For a man, the normal functioning of the organs of the urogenital system is not only an important factor for the normal physiological functioning of the entire body, 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 urogenital canal, which is most often noticed by representatives of the stronger sex during or after urination.Based on the nature of these secretions, the etiology of the disease can be prejudged and a preliminary diagnosis can be made.
In fact, men most often confuse the normal physiological secretion, which is essentially the secretion of the gonads, and the pathological secretion formed during the pathological process.
Secretory products of the gonads
Most often, the appearance of normal physiological discharge is associated with sexual excitement (erection), which is accompanied by the release of transparent mucus from the male urogenital canal, which is a product of the secretion of Cooper's or bulbourethral glands.There are only two of them.They are located directly below the base of the cavernous body of the penis.The main function of the secretions of these glands is to lubricate the urogenital canal before the release of the spermatozoa for better movement of the spermatozoa during ejaculation.
Also, discharge during excitement can be considered the process of sperm ejaculation (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 rises.Therefore, the secretion of Cooper's glands is most often observed at this time.
The appearance of secretions from the urethra in the form of mucus with grayish-white stripes in case of strong straining of the abdominal walls during defecation (defecational prostatorrhea) or after urination (mictional prostatorrhea).Such secretions consist of a mixture of secretions from the prostate glands and seminal vesicles.Both types of prostatitis are characteristic of a physiologically healthy body and are more related to its individual characteristics, less often a sign of chronic prostatitis.
All of the phenomena described above are rare.And for a longer period of time, the outer part of the healthy male urethra is free of flow.
Pathological discharge
It is related to diseases of the urogenital canal and adjacent organs.Due to the influence of pathological factors of various etiologies, damage to the urethra occurs, which is accompanied by discharge.This process is called leukocytic urethria.The effect of such pathological factors is distinguished.
- Mechanical - under their influence, blood is first released from the urogenital canal, and after some time after the start of the inflammatory process, pus appears.This can be the result of sampling required for laboratory tests or the medical instrument examination of the urethra (cystoscopy, urethroscopy).
- Chemical - as a result of the effect of the chemical substances of the drugs on the mucous membrane of the urogenital canal.It can occur after washing the urethra with medicinal solutions (instillation) in the treatment of many diseases of the urogenital 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 mucosa, serous secretions and a small number of leukocytes.Transparent milky white liquid.The appearance of such discharge is one of the basic symptoms in the diagnosis of non-gonococcal urethritis.
It can be observed if it is affected by the pathogens of chlamydia, trichomoniasis, ureaplasmosis.The course of these diseases is characterized by itching, pain and the absence of pain symptoms.In the initial stage, they manifest themselves only in the form of a small amount of mucous-purulent discharge at the end of urination, after a long period of abstinence.
Purulent discharge
This is a sign of infectious urethritis.Purulent discharge includes the mucus of the urethra and the cells of the damaged epithelium of the urogenital canal.It is characterized by a high leukocyte content.Thick, green or completely yellow liquid.
The appearance of such secretion drops is one of the main symptoms for diagnosing urethritis of gonococcal etiology.It is accompanied by itching, pain and discharge 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 canal during urination.
Causes of white discharge from the male urethra
The appearance of a curd-like white discharge 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 due to antibiotics or chemotherapy.It is almost impossible to infect a healthy man with candidiasis through sexual contact.
White discharge with a frothy consistency occurs in trichomoniasis, which ranks first in the prevalence of STDs (sexually transmitted diseases).
Another cause of 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 complete loss (impotence).
Different types of urethral discharge are reasons for the patient to consult a doctor.There may also be symptoms for the preliminary diagnosis of the disease.In order to more precisely determine the cause of the disease, samples are taken from the exudate for bacteriological tests and culture on culture media.