Penis or Penile Discharge: Causes and Treatment

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

Causes of Discharge From Penis

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 younger than 50 years old, and the risk increases as they age.
  • Men with UTIs may find it very painful to urinate or not be able to empty the bladder.
  • 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 to 11% of men in their life.
  • 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 that balanitis may be more common among people with this condition.

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Prostatitis

  • The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland that surrounds the urethra and is in the 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.

Symptoms of Penis 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


Diagnosis

  • Discharge from the penis or urethritis is diagnosed by finding white blood cells (neutrophils or pus cells) on a urethral swab or in a "first-feed" urine sample (that is, urine is removed from the moment you begin to urinate).
  • These samples could identify the infecting organism. Ideally, the patient should be seen at a sexual health clinic for rapid specimen examination because transferring specimens to a hospital laboratory can lead to misdiagnosis.
  • The colour and consistency of the discharge do not help distinguish NSU from gonococcal urethritis.
  • Gonococcal urethritis is diagnosed in 98 per cent of men by microscopic examination of discharge from a urethral swab.

Treatment of Penis or Male Discharge

Treatment for penis discharge depends on its cause.

  • Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics
  • Fungal infections, such as these that result from yeast, are fought with antifungals
  • Steroids can soothe allergic irritation

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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.

Complications of Penile Discharge

Once the primary cause is diagnosed, follow the treatment plan that you and your healthcare professional 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
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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it normal for a man to have a discharge?

While some discharge can be normal, especially pre-ejaculate fluid during arousal, significant or unusual discharge may indicate an underlying issue and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

2. Why is white liquid coming out of my penis?

White discharge from the penis can be caused by various factors, including sexual arousal, prostate issues, or infections such as yeast or bacterial infections. It's important to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

3. What colour is STD discharge in men?

Discharge caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can vary in colour. It may appear white, yellow, green, or even bloody, depending on the type and severity of the infection. Any abnormal discharge should prompt a visit to a healthcare provider for evaluation and testing.

4. Can you get penis discharge without having an STD?

Male discharge that does not have an STD cause may be a variation of normal discharge or it could be a sign of an infection that requires treatment.

5. How long does the discharge from the penis last?

Without treatment, symptoms of urethritis (inflammation of the urethra) and purulent discharge (containing pus) peak within two weeks.

6. Does the discharge from the penis go away?

This usually goes away in a short time without any specific treatment. Chronic urethritis (when the condition lasts for weeks or months or goes away and comes back) can be caused by bacteria, or it can also be caused by a narrowing of the tube (urethra).

7. What is penile discharge?

Penile discharge is when fluid, like pus or mucus, comes out of the penis. It can mean there's an infection or other health issue.

8. What does it mean if a man has a yellow discharge?

Yellow discharge from the penis in men often indicates an infection, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. It's important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment

9. How do you treat male discharge?

Treatment for male discharge depends on the cause. Bacterial infections require antibiotics, fungal infections need antifungals, and allergic reactions are treated with steroids.

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