Discharge from the urethra in men is of a different nature, it most often occurs in infectious and inflammatory diseases and serves as an immediate reason for contacting a specialist.
If you do not pay attention to it in time, the symptoms can become latent.
Physiological secretions include:
- discharge during excitement, coming from the urethral gland;
- discharge during bowel movements when straining;
- smegma is the secretion of the glands of the foreskin, which accumulates due to insufficient intimate hygiene;
- sperm – released during ejaculation or emission (during puberty, with long-term abstinence).
Pathological discharge has causes such as:
- mechanical damage;
- diseases of genital organs;
- sexually transmitted infections;
- development of existing flora.
The nature of the discharge varies and is assessed based on the following parameters:
- quantity,
- consistency,
- color,
- time and frequency of occurrence.
Discharge from the urethra, which is associated with specific pathological flora (gonococci, chlamydia, trichomonas and other sexually transmitted pathogens), can be as follows:
- transparent, mucous, usually few - often associated with the presence of ureaplasmas and mycoplasmas;
- mucopurulent - the result of the presence of trichomonas, chlamydia and other pathogens in the acute period;
- purulent: thick, yellowish or greenish. Characteristic of gonorrhea. The so-called "morning drop" phenomenon occurs: during the first morning urination, a drop of pus is released, because the discharge is thick and sticky.
These characteristics of pathological discharge should not be taken as a basis for making a diagnosis. Co-infection often occurs, i. e. the presence of several causative agents, so the clinical picture becomes uncertain. In latent and asymptomatic forms of the disease, as well as in the period of remission, discharge is extremely scarce or completely absent.
Nonspecific processes in the urethra are also accompanied by pathological discharge. Their causes are lack of personal hygiene, weakened immunity and other factors. Opportunistic flora (staphylococci, fungi, streptococci, etc. ) begins to multiply actively on the mucous membranes, causing typical symptoms of urethritis. As a rule, they are less pronounced than in specific inflammation.
Discharge is accompanied by some manifestations:
- itching, burning in the urethra;
- frequent urge to urinate;
- painful sensations when urinating;
- discomfort in the lower abdomen.
If you do not pay attention to the alarming symptoms, the inflammatory process spreads to the prostate, seminal vesicles, testicles and their appendages. Balanitis and balanoposthitis are often associated.
Pathological discharge in diseases of the genital organs in men also includes:
- prostatorrhea: secretion of prostate secretions. It is often a sign of prostatitis, adenoma;
- release of sperm outside of sexual arousal. It is accompanied by pathological changes in the vas deferens and chronic inflammation;
- bleeding or hematorrhea: often occurs after urethral manipulation, improper smear technique, urinary catheter insertion, cystoscopy, or injury from a passing stone. In some cases, hematorrhea is a very dangerous symptom that warns of malignant pathology.
Diagnosis of the cause of urethral discharge
Diagnosis of conditions accompanied by urethral discharge includes laboratory and instrumental studies:
- This is followed by microscopy, bacteriological culture, PCR. This is necessary in order to determine the existing pathogens and the severity of the pathological process.
- Direct examination of discharge after urethral massage.
- General clinical examinations of blood and urine.
- Prostate secretion analysis, PSA.
- Pelvic ultrasound, MRI, urography, etc.
The presence of an inflammatory process in the urethra is an indication for early examination and treatment, because it is much more difficult to treat complications later. One of the most dangerous complications of urethritis is infertility.