Discharge from the urethra in men is of a different nature, occurs more often in infectious and inflammatory diseases and serves as an immediate reason to contact a specialist.
If you don't pay attention in time, the symptoms may become latent.
Physiological secretions include:
- secretion during arousal, which comes from the glands of the urethra;
- discharge during bowel movements during exertion;
- 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 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 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, since the secretions are thick and sticky.
These characteristics of pathological secretion should not be taken as a basis for making a diagnosis. Coinfection often occurs, i. e. the presence of multiple pathogens, so the clinical picture becomes uncertain. In latent and asymptomatic forms of the disease, as well as in the period of remission, secretion is extremely scant or completely absent.
Nonspecific processes in the urethra are also accompanied by pathological secretions.Their causes are lack of personal hygiene, weakened immunity and other factors. Opportunistic flora (staphylococci, fungi, streptococci, 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 discharge is accompanied by some manifestations:
- itching, burning in the urethra;
- frequent need to urinate;
- painful sensations during urination;
- discomfort in the lower abdomen.
If you do not pay attention to the alarming symptoms, the inflammatory process spreads to the prostate gland, 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 hematorrhea: Often appears after manipulation of the urethra, improper smear technique, insertion of a urinary catheter, cystoscopy, or injury caused by a stone in transit. 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 prostatic secretions, PSA.
- Ultrasound of the pelvic organs, magnetic resonance imaging, urography, etc.
The presence of an inflammatory process in the urethra serves as an indication for examination and treatment as soon as possible, since complications are much more difficult to treat later. One of the most dangerous complications of urethritis is infertility.