In men, discharge from the genitals appears as a small amount of fluid or mucus that is different in condition and color. Fluid (mucus) is excreted from the urethra, and it is also possible to isolate the secretion of the anterior gland under the skin covering the head of the penis.
Physiological discharge
- urine norm criteria are light golden in color, no odor;
- the criteria for the rate of prostate secretion are viscous in nature, white hue, certain sperm odor;
- the criterion for ejaculate norm is semen mixed with secretions secreted by the prostate, gray in color, mucous in texture;
- the criterion for the smegma norm is thick white fat.
Smegma (preputial lubricant) accumulates under the foreskin of the penis and the accumulation of fats and residues of certain bacteria. The lubricant reduces the feeling of friction between the head and the foreskin. At different periods of life, the amount of secretion secreted by the anterior glands varies, the peak falls on puberty, and stops completely in old age.
If hygiene rules are not followed, the lubricant (smegma) collects under the foreskin. Fats are oxidized and the proteins that make up the composition begin to break down. Simply put, the process of decomposition begins. The color of the lubricant turns greenish, a rotting odor appears. Continuous accumulation of lubricant leads to chronic balanitis or, worse, the development of malignancies.
The urethral glands secrete a colorless fluid called urethral rhea. It is used to protect the urethra. Its appearance is accompanied by strong excitement during an erection. The amount of secretion depends on the physiological characteristics of each organism, but after long-term rejection from sex, the amount increases.
In the morning, wet dreams (spontaneous emptying) are possible that are not related to sex. Pollution is possible in both adolescents and mature men who have not had sex for a long time.
When the abdominal muscles are tense, a small amount of translucent mucus is released from the urethra. In addition, prostatitis may occur during constipation.
Pathological changes in secretions
Abnormal discharge from the penis can indicate sexually transmitted disease (STD), cancer, non-specific inflammation, or genital damage.
It is possible to distinguish from ordinary secretions those that are abnormal in nature, possibly based on their nature, smell, color:
- the volume of emissions has become much more abundant or, on the contrary, decreased;
- the color changed, the secretion became cloudy;
- there were blood dirt, pus, lumps of mucus;
- structural change: the secretion became sticky and thick;
- the odor became fishy, sour, or rotten;
- discomfort when urinating.
If you notice any change in your secretions, self-healing is dangerous. It is necessary to see a doctor as soon as possible, it is essential to take part in tests and smear.
Exemption characteristics of STDs
Highly viscous and transparent colored secretions are usually chronic forms of mycoplasmosis and ureaplasmosis, chlamydia. During the analysis, leukocytes are in a field of view of up to 5 units.
If the secretion has become white and translucent, this indicates the presence of an acute form of mycoplasmosis, chlamydia, ureaplasmosis.
Secretions with purulent spots and characteristic odor are a sign of gonorrhea. Their texture is very thick and sticky, with a greenish-yellow color. A large number of leukocytes are detected in laboratory tests. They also experience painful feelings when urinating.
Multiple pathogen infections are common in STDs. The symptoms and nature of mucus get a completely different appearance, so it is very important to perform high-quality laboratory tests to identify the true pathogens of the disease.
Non-STD in men
Sexually transmitted inflammation occurs when nonspecific bacteria enter the pelvic organs and can also be the result of immune problems. Your own microflora becomes conditionally pathogenic when a small number of pathogenic bacteria begin to dominate the beneficial bacteria, thereby causing non-sexually transmitted inflammation.
Non-gonorrheal urethritis is characterized by release in small amounts in the form of purulent nodules. Frequent urination, itching. The infection is growing, first infecting the bladder and then the kidneys. When the kidneys become infected, the secretions contain blood. This is a very dangerous symptom.
Fungi of the genus Candida cause candidiasis. The increase in the number of these fungi occurs with a weakening of their own immunity as well as after taking antibiotics. Symptoms include discharge, which is similar in structure to curd. It has a sour smell, an itchy feeling, especially when urinating.
Gardnerellosis of the urethra is determined by a specific fishy odor, the secretion will be yellowish green in color with a small volume. This infection occurs when the microflora is violated, in other words, when dysbiosis appears.
If the foreskin becomes inflamed (balanoposthitis), the secretions become purulent and mucus. The head of the penis will be red and very painful.
Prostatitis manifests as a cloudy discharge that appears at the end of urination. This disease is associated with serious complications such as lack of erection and total impotence, anuria.
It is not a secretion not characteristic of inflammation
Spermatorrhea is the passive leakage of sperm without masturbation or intercourse. This disease is most often the result of stress, neurosis, or diseases of the spine. In spermatorrhea, the ducts become nervous.
Bloody discharge may appear after trauma to the urethra, taking a smear, inserting a catheter, and when sand or small stones pass through the urethra. In this case, the bleeding is very painful.
Severe symptoms of brown discharge are purulent and bloody - suggest the presence of a malignant tumor.
If you find any abnormal discharge, contact a health care provider immediately and perform the necessary tests. The sooner the correct diagnosis is made, the sooner healing will come.
How does the exam work?
- Above all, an examination of the penis is performed. The procedure is necessary to identify traces of head and foreskin trauma. Be careful of rash or discharge.
- Mandatory examination and palpation of the groin lymph nodes, determination of their size, condition and temperature.
- Sampling of prostate secretions for laboratory research - for this, prostate massage is performed in the rectum.
The collected material is studied under a microscope in the laboratory:
- smear can be used to determine the maturity of leukocytes, their number in the field of view. An increased amount indicates acute urethritis or a chronic inflammatory process;
- an increase in the number of eosinophils indicates an allergic process in the urethra;
- when erythrocytes are detected, we can talk about tumors and severe inflammations;
- if the amount of epithelium exceeds the norm, we speak of chronic urethritis;
- the smear contains sperm - spermatorrhea;
- mucus found in the smear - urethrorrhea;
- lipid particles are present in the smear - prostatorrhea.
For reliable results, you need to follow a few rules: do not wash yourself before taking the substance, do not have sex the day before the analysis, do not go to the toilet for a few hours before taking a smear.
LHC vaccination is required to identify the largest number of microorganisms of the same species. Their properties are examined to further diagnose the infection. General blood and urine tests are performed. Ultrasound examinations of the pelvic organs and prostate are performed, if necessary, according to the indications, followed by tomography.
Any uncharacteristic discharge is a serious reason to see a doctor. You cannot cure yourself, even if the illness seems obvious. In this way, complications can be achieved that are difficult to treat even with the strongest antibiotics. The inflammatory process does not stop, but only takes a latent form, which has serious complications until death.
Preventive measures
Any disease is easier to prevent than to cure, so you can protect yourself from many problems by following the simple rules of personal hygiene. In addition, 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 required if at least one of them is diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease. Otherwise, re-infection is constantly recurring, which is dangerous due to the transition to chronic form and even infertility.