Penis Discharge: Causes, Treatment, and Management

The average penis discharges are pre-ejaculation and ejaculation, which occur with sexual arousal and sexual activity. Smegma, which is often seen in uncircumcised men who have an intact penile foreskin, is also a regular occurrence.

• Penis discharge may be watery (clear)
• Cloudy (containing pus) or bloody
• Urinary tract infection (UTI) or a sexually transmitted infection are common causes of discharge from the penis.
• Discharge from the penis is often accompanied by pain or burning when urinating and the need to urinate frequently.
• Itching can also accompany discharge from the penis.
• Discharge from the penis is commonly a sign of a sexually transmitted infection (STI), and accurate dia

Symptoms of Penile Discharge

• Abnormal Fluid Release: Noticeable discharge from the penis that differs in colour, consistency, or odour from usual
• Pain or Burning Sensation: Discomfort or burning sensation during urination or ejaculation, often accompanied by discharge.
• Genital Itching or Irritation: Persistent itching or irritation around the genital area, possibly indicating an underlying infection.
• Swelling or Redness: Inflammation or redness around the tip of the penis or along the urethra
• Presence of Blood: Blood in the discharge or urine may indicate a more severe condition requiring immediate medical attention.
• Foul Odor: Foul-smelling discharge emanating from the penis is often a sign of infection or inflammation.
• Frequency of Discharge: Recurrent or persistent discharge unrelated to sexual activity or arousal, suggesting an underlying health issue
• Accompanying Symptoms: Additional symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, or swollen lymph nodes in the groin area

Common Causes of Penis Discharge

• Unprotected Sexual Activity: Engaging in unprotected sex can lead to infections that may cause abnormal discharge from the penis.
• Poor Genital Hygiene: Inadequate cleaning around the genital area can lead to bacterial growth and irritation, which may result in discharge.
• Irritation or Allergic Reactions: Sensitivity to soaps, lotions, or latex (like condoms) may cause inflammation and discharge.
• Injury or Trauma to the Urethra: Any injury or friction, such as aggressive sexual activity or catheter use, may cause urethral irritation and fluid release.
• Exposure to Contaminated Surfaces: Using unclean public toilets, towels, or shared hygiene products may introduce bacteria that lead to discharge.
• Overuse of Personal Hygiene Products: Excessive use of scented products can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria, causing irritation and fluid discharge.

Conditions that Cause Penis Discharge

Pre-ejaculation

• Pre-ejaculation is a liquid that comes out of the penis during arousal. People also refer to it as "pre-cum".
• Cowper's glands produce pre-ejaculation, which exits the penis in the same way as semen and urine.
• In most cases, there are only a few drops of pre-ejaculate, so some people may not notice it at all.

Urinary tract infection

• UTIs are rare in men under 50 years old, and the risk increases with age.
• Men with UTIs may find it very painful to urinate or not be able to empty their bladders.
• Some people may have incontinence or a heavy need to urinate.
• There may be white or foamy discharge from the penis, and sometimes, there may also be blood in the urine.
• A UTI is a bacterial infection. Antibiotics are usually needed to treat it.
• A doctor must prescribe the correct type of antibiotics to kill bacteria, so people should avoid self-medicating or using old antibiotics.

Balanitis

• Balanitis is a disease in which the head of the penis becomes inflamed.
• This common infection affects 3-11% of men in their lifetime.
• Anything that irritates the foreskin or head of the penis, including harsh soaps and other chemicals, can cause balanitis.
• Balanitis can cause swelling or itching at the head of the penis. It's even possible to notice discharge under the foreskin or on the penis head.
• Yeast infections are the most common cause of balanitis.
• Diabetes is a risk factor for yeast infections, so balanitis may be more common among people with this condition.

Prostatitis

• The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland that surrounds the urethra and is in front of the rectum.
• The prostate produces prostate fluid, which helps lubricate semen.
• Men with prostatitis may experience:
• Prostate pain
• Difficulty urinating
• Discharge from the penis
• Prostatitis occurs when the prostate becomes inflamed and irritated, sometimes due to a bacterial infection.
• Chronic prostatitis can develop due to a problem with the immune system or after damage to the prostate or surrounding nerves.

Smegma

• Smegma is a combination of dead skin cells, water, and sebum from skin oil. It is usually white or yellow.
• Smegma lubricates the head of the penis, helping to prevent friction pain, especially during sexual activity.
• Smegma also contains bacteria. These bacteria are generally healthy and beneficial, but harmful bacteria sometimes grow out of control on smegma.
• An overgrowth of harmful bacteria can cause odour and can play a role in certain infections, including urinary tract infections.

When To See A Doctor?

Not all male discharges are a sign of a problem. Sometimes, it pops up due to the temporary production of more smegma or pre-ejaculation.

In other cases, an individual may notice the discharge more, perhaps because they are paying more attention to their penis or because they are suddenly feeling self-conscious.

A person should consult a urologist about penile discharge if they experience:

• Discharge that is not from pre-ejaculation or ejaculation.
• Pain when urinating, having sex, or bathing.
• Swelling in or around the penis.
• A foul smell coming from the penis.
• Fever or other signs of infection, such as nausea.

Diagnosis Process for Penile Discharge

Diagnosing penile discharge involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests to determine the exact cause:

• Medical History and Symptom Review: The doctor will ask about recent sexual activity, presence of pain, color or consistency of discharge, and any associated symptoms.
• Physical Examination: A genital exam is performed to check for visible signs of infection, swelling, sores, or abnormalities.
• Urine Tests: A urine sample helps detect the presence of bacteria, white blood cells, or other signs of infection.
• Urethral Swab: A small swab is inserted into the urethra to collect a sample of the discharge for lab analysis.
• STD Testing: Blood or swab tests are done to check for sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV.
• Culture and Sensitivity Tests: These help identify the specific organism causing the infection and determine the most effective antibiotic treatment.

Treatment for Penile or Male Discharge

The treatment of penile discharge depends on the underlying cause, typically involving medical management and prescription medications:

• Antibiotics: Prescribed to treat bacterial infections such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, or non-specific urethritis (NSU).
• Antiviral Medications: Used if the discharge is caused by viral infections like herpes.
• Antifungal Therapy: Recommended in cases of fungal or yeast infections.
• Treatment of Sexual Partners: To prevent reinfection and ensure complete recovery, sexual partners may also need evaluation and treatment.
• Urinary Catheter Management: If the discharge is due to a catheter-related infection, the catheter may need to be removed or replaced under medical supervision.
• Follow-up Testing: After completing treatment, follow-up urine tests or swabs may be necessary to confirm the infection has cleared.

Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to avoid complications and prevent transmission to others.

Complications of Penile Discharge

Once the primary cause is diagnosed, follow the treatment plan that you and your healthcare professional have specifically designed to reduce the risk of possible complications, including:

• Difficulty or inability to retract the foreskin
• The opening of the penis is scarred and shortened
• Scarring of the penis
• Spread of cancer