Discharge from the urethra in men is of a different nature, it occurs more often in infectious and inflammatory diseases and serves as an immediate reason to consult a specialist.
If you do not pay attention to this in time, the symptoms may become latent.
Physiological secretions include:
- secretion during arousal, coming from the urethral glands;
- secretion during bowel movements during exertion;
- smegma is the secretion of the foreskin glands, which accumulates due to insufficient intimate hygiene;
- sperm – released during ejaculation or emission (during puberty, with prolonged abstinence).
Pathological discharge has causes such as:
- mechanical damage;
- diseases of the genital organs;
- sexually transmitted infections;
- development of 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 specific pathological flora (gonococci, chlamydia, trichomonas and other STD pathogens), may 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 phenomenon of so-called "morning gout" occurs: during the first urination in the morning, a drop of pus is released, as the discharge is thick and sticky.
These features of pathological discharge should not be taken as a basis for diagnosis. Co-infection often occurs, that is, the presence of several pathogens, making the clinical picture uncertain. In latent and asymptomatic forms of the disease, as well as in 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, weakened immunity and other factors. Opportunistic flora (staphylococci, fungi, streptococci, etc. ) begins to actively multiply in the mucous membranes, causing symptoms typical of urethritis. As a rule, they are less pronounced than with specific inflammation.
Secretion 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 secretions from the prostate. Often this is a sign of prostatitis, adenoma;
- release of sperm out of sexual excitement. It is accompanied by pathological changes in the vas deferens and chronic inflammation;
- bleeding or hematorrhea: usually appears after manipulation of the urethra, inadequate swabbing technique, insertion of a urinary catheter, cystoscopy, or injury caused by a transient stone. In some cases, hematorrhea 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 laboratory and instrumental 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 secretion 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 early as possible, as complications are much more difficult to treat later. One of the most dangerous complications of urethritis is infertility.