Discharge from the genitals in men appears in the form of a small amount of fluid or mucus, which has a different condition and color. Fluid (mucus) is secreted from the urethra, it is also possible to separate the secretion from the preputial gland, which is located under the skin that lines the head of the penis.
Physiological discharge
- the criteria for the urine norm is a light golden color, no odors;
- the criteria for the rate of secretion from the prostate are slimy nature, a white tint, a certain smell of sperm;
- the criterion for the norm of ejaculation is the sperm mixed with the secretion secreted by the prostate, gray in color, with the consistency of mucus;
- the criterion for the smegma norm is a thick white fat.
Smegma (foreskin lubricant) collects under the foreskin of the penis and is a build-up of fat and residues of certain bacteria. The lubricant serves to reduce the sensation of friction between the head and the foreskin. At different periods of life, the amount of secretion secreted by the preputial glands is different, the peak falls at puberty, and in old age it completely stops.
If hygiene rules are not followed, lubricant (smegma) is collected under the foreskin. Fats are oxidized and the proteins that make up the composition begin to break down. Simply put, the decomposition process begins. The color of the lubricant becomes greenish, a putrid smell appears. The constant accumulation of lubricant leads to chronic balanitis or worse, malignant tumors develop.
The urethral glands secrete a colorless fluid called urethral rhea. It serves to protect the urethra. Its appearance is associated with strong excitement during erection. The volume 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 semen discharge) that are not associated with sex are possible. Contamination is possible in both teenagers and mature men who have not had sex for a long time.
With strong tension of the abdominal muscles, a small amount of translucent mucus is released from the urethra. Also, prostatorrhea can occur during constipation.
Pathological changes at discharge
Abnormal discharge from the penis may indicate a sexually transmitted disease (STD), cancer, nonspecific inflammation, or genital trauma.
It is possible to distinguish from ordinary secretions those that are associated with a pathological nature, possibly by their nature, smell, color:
- the volume of secretion has become much more abundant or, on the contrary, has decreased;
- the color has changed, the discharge has become cloudy;
- there were impurities of blood, pus, clumps of mucus;
- structure change - discharge became sticky and thick;
- the odor has become fishy, sour, or putrid;
- 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 advice as soon as possible, make sure to undergo tests and also to have a smear.
STD discharge feature
Discharges that become very viscous and have a transparent color, as a rule, are a chronic form of mycoplasmosis and ureaplasmosis, chlamydia. When analyzing, leukocytes are in the field of view up to 5 units.
If the discharge has turned white and translucent, this indicates the presence of an acute form of mycoplasmosis, chlamydia, ureaplasmosis.
Discharge with purulent spots and a characteristic odor is a sign of gonorrhea. Its structure is very thick and sticky, the color is greenish yellow. In laboratory tests, a large number of leukocytes are detected. Painful sensations are also noted when urinating.
Multiple pathogen infections are common in STDs. The symptoms and nature of the discharge take on a completely different appearance, which is why high-quality laboratory tests are very important to identify the true causative agents of the disease.
Non-venereal swelling and discharge in men.
Non-venereal inflammation occurs when nonspecific bacteria enter the pelvic organs and can also be the result of immune problems. The microflora itself becomes conditionally pathogenic, when pathogenic bacteria, found in small numbers, begin to prevail over beneficial bacteria, thereby causing non-venereal 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 itching sensation. The infection is ascending, first infecting the bladder and then the kidneys. When the kidneys become infected, the secretion contains blood. This is a very dangerous symptom.
Fungi of the genus Candida cause yeast infections. An increase in the number of these fungi occurs with a weakening of your own immunity, as well as after taking antibiotics. Symptoms include discharge that resembles cottage cheese in structure. There is a sour smell, itching sensation, especially when urinating.
Gardnerellosis of the urethra is determined by a specific fishy odor, the discharge becomes greenish-yellow, of a small volume. This infection occurs when there is a violation in the microflora, that is, when dysbiosis appears.
If the foreskin becomes inflamed (balanoposthitis), the discharge becomes purulent and mucous. The head of the penis becomes red and very painful.
Prostatitis manifests 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 uncharacteristic of inflammation.
Spermatorrhea is a passive leakage of semen, without masturbation or intercourse. This disease is usually the result of stress, neurosis or diseases of the spine. With spermatorrhea, the ducts are innervated.
Bloody discharge can appear after trauma to the urethral canal, taking a smear, inserting a catheter, as well as when sand or small stones pass through the urethral canal. In this case, hematorrhea is very painful.
A serious symptom is brown discharge with pus and blood; indicate the presence of a malignant tumor.
If you find any unusual discharge from yourself, you should immediately contact a medical institution and carry out the necessary tests. The sooner the correct diagnosis is made, the sooner recovery will come.
How is the exam going?
- First, an exam of the penis is performed. The procedure is necessary to identify traces of trauma to the head and foreskin. Watch for a rash 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, the prostate massage is done through the rectum.
In the laboratory, under a microscope, a study of the collected material is carried out:
- a smear can determine the maturity of leukocytes, their number in the field of view. An increased amount indicates acute urethritis or a chronic inflammatory process;
- a higher number of eosinophils indicates an allergic process in the urethra;
- when erythrocytes are detected, we can speak of tumors, severe inflammation;
- if the amount of epithelium exceeds the norm, then we are talking about chronic urethritis;
- smear contains sperm - spermatorrhea;
- mucus found in smear - urethrorrhea;
- lipid grains are present in the smear: prostatorrhea.
To get reliable results, you need to follow some rules: do not wash before taking the material, do not have sex one day before the analysis, do not go to the bathroom for a few hours before taking a smear.
Inoculation with LHC is necessary to identify the largest number of microorganisms belonging to the same species. Its properties are being studied for a better diagnosis of the infection. A general blood and urine test is done. An ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs and prostate is performed, if necessary, according to the indications, then a tomography.
Any unusual discharge is an important reason to see a doctor. You cannot self-medicate, even if the disease seems obvious to you. In this way, complications that are difficult to treat even with the strongest antibiotics can be gained. The inflammatory process will not stop, but will only acquire a latent form, which is fraught with serious complications, up to and including death.
Precautionary measures
Any disease is easier to prevent than to cure, therefore, observing simple rules of personal hygiene, you can protect yourself from many troubles. Also, there are a few more rules:
- underwear should be made of natural materials, not tight;
- adequate contraception is needed;
- casual sex should be avoided.
Mandatory treatment of both partners is necessary if venereal disease is detected in at least one of them. Otherwise, reinfection will occur constantly, which is dangerous with a transition to a chronic form and even infertility.