For a man, the normal functioning of the organs of the genitourinary system is an important component not only for the normal physiological functioning of the whole organism, but also for the psychological health of the male ego.
The first signs of diseases of this system can be discharge from the genitourinary channel, which is most often detected by representatives of the stronger sex during or after urination.Due to the nature of these secretions, the etiology of the disease can be prejudged and a preliminary diagnosis can be made.
In fact, men often confuse normal physiological secretions, that is, the secretions of the gonads, and pathological secretions formed during 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 urethra, 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 cavernous bodies of the penis.The main function of the secretion of these glands is to lubricate the urethra before the sperm is released so that the sperm can move better during ejaculation.
It can also be considered a process of sperm discharge (ejaculation) that occurs spontaneously without the influence of accompanying factors (wet dreams) during waking up.
Often, the penis is erect in the morning when the level of testosterone in a man's blood rises.Therefore, the secretions of 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 during the act of defecation (defecation prostatorrhea) or after urination (mictional prostatorrhea) with strong tension of the abdominal walls.Such secretions consist of a mixture of the secretions of the prostate glands and seminal vesicles.Both types of prostatitis are characteristic of a physiologically healthy organism and are more related to its individual characteristics, less often a symptom of chronic prostatitis.
All the events described above are unusual.And for a longer period of time, the outer part of the healthy male urethra is impermeable.
Pathological discharge
It is associated with diseases of the genitourinary tract and adjacent organs.Damage to the urethra occurs under the influence of pathological factors of various etiologies, accompanied by discharge.This process is called leukocyte urethritis.The effect of such pathological factors is different.
- Mechanical - under their influence, blood is first released from the genitourinary canal, and pus appears some time after the start of the inflammatory process.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 effect of chemical substances of drugs on the mucous membrane of the genitourinary canal.In the treatment of a number of diseases of the genitourinary system, it can occur after washing the urethra with medicinal solutions.
- 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 genitourinary mucus, serous exudate and a small number of leukocytes.They are a clear milky white liquid.The appearance of such discharge is one of the main symptoms for the diagnosis of non-gonococcal urethritis.
It is observed when affected by pathogens of chlamydia, trichomoniasis, ureaplasmosis.The course of these diseases is characterized by itching, pain and the absence of pain symptoms.At the initial stage, they manifest themselves only as a small amount of muco-purulent exudate at the end of urination after long-term abstinence.
Purulent discharge
This is a sign of infectious urethritis.Purulent discharge includes urethral mucus and cells of the damaged epithelium of the genitourinary canal.It is characterized by a high content of leukocytes.It is a thick consistency, greenish yellow or completely yellow liquid.
The appearance of drops of such discharge is one of the main symptoms for the diagnosis of urethritis of gonococcal etiology.It is accompanied by itching, soreness and pain with a large amount of discharge.
Purulent discharge from the urethra is characteristic of gonorrhea and trichomoniasis.During urination, it is accompanied by a burning sensation in the region of the genitourinary canal.
Causes of white discharge from male urethra
The appearance of white discharge from the penis with a consistency similar to cottage cheese is most characteristic of male candidiasis (thrush).It happens very rarely.Antibiotic therapy or a course of chemotherapy can cause a decrease in the level of immunity.It is almost impossible to infect a healthy man with candidiasis through sexual intercourse.
White discharge with a foamy consistency appears with trichomoniasis, which is the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD).
Another cause of white discharge from the urethra can be a chronic form of prostatitis.This disease is accompanied by difficulty in urinating and a decrease in the level of potency up to complete loss (impotence).
Different types of urethral discharge should be a reason for the patient to consult a doctor.They can also be a sign for the initial diagnosis of the disease.In order to more accurately determine the cause of the disease, bacteriological studies and excreta samples are taken for culture in the food environment.