As a rule, the male genital organs secrete a certain secretion, which primarily performs a protective function. However, changes 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, inflammation or tumor process. Everyone should know how to distinguish physiological secretion from pathological secretion. In case of abnormality, seek medical help 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
Urinary secretions in men are released through the urethra or urethra. Men may have the following options for physiological discharge:
- Urine.A yellow liquid with a characteristic odor. Usually, it breaks into pieces during controlled movement. One of the urinary disorders is urinary incontinence. In this case, there is either periodic uncontrollable urine in various amounts, or constant, but dripping. This symptom indicates a pathology of the urinary system.
- Pre-cum.Colorless and odorless mucus secreted during sexual and erotic stimulation (during masturbation, moderate erotic stimulation, intercourse, and before ejaculation). Produced by Cooper's glands located in the paraurethral region. Pre-ejaculate acts as a natural lubricant and deacidifier in the male urethra and female genital tract to increase sperm viability. Abnormality is the prevention of large volumes of ejaculate.
- Prostate secret.A gray-white opalescent liquid. Produced by the prostate gland, it is part of the ejaculate and ensures the normal fertilization ability of sperm. The discharge of prostate juice in addition to ejaculation is called prostatorrhea. Normally, the gland can be secreted during mechanical action (massage) and during straining (during defecation). Other types of prostatorrhea indicate a malfunction of the gland.
- Ejaculation.A gray-white slimy liquid with a characteristic odor. It has a complex composition. It is usually released during ejaculation during male orgasm. Ejaculation during intercourse and during wet dreams (during abstinence in adolescent and adult males), as well as during strong sexual and erotic stimuli, is considered physiological. Some cases of ejaculation during sleep due to fear or physical stress are not pathological. All other options for sperm removal are reasons to consult a doctor.
Often, men's attention is drawn to white discharge on the head. This is smegma, or the secretion of the sebaceous glands. Usually, the secretion is evenly distributed on the head, washed off during hygiene procedures and does not cause any discomfort. 
If the glands are overworked or the rules of personal hygiene are violated, the secretion accumulates in the preputial sac (on the foreskin) and becomes clearly visible. Microorganisms can use smegma for their reproduction. Therefore, preventing stagnation of secretion is an important measure to maintain the health of the genitals. If the secretion is excessively produced, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
Normal discharge in men should be as described above. Changes in the properties, frequency, and timing of urine, ejaculation, or prostate secretions should alert you and prompt you to see a urologist.
Pathological discharge from the urethra in men
An unusual secretion from the urethra indicates the development of a pathological process in the urinary organs. Urological diseases in men can manifest not only, but also a strong discharge. Even low secretion alternating with "pure" periods should be noted. The most common types of pathological discharge in men are:
- Slime.Profuse secretion of mucus is accompanied by inflammatory changes in the urethra. Yeast can be clear, cloudy, or white.
- Mucopurulent discharge.The discharge of pus from the urinary tract indicates an infectious process. A large number of pathological discharge provokes a feeling of stickiness and discomfort. Scanty - found only in the form of traces of linen.
- White discharge.White mucous discharge in men is accompanied by non-specific infectious and inflammatory processes. Often, candidiasis is accompanied by a thick, cryptic discharge.
- Gray cheese.Gray fluid or mucous discharge may be spermatozoa or prostate secretions that flow outside of physiological conditions. But it is better to consult a specialist to rule out pathology.
- Bloody matters.Brown or pink urine, red or clear mucus streaked with blood, and the appearance of blood in the semen are signs of structural changes in the urinary organs, which may be caused by injury, severe inflammation, or tumor development.
- Bad rank.Foul-smelling discharge is typical for genital infections. A putrid or rotten smell from the genitals should be a reason to see a doctor immediately.
Over time, even without treatment, a man can notice a change in the nature and size of the pathological discharge. In some cases, the secretion stops, which creates the appearance of recovery. However, this is often due to the development of a chronic pathological process and its transition to a lazy form. After some time, a pathological discharge from the male urethra may occur. The chronic course of diseases of the genitourinary system leads to the development of serious complications (impotence, infertility, etc. ).
What other symptoms may occur?
Diseases of the genitourinary system in men are rarely manifested as abnormal discharge. Other symptoms also require attention, because they can be used to predict the localization of the pathological process. A man may be concerned about the following deviations:
- dysuric disorders (frequent urination, difficulty urinating, incomplete emptying of urine during urination, burning and itching);
- changes in urine indicators (specific color, smell, frothiness, membrane deposits, etc. );
- lower abdominal pain;
- intoxication syndrome (weakness, drowsiness, apathy, etc. );
- decreased libido;
- erectile dysfunction;
- ejaculation problems (premature ejaculation, difficulty reaching orgasm, changes in sperm properties, etc. );
- painful pain in the lower abdomen, perineum or scrotum, etc. b.
Pathological discharge can occur in infectious and non-infectious diseases. The following symptoms indicate the infectious nature of deviations:
- pain, burning during urination;
- itching in the groin;
- rashes, genital ulcers;
- unpleasant odor from the genitals;
- decreased libido;
- pelvic pain;
- increase in body temperature, drowsiness, weakness, etc. b.
You should seek help immediately after the onset of symptoms. The sooner a diagnosis is made and the correct treatment prescribed, the greater the chance of a full recovery.
What should a man do if his urethra leaks?
The doctor will help you to accurately determine the nature of the pathological discharge. If you have symptoms of diseases of the genitourinary organs, you should consult a urologist. The first admission is carried out in the following order:
- Talk to the patient.The doctor conducts a survey, finds complaints and collects an anamnesis. Honesty in communication with the specialist is very important to determine the further tactics of the examination.
- Medical care.A urologist visually assesses the state of the genitals and mucous membrane. A digital rectal exam allows you to determine the size, structure and tenderness of the prostate gland.
- Diagnostics.The urologist takes a swab from the urethra, which is then sent for microscopic analysis. According to the instructions, additional laboratory methods (blood analysis, urinalysis and PCR analysis of sexually transmitted infections) and instrumental (ultrasound of pelvic organs, prostate gland, etc. ) diagnostics are assigned to the patient.
Based on the results of the examination, the doctor makes a final diagnosis and prescribes appropriate treatment.
Treatment of discharge in men
To eliminate the pathological discharge, etiotropic therapy appropriate to the cause of the current deviations is carried out. Treatment may include:
- Drug therapy using antibacterial, antiviral, protozoal drugs, as well as immunomodulators and anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Physiotherapy is used in complex treatment of chronic infectious and inflammatory diseases.
- Surgical methods - structural changes, hyperplastic processes and tumors are mostly removed using minimally invasive operations.
The most common cause of male ejaculation 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 needs to be prevented is not leakage, but diseases of the genitourinary system. To achieve this goal, urologists recommend the following measures:
- observance of personal hygiene rules;
- wearing underwear made of natural fabrics;
- selectivity in choosing sexual partners;
- use of contraceptives during casual sex;
- avoid hypothermia;
- regular physical exercise;
- proper nutrition;
- give up bad habits;
- annual preventive examinations with a urologist.
In conditions of immune deficiency, the sensitivity of the body 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 the conditions of increased physical or psycho-emotional stress, acclimatization and treatment with immunosuppressant drugs, it is necessary to observe preventive measures with special care.