White discharge is a common phenomenon in men.
But before you see a doctor, you need to find out what is normal and what is alarming.
The appearance of such signs can be caused by various factors.
The normal state of the body
In men, discharge from the urethra can occur due to normal processes in the body. Not every time such discharge can be considered a sign of disease. The following secretions in men testify to the normal functioning of the body, the causes of which can be varied:
- In case of sexual excitement, a clear secretion appears on the head of the penis. This is due to the work of the urethral glands, and this phenomenon aims to protect the inner surface of the urethra. In this case, it is worth repeating that it appears during excitement or morning erection.
- The appearance of sperm during sexual intercourse or wet dreams.
- The so-called defecation prostorrhoea is the appearance of discharge from the opening of the urethra. This can be explained by the fact that the prostate fits closely to the wall of the rectum, so when defecating, the prostate can be compressed, causing fluid to appear from the urethra.
- A small amount of prostate secretion can also be released during urination, the so-called voiding prostorrhoea.
Discharge from the urethra in men is not always a sign of inflammatory processes. These symptoms are episodic. White discharge does not cause pain, there are no male abnormalities, so there is no reason to worry.
What should cause concern?
The male body is designed in such a way that any changes in its functioning are immediately visible to men. As soon as such discharges from the urethra occur frequently, change their color and texture, you should consult a doctor. About the signs it should be said:
- In men, the discharge from the urethra is abnormal, with gray, yellow, and green fluids.
- If blood appears in the urine while urinating, consult a doctor immediately.
- If an unpleasant smell emanates from the penis, then this is a clear sign of the inflammatory process and the activity of microorganisms, which can lead to inflammation, a white liquid appears.
- Abnormal discharge, unlike normal, is released, accompanied by pain and discomfort. These symptoms are particularly aggravated by urination or excitement.
- The discharge of men can indicate the presence of the disease. In such cases, they can often be confused with ordinary ones, so they are the most difficult to recognize. A delay, on the other hand, can lead to a chronic form of the disease.
What must be done to recognize the danger in time? You should pay special attention to your health and follow some rules:
- You have to be more careful when you go to the toilet after sleeping. During sleep, secretions can accumulate in the urethra, so if it occurs, it is much easier to recognize it in the morning.
- Underwear is especially important. If at least one drop emerges from the urethra even throughout the day, it leaves a clearly visible mark after drying.
- When pressed by the penis, especially when you run your hand from the vulva to the head of the organ, a white mucus is released. Depending on the disease, it can have a different color and texture.
- Unhealthy nutrition, especially the consumption of foods containing a lot of spices and alcohol, can also lead to the occurrence of such phenomena.
- The lips of the urethral opening stick together or a crust forms on them - all this can indicate the release of fluid, which then dries out.
- Most sexually transmitted diseases are sexually transmitted, so this should not be forgotten either. If white discharge occurs after accidental contact, help should be sought, self-treatment is not recommended.
What can be connected?
White discharge or other white fluid from the urethra are important signs of the inflammatory process. The same can be said about purulent discharge. Doctors can extract enough information by examining the selected fluid to make a diagnosis and start treatment.
In men, discharge can indicate the following diseases:
- Urethritis is the most common cause. The urethra tries to defend itself with the help of the glands, which is why the necessary amount of white mucus appears in its mucous membrane.
- Sexually transmitted diseases, which include gonorrhea, chlamydia, mycoplasmosis or ureaplasmosis.
- Cancer of the penis, in which fluid is also released due to inflammation of the urethra.
- The appearance of inflammation can be attributed to bacteria entering the urinary tract from other organs. This is due to health conditions, weakening of the immune system, poor hygiene or trauma.
- The appearance of bloody secretions is a serious sign that may indicate oncological pathology of the prostate.
The consistency, color and transparency of the discharge is the result of the processes occurring in the male body. Therefore, the certain color of the discharge is explained by the following factors:
- If epithelial cells are present in large numbers, the discharge is gray and highly viscous.
- During the multiplication of bacteria, a large number of leukocytes become the focus of inflammation. Because of this, yellow and sometimes green discharge appears.
- White mucus similar to cottage cheese often indicates the development of candidiasis.
- It is worth noting that the appearance of various secretions can occur in different ways depending on the situation. At the beginning of the disease, it can be a white discharge, which then turns yellow. This happens when the body has time to react to the problem in the body.
What to do in such situations?
Allocations occurring in men are a reason to consult a doctor immediately if the matter does not affect the normal functioning of the body. One test will not be enough to make a diagnosis, so a series of analyzes of the released fluid is required.
Do not treat yourself or try to treat it, you should see a urologist or venereologist. The doctor, in consultation with the patient, prescribes tests that include microscopic examination of the secretions, culture medium inoculation or polymerase chain reaction, if the previous methods did not lead to results.
It is not recommended to take medicines before visiting the medical institution, as this can make it difficult to diagnose the disease. When a sexually transmitted disease is diagnosed, both partners are tested to prevent re-infection in the future. If inflammation and mucous membranes are found in both, treatment is prescribed for each partner.
Penile discharge is one of the most common complaints that men see a urologist with. After questioning and examining the patient, the doctor may prescribe further tests in order to establish an accurate diagnosis. The methods of modern medicine make it possible to quickly recognize the cause of the pathological discharge and choose the optimal therapeutic regimen, taking into account all the characteristics of the course of the disease.
Physiological discharge
Penile discharge actually comes from different parts of the urogenital system. The resulting secret can be secretions from the urethra, sebaceous glands or pathological formations on the skin. Some discharges are normal, while others can be considered a sign of an illness. After a complete examination of the patient, the doctor will be able to distinguish the norm from the pathology.
Variations of the physiological discharge of the penis:
Libidinus urethrorhoea
Under this term, physiological secretions from the urethra (urethra) are hidden during arousal. The secretion is secreted by glands located in and around the urethra (paraurethral and bulbourethral glands). The resulting secret maintains an alkaline environment in the urethra, which is favorable for the reproduction of sperm. Libidinus urethrorhoea occurs only in men of reproductive age. In old age, the glands of the urethra atrophy and secretion stops.
During sexual excitement, the amount of discharge varies and depends on the individual characteristics of the body. The normal secretion of the urethral glands is transparent, mucous, without impurities of pus and blood. A significant increase in the amount of discharge requires consultation with a urologist.
Semen
Semen is a mixture of prostate secretions and sperm. Normally, the ejaculate is thick, white, without foreign inclusions. Sperm are released during ejaculation, intercourse or masturbation. Possible release of small amounts of sperm during wet dreams - nocturnal involuntary ejaculation. Pollution occurs after the age of 14 in boys and is a sign of puberty. It is possible for men to have wet dreams after a long period of abstinence (you can read about the benefits and harms of abstinence here).
Smegma
Smegma is a secretion secreted by the glands of the foreskin and glans penis. Fresh smegma is greyish-white, turning yellow over time. With the observance of intimate hygiene, the amount of smegma will be small. A significant accumulation of smegma can be observed with insufficient self-care. Such discharge can be considered as a symptom of the disease and can also cause an inflammatory process (balanitis and balanoposthitis).
Physiological discharge from the penis is normal and does not require treatment. The following changes deserve attention:
- an increase in the amount of mucus;
- change in consistency (discharge becomes too liquid or thick);
- color change to yellow, yellow-green, brown;
- the appearance of blood stains;
- occurrence of unpleasant sensations: itching, burning, pain in the intimate area;
- dysuria or impaired urination (more frequent urination, false urge to empty the bladder, urinary retention, pain or burning during urination).
Pathological discharge
Abnormal discharge can be caused by many diseases. Infections of the genitals and urinary tract, foreign bodies, injuries, tumors - all this can lead to an increase in the volume of the secret, a change in its color or consistency. It is quite difficult to make a diagnosis based on the type of discharge alone. If you notice any incomprehensible symptoms, consult a doctor.
Possibilities of abnormal secretion of the penis:
Mucoid
Abundant, viscous and thick, clear or milky discharge from the penis indicates the development of an infection. Similar symptoms are characteristic of the chronic course of chlamydia, mycoplasma and ureaplasma infections, trichomoniasis. Other symptoms of the disease (itching, burning sensation, dysuria phenomena) are mild or absent.
Transparent mucous discharge from the penis can be a sign of the following pathological conditions:
- Spermatorrhoea - release of sperm outside of sexual excitement, without erection or orgasm. The cause of spermatorrhea is a decrease in the tone of the vas deferens muscle as a result of inflammation or damage to the innervation. During the test, sperm are detected in the material.
- Prostatorrhea - spontaneous secretion of the prostate. It occurs with inflammation of the prostate and the appearance of tumors.
Purulent
Thick yellow and yellowish-green discharge occurs in many sexually transmitted diseases (including gonorrhea). Pus is a collection of dead cells of the epithelium of the urethra, mucus and a large number of leukocytes. In the acute stage, there is itching and burning in the intimate area, discomfort during urination. Possible rise in body temperature. In the case of the transition of the infection to the bladder and the development of cystitis, dysuria occurs in the form of frequent and painful urination or urinary retention.
Bloody
The amount of blood released from the urethra can vary: from a slight brownish or pink discoloration of the discharge to clear bleeding. The reason for the appearance of blood can be injury to the urethra or bladder (including the entry of foreign bodies or careless instrumental diagnostics). Bloody discharge is a common symptom of tumors of the prostate, urethra and other organs of the urogenital area.
What to do?
The appearance of any suspicious discharge from the penis - vagina to contact a urologist. Many diseases of the genital organs and the urinary system are similar, and self-diagnosis does not work. It often happens that the disease has an atypical course, and only a doctor can understand the variety of symptoms. Don't put off seeing a professional and expect the problem to miraculously resolve itself.
During the first visit, the doctor always asks about complaints, examines the patient and takes material for research. The doctor's further actions depend on the results obtained. Based on the results of the examination, the optimal therapeutic regimen is selected in order to get rid of unpleasant symptoms and restore health.
conclusions
Discharge from the penis is a symptom that occurs in many diseases, from infection to oncology. Self-medication of incomprehensible discharge is not allowed. Uncontrolled intake of medicines or the use of traditional medicine techniques can aggravate the course of the disease and lead to an unfavorable outcome. Entrust your health to a professional. Following all the doctor's recommendations will help avoid complications and speed up recovery.