The normal functioning of the organs of the male genitourinary system 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 may be discharge from the genitourinary canal, which is most often detected by representatives of the stronger sex during or after urination.By the nature of these secretions, one can preliminarily judge the etiology of the disease and make a preliminary diagnosis.
In fact, most often men confuse normal physiological secretions, which are essentially secretions from the gonads, and pathological secretions formed during the course of the pathological process.
Gonadal secretion products
Most often, the appearance of normal physiological secretion is associated with sexual excitement (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 corpora cavernosa of the penis.The main function of the secretion of these glands is to lubricate the urogenital canal before the release of sperm 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 becomes erect in the morning, when the level of testosterone in a man's blood is high.Therefore, most often at this time, secretions from the Cooper glands are observed.
The appearance of secretion from the urethra in the form of mucus with grayish-white streaks is possible with strong straining of the abdominal walls during the act of defecation (defecatory prostatorrhea) or after urinating (micturition prostatorrhea).These secretions consist of a mixture of secretions from 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 it is a sign of chronic prostatitis.
All of the phenomena described above are unusual.And for a long period of time, the outer part of the healthy male urethra is devoid of discharge.
Pathological discharge
Associated with diseases of the genitourinary canal and adjacent organs.Due to the influence of pathological factors of various etiologies, damage to the urethra occurs, accompanied by discharge.This process is called leukocyte urethria.The influence of such pathological factors is distinct.
- Mechanical - under its action, first blood is released from the genitourinary canal, and some time after the start of the inflammatory process, pus appears.It may be a consequence of sampling for laboratory tests or the result of an examination of the urethra with medical instruments (cystoscopy, urethroscopy).
- Chemical - as a result of the action of chemical substances from medicines on the mucosa of the genitourinary canal.It can occur after washing the urethra with medicinal solutions (instillation) in the treatment of various diseases of the genitourinary system.
- Infectious - as a result of the vital activity of pathogens, which can be protozoa, bacteria or fungi.
Mucous, 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 this secretion is one of the fundamental symptoms for the diagnosis of non-gonococcal urethritis.
Observed when affected by pathogens of chlamydia, trichomoniasis, ureaplasmosis.The course of these diseases is characterized by the absence of itching, soreness and soreness symptoms.They manifest themselves at 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.Purulent discharge includes urethral mucus and cells from the damaged epithelium of the genitourinary canal.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 this 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 region of the genitourinary canal during urination.
Causes of white discharge from the male urethra
The appearance of white discharge with a curd-like consistency on 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 a course of antibiotic therapy or chemotherapy.Infecting a healthy man with candidiasis through sexual contact is almost impossible.
White discharge with a foamy consistency appears with trichomoniasis, which ranks first in prevalence among STDs (sexually transmitted diseases).
Another reason for white discharge from the urethra may be the chronic form of prostatitis.This disease is accompanied by difficulty urinating and a decrease in the level of potency until its total loss (impotence).
Various types of discharge from the urethra should be a reason for the patient to see a doctor.They can also become symptoms for a preliminary diagnosis of the disease.To more accurately determine the cause of the disease, secretion samples are collected for bacteriological studies and for culture in nutrient medium.