The normal functioning of the organs of the genitourinary system for a man is an important factor not only for the normal physiological functioning of the entire 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 urogenital channel, which is most often detected by representatives of the stronger sex during the process of urination or after it.From the nature of these secretions, one can preliminarily judge the etiology of the disease and make a preliminary diagnosis.
In fact, most of the time men confuse the normal physiological secretions, which are essentially the secretions of the gonads, and the pathological secretions that are formed during the course of the pathological process.
Secretory 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 Cooper's secretion or bulbourethral glands.There are only two of them.They are located just below the base of the corpora cavernosa of the penis.The main function of the secretion of these glands is to lubricate the urethra before the release of sperm for better sperm movement during ejaculation.
Also, secretion during arousal can be considered the 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 position in the morning, when the level of testosterone in a man's blood is increased.Therefore, more often at this time, secretions of the Cooper glands are observed.
The appearance of secretions from the urethra in the form of mucus with streaks of gray-white color is possible with strong straining of the abdominal walls during the act of defecation (defecation prostatorrhea) or after urination (muscular prostatorrhea).Such secretions consist of a mixture of secretions from the prostate glands and seminal vesicles.Both types of prostatitis are characteristic of a normally healthy organism and are more related to its individual characteristics, less often a sign of chronic prostatitis.
All the phenomena described above are unusual.And for a longer period of time, the outer part of a healthy male urethra is free of secretions.
Abnormal secretion
It is associated with diseases of the genitourinary tract and adjacent organs.Due to the effect of pathological factors of various etiologies, damage to the urethra occurs, accompanied by discharge.This process is called leukocytic urethritis.The effect of such pathological factors is distinguished.
- Mechanically - under their action, blood is first released from the urogenital canal, and some time after the inflammatory process begins, pus appears.It can be a consequence of sampling for laboratory tests or the result of examination of the urethra using medical instruments (cystoscopy, urethroscopy).
- Chemical - as a result of the action of chemical substances of drugs on the mucous membrane of the urogenital canal.It can occur after washing the urethra with medicinal solutions (instillation) for the treatment of certain diseases of the genitourinary system.
- Infectious - as a result of the vital activity of pathogenic microorganisms, 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.It is a translucent milky-white liquid.The appearance of such secretions is one of the fundamental symptoms for the diagnosis of non-gonococcal urethritis.
It is observed when infected with pathogenic chlamydia, trichomoniasis, ureaplasmosis.The course of these diseases is characterized by the absence of symptoms of itching, soreness and pain.They manifest themselves in the initial stage only as a small amount of mucopurulent exudate at the end of urination after prolonged abstinence.
Purulent discharge
It is a sign of infectious urethritis.The purulent discharge includes urethral mucus and cells of the damaged epithelium of the genitourinary tract.It is characterized by a high leukocyte content.It is a liquid with a thick consistency, yellow with green color or completely yellow.
The appearance of drops of such secretions is one of the main symptoms for the diagnosis of gonococcal urethritis.It is accompanied by itching, pain and pain with secretions in large quantities.
Purulent discharge from the urethra is characteristic of gonorrhea and trichomoniasis.It is accompanied by a burning sensation in the area of the urogenital tract during urination.
Causes of white discharge from the male urethra
The appearance of white curd-like discharge from the penis is more often characteristic of male candidiasis (thrush).It occurs very rarely.It can be caused by a decrease in the level of immunity as a result of a course of antibiotic treatment 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 STDs (sexually transmitted diseases).
Another reason for white discharge from the urethra can be the chronic form of prostatitis.This disease is accompanied by difficulty urinating and a decrease in the level of potency until its complete loss (impotence).
Urethral discharge of various types should be a reason for the patient to consult a 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 in nutrient media.