );
- pain in the lower abdomen;
- intoxication syndrome (weakness, drowsiness, apathy, etc. );
- decreased libido;
- erectile dysfunction;
- problems with ejaculation (premature ejaculation, difficulties in achieving orgasm, changes in sperm properties, etc. );
- aching 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;
- groin itching;
- rash, sores on the genitals;
- unpleasant odor coming from the genitals;
- decreased libido;
- pelvic pain;
- increased body temperature, drowsiness, weakness, etc.
You should seek help soon after symptoms appear. The sooner the diagnosis is made and the correct treatment is prescribed, the greater the probability of a full 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 you have signs of diseases of the urogenital tract, consult a urologist. Initial admission takes place in the following order:
- Talking to the patient.The doctor conducts a survey, reveals complaints and collects anamnesis. Honesty in communication with a specialist is extremely important for determining the tactics of further examination.
- Overview.The urologist visually assesses the condition of the genital organs and mucous membrane. A digital rectal examination allows you to initially determine the size, structure and sensitivity of the prostate.
- 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 and urine tests and PCR tests for sexually transmitted infections) and instrumental (ultrasound of the pelvic organs, prostate, 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 remove the pathological discharge, etiotropic therapy is carried out, which corresponds to the cause of the existing deviations. Treatment may include the following:
- 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 mostly eliminated by minimally invasive operations.
The most common cause of male discharge is sexually transmitted infections. In this case, conservative treatment is carried out. 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 state of health of the male reproductive system. What should be prevented is not discharge, but diseases of the genitourinary tract. To achieve this goal, urologists recommend the following activities:
- compliance with the rules of personal hygiene;
- wearing underwear made of natural fabrics;
- selectivity in choosing sexual partners;
- use of protective contraception during casual sexual intercourse;
- avoiding hypothermia;
- regular physical activity;
- balanced diet;
- rejection of bad habits;
- annual preventive examinations at the urologist.
In conditions of immunodeficiency, the sensitivity of the body to representatives of opportunistic microflora increases. Microorganisms that normally do not cause diseases can cause the development of a non-specific 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 follow preventive measures especially carefully.