Normally, the male genital organs produce a certain secretion, which primarily has a protective function. However, a change in the properties and frequency of the discharge can be an early sign of the development of a urological disease, for example a sexually transmitted infection, an inflammatory or tumor process. Everyone should know how to distinguish physiological secretion from pathological. In case of deviations from the norm, you should immediately seek medical help. Below we will consider the most common types of urethral discharge in men and their possible causes.
Discharge of the genital organs in men: normal and abnormal
The secretion of the genitourinary organs in men comes out through the urethra or urethra. The following variants of physiological discharge in men are possible:
- Urine.Liquid with a yellowish tint and a weak characteristic smell. Usually it is 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 variable volume, or constant, but drop by drop. 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, during intercourse and before ejaculation). Produced by Cooper's glands located paraurethral. Pre-ejaculate serves as a natural lubricant and desiccant in the male urethra and female genital tract to increase spermiability. A deviation from the norm is the release of pre-ejaculate in a large volume.
- Prostate secret.Gray-white opalescent liquid. Produced by the prostate, it is part of the ejaculate and ensures the normal fertilizing ability of sperm. The release of prostatic juice outside of ejaculation is called prostatorrhea. Normally, the secretion can be released during mechanical action on the gland (massage) and during exposure (during defecation). Other forms of prostatorrhea indicate disorders in the functioning of the gland.
- to ejaculateGrey-white slimy liquid with a characteristic smell. It has a complex composition. Usually it is released during ejaculation during male orgasm. Physiologically, it is considered the release of ejaculation during sexual intercourse and during wet dreams (in adolescents and adult men during abstinence), as well as during strong sexual and erotic stimulation. Isolated 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.
Often the attention of men is attracted by whitish 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 discomfort. 
If the glands are overactive or 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, the prevention of the stagnation of secretions is an important measure to maintain the health of the genital organs. If the secretion is produced in excess, you should consult a doctor.
Normal discharge in men should be as described above. Any changes in the properties, frequency and time of urine, ejaculation or prostatic secretion should alert you and be a reason to contact a urologist.
Pathological discharge of the urethra in men
Unusual secretion of the urethra indicates the development of a pathological process in the genitourinary tract. Urological diseases in men can not only manifest themselves in strong discharge. Also scanty secretion, which alternates with "clean" periods, should attract attention. The most common types of pathological discharge in men are as follows:
- 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 provokes a feeling of stickiness and discomfort. Scanty - found exclusively in the form of traces on linen.
- White discharge. White mucus in men does not accompany specific infectious and inflammatory processes. A thick, cheesy discharge usually accompanies candidiasis.
- Gray secret.Gray fluid or mucous discharge can be sperm or prostatic secretion that flows outside of physiological conditions. But it is better to consult a specialist to rule out pathology.
- Bloody problems.Brown or pink urine, scarlet or clear mucus streaked with blood, as well as the appearance of blood in the semen are signs of structural changes in the genitourinary organs, which can be caused by injury, intense inflammation or the development of a neoplasm.
- Foul discharge.Discharge with an unpleasant smell is characteristic of genital infections. A specific putrid or rotten smell that arises from the genitals should be a reason to immediately consult a doctor.
Over time, even without treatment, a man can notice a change in the nature and volume of the 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 transition to a serious form. After a while, the pathological discharge from the urethra can start again in a man. The chronic course of diseases of the urogenital tract is fraught with the development of serious complications (impotence, infertility, etc. ).
What other symptoms can there be?
Diseases of the genitourinary system in men rarely manifest exclusively as discharge that does not meet the norm. Other symptoms also require attention, because 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 during urination);
- changes in urine parameters (unpleasant color, smell, foam, liquid sediment, etc. );
- Pain in the lower abdomen;
- intoxication syndrome (weakness, drowsiness, apathy, etc. );
- decreased libido;
- erectile dysfunction;
- problems with ejaculation (premature ejaculation, difficulty reaching orgasm, changes in the properties of sperm, 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 indicate the infectious nature of the deviations:
- Pain, burning when urinating;
- Itching in the groin;
- Skin rash, sores on the genitals;
- unpleasant odor from the genitals;
- decreased libido;
- pelvic pain;
- increased body temperature, drowsiness, weakness, etc.
You should seek help soon after symptoms begin. The sooner the diagnosis is made and the correct treatment is prescribed, the greater the probability of a complete recovery.
What should a man do if there is discharge from the urethra?
A doctor will help you determine the exact nature of the pathological discharge. If you have signs of diseases of the urogenital tract, you should contact a urologist. The initial reception takes place in the following order:
- Conversation with the patient.The doctor makes a survey, finds out complaints and collects anamnesis. Honesty in communication with a specialist is extremely important to determine further investigation tactics.
- Physical examination.The urologist visually assesses the condition of the genital organs and the mucous membrane. Digital rectal examination allows you to initially determine the size, structure and tenderness of the prostate.
- 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 (ultrasound of the pelvic organs, prostate, etc. ) diagnostics.
Based on the results of the examination, the doctor makes a definitive diagnosis and prescribes appropriate treatment.
Treatment of discharge in men
To eliminate pathological discharge, etiotropic therapy is carried out, corresponding to the cause of the existing deviations. Treatment may include the following:
- Drug therapy uses 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 mainly eliminated with 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 a few days to a few months (depending on the type and form of the disease). At the end of the treatment, a control 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 of natural fabrics;
- Selectivity in the selection of sexual partners;
- the use of barrier contraception during casual intercourse;
- Avoiding 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 the opportunistic microflora increases. Microorganisms that usually 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 observe preventive measures especially carefully.