The normal functioning of the organs of the genitourinary system of a man is not only an important factor in the normal physiological functioning of the entire organism, but also an important component of the mental health of the male ego.
The first signs of diseases of this system can be discharge from the urogenital canal, which is most often noticed by representatives of the stronger sex during urination or after it.Based on the nature of these secretions, one can preliminarily assess the etiology of the disease and make a preliminary diagnosis.
In fact, men most often confuse normal physiological secretions, which are essentially secretions of the gonads, with pathological secretions, which are formed in the course of the pathological process.
Secretion products of the gonads
Most often, the appearance of normal physiological discharge is associated with sexual arousal (erection), accompanied by the release of clear mucus from the male urogenital canal, which is a product of the secretion of the Cooper or bulbourethral glands.There are only two of them.They are located directly under the base of the erectile tissue of the penis.The main function of the secretion of these glands is to lubricate the urogenital canal before the release of sperm to allow better movement of sperm during ejaculation.
Discharge during arousal can also be viewed as a process of ejaculation of sperm (ejaculation), which occurs spontaneously without the influence of accompanying factors (wet dreams).
Most often, the penis is in an erect state in the morning when the level of testosterone in a man's blood is increased.Therefore, secretions from Cooper's glands are most often observed at this time.
The appearance of discharge from the urethra in the form of mucus with grayish-white stripes is possible with severe strain on the abdominal walls during bowel movements (defecal prostatorrhea) or after urination (mictive prostatorrhea).Such secretions consist of a mixture of secretions from the prostate glands and seminal vesicles.Both forms of prostatitis are characteristic of a physiologically healthy organism and are more likely to be associated with its individual characteristics, less often they are a sign of chronic prostatitis.
All of the phenomena described above are unusual.And for a long period of time, the outer part of a healthy male urethra is without discharge.
Pathological discharge
Associated with diseases of the urogenital canal and adjacent organs.Due to the influence of pathological factors of various etiology, damage to the urethra occurs, accompanied by discharge.This process is called leukocyte urethra.The influence of such pathological factors is distinguished.
- Mechanical - under their action, blood is initially released from the urogenital canal and some time after the start of the inflammatory process, pus appears.This may be a consequence of sampling for laboratory tests or the result of examining the urethra with medical instruments (cystoscopy, urethroscopy).
- Chemical – as a result of the effect of chemical substances of drugs on the mucous membrane of the urogenital canal.It can occur after washing the urethra with drug solutions (instillation) in 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 pus-filled discharge from the urethra
They consist of urogenital mucus, serous exudate and a small number of leukocytes.They are a translucent milky-white liquid.The appearance of such discharge is one of the basic symptoms for the diagnosis of non-gonococcal urethritis.
Observed in cases of infection by the pathogens chlamydia, trichomoniasis, ureaplasmosis.The course of these diseases is characterized by the absence of itching, pain and pain symptoms.In the early stages they manifest themselves only in a small amount of mucous-purulent exudate at the end of urination after a long period of abstinence.
Purulent discharge
It is a sign of infectious urethritis.Purulent discharge includes urethral mucus and cells of damaged epithelium of the urogenital canal.Characterized by a high content of leukocytes.It is a liquid of thick consistency, yellow with 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 discharge in large quantities.
Purulent discharge from the urethra is characteristic of gonorrhea and trichomoniasis.Accompanied by a burning sensation in the urogenital canal area when urinating.
Causes of white discharge from the male urethra
The appearance of white, curd-like discharge from the penis is most often characteristic of male candidiasis (thrush).Occurs very rarely.It can be caused by a decrease in immunity as a result of antibiotic therapy or chemotherapy.It is almost impossible to infect a healthy man with candidiasis through sexual contact.
White discharge with a foamy consistency occurs with trichomoniasis, which ranks first in prevalence among sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Another reason for white discharge from the urethra can be the chronic form of prostatitis.This disease is accompanied by difficulty urinating and a decline in potency or even complete loss (impotence).
Discharge from the urethra of various types should be a reason for the patient to see a doctor.They can also become symptoms for a preliminary diagnosis of the disease.In order to determine the cause of the disease more precisely, discharge samples are taken for bacteriological examinations and for culture on nutrient media.