Normally, the male genitalia produce a certain secretion, which mainly fulfills a protective function. However, a change in the symptoms and frequency of the discharge may be an early sign of the development of a urological disease, for example, a sexually transmitted infection, an inflammatory process or a tumor. Every man should know how to distinguish the physiological secretion from a pathological one. In case of deviation from the norm, you should seek medical help immediately. Below we will consider the most common types of urethral strictures in men and their possible causes.
Discharge from the genitals in men: normal and abnormalities
The secretion of the genitourinary organs in men comes out through the urethra or urethra. The following versions of physiological discharge are possible in men:
- urineLiquid with a yellowish tint and a faint characteristic smell. It is usually released in parts during control mice. Urinary incontinence is one of the urinary disorders. In this case, urine is released periodically uncontrollably in parts of different sizes, or constant, but falling gradually. This symptom indicates a 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). Represented by the Cooper glands located paraurethrally. Pre-ejaculate acts as a natural lubricant and deacidifier in the male urethra and female genital tract to increase sperm viability. A large amount of pre-ejaculate discharge is a deviation from the norm.
- Prostate secretion.Grey-white opalescent liquid. Produced by the prostate, it is part of the ejaculate and ensures the normal fertilizing ability of sperm. The discharge of prostatic juice outside of ejaculation is called prostatorrhea. Normally, secretion can be released during mechanical action on the gland (massage) and during straining (during defecation). Other forms of prostatatorrhoea indicate disturbances in the functioning of the gland.
- Ejaculate.A grayish-white mucous liquid with a characteristic odor. It has a complex composition. It is usually released during ejaculation during a male orgasm. It is considered physiological to release ejaculate during intercourse and during wet dreams (in adolescents and adult men during abstinence), as well as during strong sexual and erotic stimulation. Discrete cases of ejaculation during sleep, as a result of fear or physical stress, are not considered pathology. All other options for sperm release are a reason to consult a doctor.
The attention of men is often attracted by a whitish discharge on the head. This is smegma, or the secretion of the sebaceous glands. Normally, the secretion is evenly distributed on the head, washed off during hygiene procedures and does not cause any discomfort.
If the glands are overactive or if 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 measure to maintain the health of the reproductive organs. If the secretion is produced in excess, you should consult a doctor.
A normal discharge in men should be as described above. Any changes in symptoms, frequency and time of urine, ejaculate or prostate secretion should alert you and cause you to contact a urologist.
Pathological discharge from the urethra in men
Abnormal secretion from the urethra indicates the development of pathological processes in the genitourinary tract. Urological diseases in men can manifest themselves not only in strong discharge. Even the scanty secretion, which alternates 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 secretion of mucus. The discharge may be clear, cloudy or clear.
- Mucopurulent discharge.Discharge of pus from the urethra indicates an infectious process. A large part of the pathological discharge provokes a feeling of stickiness and discomfort. Scanty - available exclusively in the form of traces on linen.
- White release.White mucous discharge in men is accompanied by nonspecific infectious and inflammatory processes. Candidiasis is usually accompanied by a thick, cheesy discharge.
- Gray secret.Gray liquid or mucous discharge can be sperm or prostatic secretion that flows outside of physiological conditions. But it is better to consult a specialist to eliminate pathology.
- Bloody issues.Brown or pink urine, scarlet 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 due to injury, severe inflammation or the development of a neoplasm.
- Dirty spill.Discharge with an unpleasant odor is characteristic of genital infections. A distinct putrid or rotten smell emanating from the genitals should be a reason to consult a doctor immediately.
Over time, even without treatment, a man can notice a change 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 transfer to a sluggish form. After some time, pathological discharge from the urethra in men may 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 there be?
Diseases of the genitourinary system in men are rarely manifested exclusively as discharge that does not correspond to the norm. Other signs also require attention, since 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 (abnormal color, smell, foam, 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 achieving orgasm, changes in the properties of sperm, 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;
- 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 start. The sooner 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 a discharge from the urethra?
A doctor will help you accurately determine the nature of the pathological discharge. If you have symptoms of diseases of the urogenital tract, you should contact a urologist. The opening reception takes place in the following order:
- Conversation with the patient.The doctor conducts a survey, finds out complaints and collects an anamnesis. Honesty when communicating with a specialist is key to determining further examination tactics.
- Physical examination.The urologist makes a visual assessment of the condition of the genital organs and the mucous membranes. A digital rectal examination allows you to first 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 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 appropriate treatment.
Treatment of discharge in men
To eliminate pathological discharge, etiotropic therapy is performed, which corresponds to the cause of the existing blindness. 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 infectious and chronic inflammatory diseases.
- Surgical methods — structural changes, hyperplastic processes and neoplasms are mainly eliminated using minimally invasive operations.
The most common cause of male discharge is sexually transmitted infections. In this case, conservative treatment is carried out. Therapy is done 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 controlled 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;
- wearing underwear made from natural fabrics;
- selectivity when choosing sexual partners;
- use of barrier contraception during casual intercourse;
- avoid hypothermia;
- regular physical activity;
- balanced diet;
- rejection of bad habits;
- annual preventive examinations with a urologist.
In conditions of immunodeficiency, the sensitivity of the body to representatives of opportunistic microflora increases. Microorganisms that do not usually 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.