Normally, the male genitals produce a certain secretion which mainly performs a protective function. However, a change in the properties 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 man should know how to distinguish physiological secretions from pathological secretions. In case of deviations from the norm, you should immediately consult a doctor. Below we will look at the most common types of urethral discharge in men and their possible causes.
Discharge from the genitals in men: normal and abnormalities
The secretion of the genitourinary organs in men exits through the urethra or urethra. The following variants of physiological discharge in humans are possible:
- Urine.Liquid with a yellowish tint and a weak characteristic odor. Normally, it is released in portions during controlled urination. One of the urinary disorders is urinary incontinence. In this case, there is either a periodic uncontrolled release of urine in portions of varying volumes, or a constant, but drop by drop, release. This symptom indicates a pathology of the urinary system.
- Pre-ejaculation.Colorless and odorless mucus, secreted during sexual and erotic stimulation (during masturbation, moderate erotic stimulation, during sexual intercourse and before ejaculation). Produced by Cooper's glands located paraurethrally. 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 large volumes.
- Prostatic secret.Gray-white opalescent liquid. Produced by the prostate, it is part of the ejaculate and ensures the normal fertilizing capacity of sperm. The release of prostate juice outside of ejaculation is called prostatorrhea. Normally, the secretion can be released during mechanical action on the gland (massage) and during effort (during defecation). Other forms of prostatorrhea indicate disorders in the functioning of the gland.
- Ejaculate.Gray-white mucous fluid with a characteristic odor. Its composition is complex. Normally, it is released during ejaculation during male orgasm. The release of ejaculate during sexual intercourse and during wet dreams (in adolescents and adult men during periods of abstinence), as well as during strong sexual and erotic stimulation, is considered physiological. Isolated cases of ejaculation during sleep, due to fear or physical stress, are not considered a pathology. All other sperm release options are a reason to consult a doctor.
The attention of men is often attracted by whitish discharge on the head. This is smegma, or the secretion of the sebaceous glands. Normally, the secretion is evenly distributed over the head, washed off during hygiene procedures and does not cause any discomfort. 
If the glands are overactive or the rules of personal hygiene are not followed, the secretion accumulates in the preputial sac (in the foreskin) and becomes clearly visible. Microorganisms can use smegma for reproduction. Therefore, preventing stagnation of secretions is an important measure to maintain the health of the genitals. If the secretion is produced in excess, you should consult a doctor.
Normal discharge in men should be as described above. Any change in the properties, frequency and time of urine, ejaculate or prostate secretion should alert you and be a reason to contact 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 manifest themselves not only in heavy discharge. Even weak secretions, which alternate with "clean" periods, should attract attention. The most common types of pathological discharge in men are:
- Vase.Abundant secretion of mucus accompanies inflammatory changes in the urethra. The discharge may be clear, cloudy or whitish.
- Mucopurulent discharge.Discharge of pus from the urethra indicates an infectious process. A large amount of pathological discharge causes a feeling of stickiness and discomfort. Rare - found exclusively as traces on linen.
- White discharge.White mucous discharge in men accompanies nonspecific infectious and inflammatory processes. Thick, cheesy discharge usually accompanies candidiasis.
- Gray secret.Gray fluid or mucous discharge may be semen or prostatic secretion that flows outside of physiological conditions. But it is better to consult a specialist to rule out a pathology.
- Bloody problems.Brown or pink urine, scarlet or light mucus streaked with blood, as well as the appearance of blood in semen are signs of structural changes in the genitourinary organs, which can be caused by injury, intense inflammationor the development of a neoplasm.
- Fetid discharge.Discharge with an unpleasant odor is characteristic of genital infections. A specific putrid or rotten smell emanating from the genitals should be a reason to immediately consult a doctor.
Over time, even without treatment, a man may notice a change in the nature and volume of pathological discharge. In some cases, secretion stops, creating an appearance of healing. However, this is often associated with the development of a chronic pathological process and its transition to a sluggish form. After a while, pathological discharge from the urethra in a man may resume. The chronic course of diseases of the urogenital tract leads to 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 by discharge that does not correspond to the norm. Other symptoms also require attention, as they can be used to hypothesize about the location of the pathological process. A man may be concerned about the following deviations:
- dysuric disorders (frequent urges, difficulty urinating, feeling of incomplete emptying, burning and tingling sensation when urinating);
- changes in urine parameters (unusual color, odor, foam, scaly sediment, etc. );
- pain in the lower abdomen;
- intoxication syndrome (weakness, drowsiness, apathy, etc. );
- decreased libido;
- erectile dysfunction;
- ejaculation problems (premature ejaculation, difficulty achieving orgasm, changes in the properties of sperm, etc. );
- aching pain in the lower abdomen, perineum or scrotum, etc.
Pathological discharge can occur in infectious and non-infectious diseases. The following symptoms will indicate the infectious nature of the deviations:
- pain, burning when urinating;
- itchy groin;
- rash, sores on genitals;
- unpleasant odor emanating 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 appropriate treatment prescribed, the greater the likelihood of a full recovery.
What should a man do if there is discharge from the urethra?
A doctor will help you accurately determine the nature of the pathological discharge. If you have signs of diseases of the urogenital tract, you should contact a urologist. The first reception is carried out in the following order:
- Conversation with the patient.The doctor conducts an investigation, finds out the complaints and collects the anamnesis. Honesty when communicating with a specialist is extremely important in determining further examination tactics.
- Physical examination.The urologist visually assesses the condition of the genitals and mucous membranes. Digital rectal examination allows you to first determine the size, structure and sensitivity of the prostate.
- Diagnostic.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 (ultrasound of the 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 losses, etiotropic therapy is carried out, corresponding 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 eliminated mainly by minimally invasive operations.
Sexually transmitted infections are the most common cause of discharge in men. In this case, conservative treatment is carried out. The 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 carried out.
Loss prevention in men
Physiological secretion reflects the normal 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;
- wear underwear made from natural fabrics;
- selectivity when choosing sexual partners;
- use of barrier contraception during casual sex;
- avoid hypothermia;
- regular physical activity;
- Balanced diet;
- rejection of bad habits;
- annual preventive examinations with a urologist.
In conditions of immunodeficiency, the body's sensitivity to representatives of opportunistic microflora increases. Microorganisms that normally do not cause diseases can provoke the development of a nonspecific 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 observe preventive measures with particular attention.