The normal functioning of the organs of the male reproductive system is an important factor not only for the normal physiological functioning of the whole organism, but also an important component of the psychological health of the male ego.
The first signs of diseases of this system can be discharge from the urethra, which is most often manifested by the stronger sex during or after urination.By the nature of this secretion, we can preliminarily discuss the etiology of the disease and make a preliminary diagnosis.
In fact, most often men confuse the normal physiological secretion, which is essentially the secretion of the gonads, and the pathological secretion produced during the pathological process.
Secretion products of gonads
Most often, the appearance of normal physiological discharge is associated with sexual arousal (erection), which is accompanied by the release of clear mucus from the male urogenital canal, which is a product of the secretion of Cooper's or bulbourethral glands.There are only two of them.They are located directly under the base of the cavernous bodies of the penis.The main function of the secretion of these glands is to lubricate the urogenital canal before ejaculation, for better movement of sperm during ejaculation.
Also, discharge during arousal can be considered the process of sperm ejaculation (ejaculation), which occurs spontaneously, without the influence of accompanying factors (wet dreams).
Most often, the penis is erect in the morning, when the level of testosterone in a man's blood is high.Therefore, the secretion of Cooper's glands is observed most often at this time.
The appearance of discharge from the urethra in the form of mucus with grayish-white stripes is possible due to strong straining of the abdominal walls during defecation (defecation prostatorrhea) or after urination (mictional prostatorrhea).Such discharge consists of a mixture of secretions from the prostate glands and seminal vesicles.Both types of prostatitis are characteristic of a physiologically healthy body and are more related to its individual characteristics, less often a sign of chronic prostatitis.
All the phenomena described above are rare.And for a longer time, the outer part of the urethra of a healthy man is without discharge.
Pathological discharge
It is associated with diseases of the urinary tract and surrounding organs.Due to the influence of pathological factors of various etiologies, the urethra is damaged, which is accompanied by discharge.This process is called leukocytic urethria.The influence of such pathological factors is distinguished.
- Mechanical - by their action, blood is first released from the urethra, and after some time after the start of the inflammatory process, pus appears.This can be the result of sampling for laboratory tests or examination of the urethra using medical instruments (cystoscopy, urethroscopy).
- Chemical - as a result of the action of chemical substances of medicines on the mucous membrane of the urinary tract.This can happen after washing the urethra with drug solutions (instillation) for the treatment of a number of diseases of the genitourinary system.
- Infectious - as a result of the vital activity of pathogens, which can be protozoa, bacteria or fungi.
Mucous and purulent discharge from the urethra
They consist of urogenital mucus, serous exudate and a small amount of leukocytes.They are a clear milky-white liquid.The appearance of such discharge is one of the fundamental symptoms for the diagnosis of non-gonococcal urethritis.
It is observed when exposed to the pathogens of chlamydia, trichomoniasis, ureaplasmosis.The course of these diseases is characterized by the absence of symptoms of itching, pain and pain.At the initial stage, they appear only in the form of a small amount of mucous purulent exudate at the end of urination after a long period of abstinence.
Purulent discharge
This is a sign of infectious urethritis.Purulent discharge includes urethral mucus and damaged epithelial cells of the genital canal.It is characterized by a high content of leukocytes.It is a liquid of thick consistency, yellow-green color or completely yellow.
The appearance of drops of such discharge is one of the main symptoms for diagnosing urethritis of gonococcal etiology.Accompanied by itching, pain and pain with a large amount of discharge.
Purulent discharge from the urethra is characteristic of gonorrhea and trichomoniasis.It is accompanied by a burning sensation in the area of the urethra during urination.
Causes of white discharge from the urethra in men
The appearance of white discharge from the penis with a consistency similar to cottage cheese is most often characteristic of male candidiasis (thrush).happens very rarely.It may be caused by a decrease in the level of immunity as a result of a course of antibiotic therapy or chemotherapy.It is almost impossible to infect a healthy man with candidiasis through sexual contact.
White discharge with a frothy consistency appears with trichomoniasis, which ranks first among STDs (sexually transmitted diseases).
Another cause of white discharge from the urethra can be a chronic form of prostatitis.This disease is accompanied by difficulty urinating and a decrease in the potency level until its complete loss (impotence).
Different types of discharge from the urethra should be the reason for consulting the patient's doctor.They can also become symptoms for the preliminary diagnosis of the disease.In order to more accurately determine the cause of the disease, discharge samples are taken for bacteriological studies and culture for nutrients.