A discharge in men is usually caused by inflammatory processes. In most cases, successful therapies can be made.
What is discharge in men?
A discharge in men occurs from the urethra. This is a secreted liquid, which can have different consistencies; so the liquid can be glassy or clear, likewise, a discharge in men can be whitish, yellow or even green. A discharge consists neither of seminal fluid nor of urine. In a healthy man, there is usually no discharge. The degree to which a male discharge is pronounced in an individual varies with the person affected; both the secretion of only very small amounts and large amounts are possible with a discharge. As accompanying symptoms can occur with the discharge in men, for example, an increased urge to urinate, rash in the genital area and / or pain when urinating.
Causes
In most cases, the cause of a discharge in men is an inflammation of the urethra (in medicine also called urethritis). A distinction can be made in this cause of a discharge in men between urethritis caused by sexually transmitted diseases and that not caused by sexually transmitted diseases: If a discharge in a man is due to urethritis caused by a sexually transmitted disease, this inflammation is called gonorrheal urethritis. If this is not the case, an inflammation of the urethra as the cause of a discharge in a man is called non-gonorrheic urethritis or non-specific urethritis. Less common causes of a discharge in men are inflammation of the prostate (prostate gland) or penile foreskin. Allergic reactions, urethral strictures or mechanical stimuli can also cause inflammation of the penis and an associated discharge in men.
Symptoms, complaints and signs
Discharge in men can be clear and glassy, but it can also be whitish-purulent, yellow, or green. If the kidney or urinary tract infection is severe, the discharge may be bloody. Depending on the cause, the discharge may smell like sulfur, sour, or foul, for example. It may be mucous or liquid and may occur in spurts or once. In most cases, male discharge is associated with other symptoms. Typically, there is a burning pain during urination, which can radiate to the kidney region. Depending on the causative disease, there is a frequent urge to urinate, which occurs mainly during the night. There may also be swollen lymph nodes in the groin region. With recurrent discharge associated with urinary leakage, there may be a painful or itchy rash in the genital area. Some affected individuals also suffer from swelling in the testicular and shaft areas. Possible accompanying symptoms of discharge include urethral stricture, epididymitis or infertility. If the symptoms are due to urethral stenosis, the discharge is usually accompanied by severe pain. Epididymitis is also associated with pain, especially during movement. Infertility may be manifested by a temporary or permanent form in some circumstances.
Diagnosis and course
Inflammation as a cause of discharge in men can be diagnosed with the help of a urethral swab or with the help of a urine sample of the urine that comes out of the urethra at the beginning of urination. If white blood cells are found in the urine, this indicates an inflammatory discharge in men. The samples can also usually be used to detect the germs that have caused the inflammation and subsequent discharge in men. If, in the case of a male discharge, a visit to the doctor is made at an early stage so that an appropriate causal therapy can be started, the male discharge will take a positive course in most cases.
Complications
If a doctor is not consulted because the patient wants to let it heal itself, complications will occur. For example, if it is urethritis, other symptoms may be added to the discharge, such as pain when urinating or severe itching of the penis and the entire genital area. Increased urination at night and a rash around the genitals are also possible.An allergic reaction is also a common cause of discharge in male patients. Allergies can be manifested by itching, wheals and redness and can worsen in the absence of treatment, such as antibiotics. If there are signs of allergy, care should be taken to ensure good intimate hygiene and fresh underwear daily, otherwise symptoms will accumulate. In addition, since it may be a prostate tumor or a urethral tumor, depending on the type of discharge and the nature of the pain, a trip to the urologist is inevitable. This problem will not resolve itself and if not treated will only cause further symptoms and spread the focus of inflammation. If there are any STDs, the patient’s sexual partner should also be examined. Often, women do not show symptoms, such as with chlamydia. However, this can cause infertility in both sexes if not treated.
Treatment and therapy
Usually, causative therapy is given for the presence of discharge in men. Therefore, it is important to have the cause of male discharge accurately diagnosed. If therapeutic treatment is given to the man in the presence of discharge, it is important to also treat his sexual partner; even if they are asymptomatic. If treatment of the sexual partners is neglected in the case of a male discharge, a so-called ping-pong effect can occur; the infection is alternately transmitted by the partners to each other again. For the treatment of an inflammation and an accompanying discharge, physicians initially recommend a therapy-accompanying intake of sufficient fluids; this leads to a cleansing flushing effect. In terms of medication, inflammation with accompanying discharge in men is usually treated by administering antibiotics. The type of antibiotics used depends on the cause of the male discharge. Sexually transmitted diseases as the cause of a discharge usually require longer-term antibiotic treatment for sexual partners than inflammation not caused by sexually transmitted diseases.
Outlook and prognosis
For the most part, discharge in men is not problematic. If treated early, the symptoms usually subside quickly and do not result in further complications. However, if treatment is not carried out or is carried out too late, the discharge can cause further complaints. Then, for example, there is severe itching and rashes in the genital area and the prognosis worsens. Allergic reactions can lead to a protracted course of the disease, which is often a considerable burden for the person affected. If the discharge is due to a tumor, treatment is essential. Otherwise, life-threatening complications and possibly even death of the patient may occur. In the case of venereal disease, the prognosis depends on how quickly the cause is identified and treated. Often, the sexual partner has already been infected or the disease has spread to other parts of the body. There is a good chance of a speedy recovery if the male discharge is examined immediately and treated if necessary. Discharge as a result of cystitis is usually not problematic. The inflammation heals on its own and no permanent damage remains.
Prevention
To prevent discharge in men caused by sexually transmitted diseases, it may be useful, especially for men with changing sexual partners, to practice protected sexual intercourse with the use of condoms. An early visit to the doctor for a present male discharge can usually prevent the symptoms of male discharge from worsening.
Follow-up care
The condition usually does not require further medical examination after successful treatment. However, as a cause investigation takes place to prevent re-infection, the patient is given practical tips for everyday life. For example, protected sexual intercourse and daily intimate hygiene are advisable. Avoiding nicotine and alcohol strengthens the immune system and prevents re-infection. A patient can follow these rules in everyday life without medical supervision. They usually sufficiently prevent the recurrence of the discharge in men. Only in rare cases permanent treatment is indicated.Then a visit to the doctor was usually delayed for a long time. The pathogens spread to other organs. Prostatitis and epididymitis may be present and require prolonged treatment with antibiotics. If the typical symptoms of male discharge recur after successful treatment, a too tight foreskin may be the cause of discomfort. In this case, circumcision is advisable. It should also be noted that sexual partners are often infected as well. The aim of aftercare must therefore be to include all those affected in the therapy. Only in this way can infections not spread and complications can be prevented in advance.
What you can do yourself
Discharge in men should first be clarified by a doctor. Accompanying medical treatment, the symptoms can often be alleviated by some measures and home remedies themselves. If the discharge is based on an inflammation, the intimate area should first be spared and protected from cold and wetness. Drinking plenty of fluids will quickly flush out the bacteria and the discharge should disappear after a few days. Suitable drinks include mineral water and bladder and kidney teas, as well as teas made from medicinal plants such as bearberry or field horsetail. The herb of goldenrod also has a diuretic and antispasmodic effect and can be used either as a tea or in the form of a warm poultice. It can be supplemented with bladder training to strengthen the urinary tract. If the discharge is the result of incontinence or a chronic illness, preventive measures such as panty liners or adult diapers are a good idea. If the symptoms are severe, the family doctor should be consulted. It may be possible to reduce the discharge with the help of medications or surgical intervention. Dealing with heavy, chronic discharge in men can be made easier in support groups or by talking with a therapist.
