Normally, the male genital organs produce a certain secretion that primarily performs a protective function. However, a change in the characteristics and frequency of discharge 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 know how to distinguish physiological secretion from pathological secretion. In case of deviation from the norm, you should immediately consult a doctor. Below we will consider the most common types of urethral discharge in men and their possible causes.
Ejaculation in men: normal and abnormal
In men, the secretions of the genitourinary organs are discharged through the urethra or urethra. The following options for physiological ejaculation are possible in men:
- Urine.Liquid with a yellowish color and a weak characteristic odor. It is normally released in portions during controlled micturition. Urinary incontinence is one of the urinary disorders. In this case, there is either periodic uncontrolled release of urine in different volumes, or constant, but drop by drop. This symptom indicates the 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 deacidifier in the male urethra and female genitalia to increase sperm viability. A deviation from the norm is the release of large volumes of pre-ejaculate.
- Prostate secret.Gray-white opalescent liquid. Produced by the prostate, it is part of the ejaculation and ensures the normal fertilizing ability of the sperm. The discharge of prostate juice without ejaculation is called prostatorrhea. Normally, the secretion can be separated during mechanical action on the gland (massage) and during tension (during defecation). Other forms of prostatorrhea indicate disorders in the work of the gland.
- Ejaculation.A gray-white slimy liquid with a characteristic odor. It has a complex composition. It is normally released during ejaculation during male orgasm. Physiologically, it is considered to be the release of ejaculation during sexual intercourse and during wet dreams (in adolescence and during abstinence in adult men), as well as during strong sexual and erotic stimulation. Isolated cases of discharge due to fear or physical stress during sleep are not considered pathological. All other options for the release of sperm 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 the secretion of the sebaceous glands. Normally, the discharge is evenly distributed on 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 discharge collects in the preputial sac (foreskin) and is clearly visible. Microorganisms can use smegma to reproduce. Therefore, preventing stagnation of secretions is an important measure to protect the health of the genital organs. If the discharge is already produced, you should consult a doctor.
Normal ejaculation in men should be as described above. Any change in the characteristics, frequency and timing of urine, ejaculation or prostate secretion should alert you and cause you 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 themselves not only with heavy discharge. Even a small amount of discharge alternating with "clean" periods should attract attention. The most common types of pathological discharge in men are:
- Slime.Abundant secretion of mucus accompanies inflammatory changes in the urethra. 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 creates a feeling of stickiness and discomfort. Scanty - found only in the form of prints on canvas.
- White discharge.White mucous discharge in men accompanies non-specific infectious and inflammatory processes. Thick, cheesy discharge is usually accompanied by candidiasis.
- Gray mystery.Gray fluid or mucous discharge may be sperm or prostatic secretions that flow outside of physiological conditions. However, it is better to consult a specialist to rule out pathology.
- Bloody matters.Brown or pink urine, transparent mucus covered with red or blood, as well as the appearance of blood in semen are signs of structural changes in the genitourinary organs, which may be caused by injury, strong inflammation or the development of a neoplasm.
- Bad discharge.Discharge with an unpleasant smell is characteristic of genital infections. A special rotten or rotten smell coming from the genitals should be a reason to immediately consult a doctor.
Over time, even without treatment, a man can feel a change in the nature and volume of 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 slow form. After some time, a man may continue to have pathological discharge from the urethra. The chronic course of diseases of the genitourinary organs is fraught with the development of serious complications (impotence, infertility, etc. ).
What other symptoms can there be?
Diseases of the genitourinary system in men are rarely manifested in the form of abnormal discharge. 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 when urinating);
- changes in urine parameters (unusual color, smell, foaming, flakes, etc. );
- pain in the lower abdomen;
- intoxication syndrome (weakness, drowsiness, apathy, etc. );
- decreased libido;
- erectile dysfunction;
- problems related to ejaculation (early ejaculation, difficulties in achieving orgasm, changes in the characteristics of sperm, etc. );
- painful pains 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 contagious nature of deviations:
- pain, burning when urinating;
- itching in the groin;
- rash, sores on the genitals;
- unpleasant odor from the genitals;
- decreased libido;
- pelvic pain;
- increase in 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 higher the chance of a full recovery.
What should a man do if there is discharge from the urinary tract?
A doctor will help to accurately determine the nature of the pathological discharge. If you have symptoms of diseases of the genitourinary system, you should contact a urologist. The initial reception is carried out in the following order:
- Talking to the patient.The doctor conducts a survey, studies complaints and collects anamnesis. Honesty when communicating with a specialist is extremely important to determine the tactics of further examination.
- Physical examination.The urologist visually assesses the state of the genitals and mucous membranes. Digital rectal examination initially allows to 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 the indications, the patient is prescribed additional laboratory methods (blood tests, urine tests and PCR tests for sexually transmitted infections) and instrumental (pelvic, prostate, etc. ultrasound) diagnostics.
Based on the examination results, the doctor makes the final diagnosis and prescribes the appropriate treatment.
Treatment of ejaculation in men
To eliminate pathological discharge, etiotropic therapy is carried out according to the cause of existing deviations. Treatment may include:
- Drug treatment using antibacterial, antiviral, antiprotozoal drugs, as well as immunomodulators and anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Physiotherapy is used in complex treatment of chronic infectious and inflammatory diseases.
- Surgical methods - structural changes, hyperplastic processes and neoplasms are mainly removed using minimally invasive operations.
The most common cause of discharge in men is sexually transmitted infections. In this case, conservative treatment is performed. Therapy is carried out on an outpatient basis. 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 examination is performed.
Prevention of ejaculation in men
Physiological secretion reflects the normal state of health of the male reproductive system. It is not ejaculation that needs to be prevented, but diseases of the genitourinary system. To achieve this goal, urologists recommend the following activities:
- observe the rules of personal hygiene;
- wear underwear made of natural fabrics;
- selectivity in choosing sexual partners;
- use of barrier contraception during casual intercourse;
- avoid hypothermia;
- regular physical activity;
- balanced diet;
- giving up bad habits;
- annual preventive examinations with a urologist.
In conditions of immunodeficiency, the sensitivity of the body to representatives of opportunistic microflora increases. Microorganisms that normally 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, treatment with drugs that reduce adaptation and immunity, preventive measures should be observed especially carefully.