Normally, the male genital organs produce a certain secretion, which mainly performs a protective function. However, a change in the properties and frequency of secretions can be an early sign of the development of a urological disease, for example, a sexually transmitted infection, inflammatory or tumor process. Every man should be able to distinguish physiological secretion from pathological one. 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 from the genital organs in men: normal and anomalies
The secretion of the genitourinary organs in men exits through the urethra or urethra. The following variants of physiological discharge in men are possible:
- Urine.Liquid with a yellowish tint and a faint characteristic odor. It is normally released in portions during controlled urination. One of the urinary disorders is urinary incontinence. In this case, there is a periodic and uncontrolled release of urine in portions of variable or constant volume, but drop by drop. 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 sexual intercourse and before ejaculation). Produced by Cooper's 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 deviation from the norm is the release of pre-ejaculate in large volumes.
- Secret of the prostate.Grey-white opalescent liquid. Produced by the prostate, it is part of the ejaculate and guarantees the normal fertilizing capacity of the spermatozoa. 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 effort (during defecation). Other forms of prostatorrhea indicate disturbances in the functioning of the gland.
- Ejaculate.White-grey mucous liquid with characteristic odor. It has a complex composition. It is normally released during ejaculation during male orgasm. The release of ejaculate during sexual intercourse and during wet dreams (in adolescents and adult men during 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 pathologies. All other options for sperm release are a reason to consult a doctor.
Often the attention of men is attracted by the whitish discharge on the head. This is smegma, or secretion from 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 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 genital organs. If the secretion is produced in excess, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
Normal discharge in men should be as described above. Any changes in the properties, frequency and time of urine, ejaculate or prostatic secretion should alert you and be a reason to contact a urologist.
Pathological discharge from the urethra in men
Unusual discharge from the urethra indicates the development of a pathological process in the genitourinary tract. Urological diseases in men can manifest themselves not only with strong secretions. Poor secretion, alternating with "clean" periods, should also attract attention. The most common types of pathological discharge in men are as follows:
- Slime.Abundant mucus secretion accompanies inflammatory changes in the urethra. The secretions may be clear, cloudy, or whitish.
- Mucopurulent discharge.Discharge of pus from the urethra indicates an infectious process. A large amount of pathological secretion causes a feeling of stickiness and discomfort. Scarce - found exclusively in the form of traces on linen.
- White discharge.White mucous discharge in men accompanies nonspecific infectious and inflammatory processes. A thick, cheesy discharge usually accompanies candidiasis.
- Gray secret.Gray liquid or mucous discharge may be semen or prostatic secretion flowing outside of physiological conditions. But it is better to consult a specialist to exclude the pathology.
- Bloody matters.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.
- Disgusting discharge.Discharge with an unpleasant odor is characteristic of genital infections. A specific putrid or rotten odor 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 secretions. In some cases, the secretion stops, creating the appearance of healing. However, this is often associated with the development of a chronic pathological process and its transition to a slow form. After a while, pathological discharge from the urethra may resume 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 could there be?
Diseases of the genitourinary system in men rarely manifest themselves exclusively as secretions that do not correspond to the norm. Other symptoms also require attention, since they can be used to make hypotheses about the localization of the pathological process. A man may be worried about the following deviations:
- dysuric disorders (frequent urge, difficulty urinating, sensation of incomplete emptying, burning and tingling during urination);
- changes in urine parameters (unusual color, odor, foaminess, flaky sediment, etc. );
- lower abdominal pain;
- intoxication syndrome (weakness, drowsiness, apathy, etc. );
- decreased libido;
- erectile dysfunction;
- problems with ejaculation (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 both infectious and non-infectious diseases. The following symptoms will indicate the infectious nature of deviations:
- pain, burning during urination;
- itching in the groin;
- skin rashes, 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 begin. The earlier 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 discharge from the urethra?
A doctor will help you accurately determine the nature of pathological discharge. If you have signs of diseases of the urogenital tract, you should contact a urologist. The first reception takes place in the following order:
- Conversation with the patient.The doctor conducts a survey, finds out complaints and collects anamnesis. Honesty when communicating with a specialist is extremely important for determining further examination tactics.
- Physical exam.The urologist visually evaluates the condition of the genital organs and mucous membranes. The digital rectal examination allows you to initially determine the size, structure and tenderness of the prostate gland.
- Diagnostics.The urologist takes a smear from the urethra, which is later 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 the pelvic organs, prostate, etc. ).
Based on the results of the examination, the doctor makes a definitive diagnosis and prescribes appropriate treatment.
Treatment of secretions in men
To eliminate pathological discharge, etiotropic therapy is performed, corresponding to the cause of existing deviations. Treatment may include the following:
- Drug therapy with 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 using minimally invasive operations.
The most common cause of male discharge is sexually transmitted infections. In this case, conservative treatment is carried out. The therapy is carried out on an outpatient basis. The duration of treatment varies from a few days to several months (depending on the type and form of the disease). At the end of the treatment, a control laboratory test is carried out.
Prevention of secretions in men
Physiological secretion reflects the normal state of health of the male reproductive system. What needs to be prevented is not secretions, 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 in the choice of sexual partners;
- use of barrier contraceptives during casual sexual intercourse;
- 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 do not normally cause disease can cause 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 pay special attention to preventive measures.