The normal functioning of the organs of the genitourinary system for men 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 genitourinary canal, which is most often detected by representatives of the stronger sex during the urination process or after it.Based on the nature of these secretions, the etiology of the disease can be preliminarily judged and a preliminary diagnosis can be made.
Namely, men most often mix normal physiological secretions, which are essentially secretions from the gonads, and pathological secretions created during the pathological process.
Secretory products of the gonads
Most often, the appearance of normal physiological discharge is associated with sexual excitement (erection), accompanied by the release of clear mucus from the male urogenital canal, which is a secretion product of Cooper's or bulbourethral glands.There are only two of them.They are located directly below the base of the corpora cavernosa of the penis.The main function of the secretions of these glands is to lubricate the urogenital canal before the release of sperm for better sperm movement during ejaculation.
Also, discharge during arousal can be considered a process of sperm ejaculation (ejaculation), which occurs spontaneously without the influence of accompanying factors (wet dreams).
The penis is most often in an upright position in the morning, when the level of testosterone in a man's blood is elevated.Therefore, the secretions of Cooper's glands are most often observed at this time.
It is possible to have discharge from the urethra in the form of grayish-white streaked mucus with strong straining of the abdominal walls during the act of defecation (defecation prosatorrhoea) or after urination (micturition prosatorrhoea).Such secretions consist of a mixture of secretions from the prostate and seminal vesicles.Both types of prostatitis are characteristic of a physiologically healthy organism and to a greater extent relate to its individual characteristics, less often a sign of chronic prostatitis.
All 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 genitourinary canal and adjacent organs.Due to the influence of pathological factors of different etiologies, damage to the urethra occurs, accompanied by discharge.This process is called leukocytic urethria.The impact of such pathological factors varies.
- Mechanical - under their action, blood is first released from the genitourinary canal, and some time after the start of the inflammatory process, pus appears.It may be the result of taking samples for laboratory tests or the result of examination of the urethra with medical instruments (cystoscopy, urethroscopy).
- Chemical - as a result of the action of chemical substances of drugs on the mucous membrane of the genitourinary canal.It can occur after flushing the urethra with drug solutions (instillation) in the treatment of numerous 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 number of leukocytes.They are a transparent milky-white liquid.The appearance of such discharge is one of the basic symptoms for diagnosing non-gonococcal urethritis.
Observed when they are affected by the pathogens of chlamydia, trichomoniasis, ureaplasmosis.The course of these diseases is characterized by the absence of symptoms of itching, pain and pain.In the initial phase, they manifest themselves only as a small amount of mucopurulent exudate at the end of urination after prolonged abstinence.
Purulent discharge
This is a sign of infectious urethritis.Purulent discharge includes mucus from the urethra and cells of the damaged epithelium of the genitourinary canal.It is characterized by a high content of leukocytes.It is a liquid with a thick consistency, yellow with a green color or completely yellow.
The appearance of drops of such discharge is one of the main symptoms for diagnosing urethritis of gonococcal etiology.It is accompanied by itching, pain and soreness with discharge in large quantities.
Purulent discharge from the urethra is characteristic of gonorrhea and trichomoniasis.Accompanied by a burning sensation in the area of the genitourinary canal during urination.
Causes of white discharge from male urethra
The appearance of white discharge of chest consistency from the penis is most 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 antibiotic therapy or chemotherapy.It is almost impossible to infect a healthy man with candidiasis through sexual contact.
White, foamy discharge appears in trichomoniasis, which is the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD).
Another reason for white discharge from the urethra can be a chronic form of prostatitis.This disease is accompanied by difficulty urinating and a decrease in the level of potency until its complete loss (impotence).
Discharge from the urethra of various types should be a reason for the patient to consult a doctor.They can also become symptoms for making a preliminary diagnosis of the disease.In order to more precisely determine the cause of the disease, discharge samples are taken for bacteriological studies and for culture on nutrient media.