Discharge from the urethra in men is of a different nature, it occurs most often in infectious and inflammatory diseases and serves as an immediate reason to contact a specialist.
If attention is not paid to this in time, the symptoms can become latent.
Physiological secretions include:
- secretion during arousal, which comes from the glands of the urethra;
- discharge during bowel movements when straining;
- smegma is the secretion of the foreskin glands, 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 the genital organs;
- sexually transmitted infections;
- development of the existing flora.
The nature of the discharge varies and is evaluated based on the following parameters:
- amount,
- consistency,
- color,
- time and frequency of occurrence.
Discharge from the urethra, which is associated with a specific pathological flora (gonococcus, chlamydia, trichomonas and other STD pathogens), may be as follows:
- transparent, mucous, generally 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 phenomenon called "morning gout" occurs: during the first urination in the morning a drop of pus is released, since the discharge is thick and sticky.
These characteristics of pathological discharge should not be taken as a basis for making a diagnosis. Co-infection, that is, the presence of several pathogens, often occurs, so the clinical picture becomes uncertain. In latent and asymptomatic forms of the disease, as well as during the period of remission, secretion is extremely scarce or completely absent.
Nonspecific processes in the urethra are also accompanied by pathological discharge.Its causes are lack of personal hygiene, a weakened immune system and other factors. Opportunistic flora (staphylococcus, fungi, streptococcus, etc. ) begins to actively multiply on the mucous membranes, causing typical symptoms of urethritis. As a rule, they are less pronounced than with specific inflammation.
The download is accompanied by some manifestations:
- itching, burning in the urethra;
- frequent need 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 prostatic secretions. Often this is 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 hematorrhoea: often occurs after manipulation of the urethra, improper smear technique, insertion of a urinary catheter, cystoscopy, or injury from passage of a stone. In some cases, hematorrhoea is a very dangerous symptom, warning of a malignant pathology.
Diagnosis of the causes of urethral discharge.
Diagnosis of conditions accompanied by urethral discharge includes instrumental and laboratory studies:
- Smear followed by microscopy, bacteriological culture, PCR. This is necessary to determine the existing pathogens and the severity of the pathological process.
- Direct examination of discharge after urethral massage.
- General clinical blood and urine tests.
- Analysis of prostate secretions, PSA.
- Ultrasound of the pelvic organs, MRI, urography, etc.
The presence of an inflammatory process in the urethra serves as an indication for examination and treatment as soon as possible, because complications are much more difficult to treat later. One of the most dangerous complications of urethritis is infertility.