Normally, the male genitals produce a specific secretion, which primarily 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 process or a tumor. Every man should know how to distinguish normal secretion from pathological. In case of deviations from the norm, you should immediately seek medical help. Below we will look at the most common types of urethral discharge in men and their possible causes.
Genital discharge in men: normal and abnormal
The secretion of the genitourinary organs in men comes out through the urethra or urethra. The following variations of normal discharge in men are possible:
- Urine.Liquid with a yellowish tint and a weak characteristic odor. It is normally released in doses during controlled mixing. One of the urinary disorders is urinary incontinence. In this case, there is either periodic uncontrolled release of urine in doses of different volumes, or constant, but drop by drop. This symptom indicates pathology of the urinary system.
- Pre-cum.Colorless and odorless mucus, which is secreted during sexual and erotic arousal (during masturbation, moderate erotic arousal, during intercourse and before ejaculation). Produced by Cooper's glands located paraurethral. Pre-ejaculate serves as a natural lubricant and deoxidizer 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 volume.
- Secret of the protector.Grey-white iridescent liquid. Produced by the prostate, it is part of ejaculation and ensures the normal fertilizing capacity of the 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 exertion (during defecation). Other forms of prostatorrhea indicate disorders in the functioning of the gland.
- Exclaim.Gray-white mucous liquid with a characteristic odor. It has a complex composition. It is normally released during ejaculation during the male orgasm. It is considered normal to release ejaculation during sexual intercourse and during wet dreams (in adolescents and adult men during abstinence), as well as during strong sexual and erotic arousal. Individual cases of ejaculation during sleep, as a result of fright or physical stress are not considered a pathology. 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 the sebum or secretion of the sebaceous glands. Normally, the secretion is evenly distributed on the head, is 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 discharge accumulates in the pouch (on the foreskin) and becomes clearly visible. Microorganisms can use sebum to reproduce. Therefore, the prevention of 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 timing of urine, ejaculation 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 system. Urological diseases in men can manifest not only in strong secretions. Even the slightest discharge, which alternates with "pure" periods, should attract attention. The most common types of pathological secretions in men are the following:
- ClapProfuse 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 causes a feeling of stickiness and discomfort. Scanty - found exclusively in the form of traces on linen.
- White discharge.White mucous discharge in men accompanies non-specific infectious and inflammatory processes. A thick, cheesy discharge usually accompanies candidiasis.
- Gray secret.Gray fluid or mucous may be semen or prostatic discharge that flows outside of normal conditions. But it is better to consult a specialist to rule out pathology.
- Bloody issues.Brown or pink urine, red or clear mucus streaked with blood, as well as the appearance of blood in the semen are signs of structural changes in the urogenital organs, which may be caused by injury, severe inflammation or neoplasm growth.
- Terrible evacuation.Foul-smelling discharge is typical 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 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 sluggish form. After some time, pathological discharge from the urethra in a man can be repeated. The chronic course of diseases of the genitourinary system is fraught with the development of serious complications (impotence, infertility, etc. ).
What other symptoms may be present?
Diseases of the genitourinary system in men rarely manifest exclusively as secretions that do not meet the norm. Other symptoms also require attention, as 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 (unusual color, odor, foam, flaky sediment, etc. )
- lower abdominal pain;
- intoxication syndrome (weakness, drowsiness, apathy, etc. )
- decreased libido;
- erectile dysfunction?
- problems with ejaculation (premature ejaculation, difficulties in achieving orgasm, changes in sperm properties, etc. )
- 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 during urination.
- itching in the groin;
- rash, sores on the genitals.
- unpleasant odor coming from the genitals.
- decreased libido;
- pelvic pain;
- increased body temperature, drowsiness, weakness, etc.
You should seek help immediately after symptoms begin. The sooner the diagnosis is made and the correct treatment is prescribed, the greater the chance 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 rejection. If you have signs of diseases of the genitourinary system, you should contact a urologist. The initial receipt is carried out in the following order:
- Discussion with the patient.The doctor conducts research, discovers complaints and collects memories. Honesty when communicating with a specialist is extremely important in determining the tactics of further examination.
- Physical examination.The urologist visually assesses the condition of the genitals and mucous membranes. Digital rectal examination allows you to initially determine the size, structure and sensitivity of the prostate gland.
- Diagnostics.The urologist takes a swab from the urethra, which is then sent for microscopic analysis. According to indications, the patient is prescribed additional laboratory methods (blood, urine and PCR tests for sexually transmitted infections) and instrumental (ultrasound of pelvic organs, prostate, etc. ) diagnostics.
Based on the results of the examination, the doctor makes a final diagnosis and prescribes the appropriate treatment.
Treatment of secretions in men
To eliminate the pathological rejection, etiotropic treatment is carried out, which corresponds to the cause of the existing deviations. Treatment may include the following:
- Pharmaceutical treatment 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 mainly eliminated with minimally invasive procedures.
The most common cause of male discharge is sexually transmitted infections. In this case, conservative treatment is carried out. Treatment is carried out in outpatient clinics. 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 test is carried out.
Prevention of miscarriage in men
Normal discharge reflects the normal state of health of the male reproductive system. What needs to be prevented are not discharges, but diseases of the genitourinary system. To achieve this goal, urologists recommend the following activities:
- compliance with the rules of personal hygiene;
- wearing underwear made of natural fabrics.
- selectivity in choosing sexual partners.
- use of barrier contraception during casual intercourse.
- avoid hypothermia;
- regular physical activity;
- balanced nutrition;
- 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.