Is vaginal discharge normal in men?
Unlike in women, discharge in men is not normal, which is why it should always be examined closely. In many cases, the secretion can be a symptom of a disease. Pathological discharge can be caused by, among other things allergic reactioncaused by the use of medication or vaginal contraceptives, for example.
In men, the sexual organs and the urinary system are closely connected. Since both the penis and the urethra are very sensitive, it can go through both diseasesas well as through mechanical stimuli lead to an abnormal discharge. If an unusual discharge occurs, this is often a sign of inflammation of the mucous membranes in the urethra. This can be caused by various diseases, which we will present to you below.
Discharge in men: There are these causes
Inflammation of the urethra caused by a fungal infection
In most cases, fungal infections are caused by the yeast candida albicans, which occurs naturally in the intestines. The disease can be caused by a mucous discharge show, as well as swelling or redness of the glans. Other possible symptoms are burning and pain when urinating and a white coating on the glans and/or foreskin. A fungal infection is caused, for example, by a weakened immune system, unprotected sexual intercourse, stress, a narrowing of the foreskin or the use of antibiotics.
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Inflammation of the urethra by trichomonads
A thin, whitish discharge is one of the typical signs of an infection with trichomonads. It is a sexually transmitted disease in which unicellular parasites, trichomonads, colonize the mucous membranes in the urethra or vagina. In addition to the unusual discharge, symptoms such as itching, burning or pain when urinating, problems with ejaculation or urination and signs of inflammation of the glans or foreskin can also occur.
Chlamydial urethritis
Another sexually transmitted disease that can lead to urethritis and thereby cause a discharge in men is chlamydia. In this case it is Secretion watery, slimy to purulent. At the beginning of the disease there are often no symptoms, afterwards there may be a burning sensation or pain when urinating in addition to the discharge. If left untreated, a chlamydia infection can cause inflammation of the urethra, glans, foreskin and epididymis and, in the worst case, lead to infertility.
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Inflammation of the urethra due to gonorrhea
Gonorrhea, also known as gonorrhea, is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. The disease is caused by the bacterium gonococci, which can infect not only our genitals, but also the mouth and anus. A typical symptom occurs with gonorrhea White to yellowish, sometimes greenish or purulent discharge on. This is usually accompanied by pain and usually shows up in the morning, which is why it is also known as Bonjour drops. Other possible symptoms include pain and burning when urinating, swelling and pain in the testicles, and fever. If left untreated, the disease can have serious consequences and lead, among other things, to chronic inflammation of the urethra or prostate inflammation.
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Inflammation of the urethra caused by genital herpes
When it comes to herpes, most of us immediately think of the unpleasant cold sores. However, certain herpesviruses (particularly type 2) can be sexually transmitted and cause infection of the genitals and less common cause a resulting urethritis with discharge. Genital herpes first manifests itself in the form of itchy, burning areas of skin, which later become noticeable in the form of inflammatory, painful blisters.
Inflammation of the glans (balanitis)
To a strong-smelling, purulent discharge it can occur with an inflammation of the glans, which is medically referred to as balanitis. Inflammation of the glans penis often occurs together with inflammation of the foreskin. This leads to reddening and swelling of the glans and foreskin, which is often accompanied by itching and pain. White deposits or skin spots can also appear. Inflammation of the glans and foreskin can be caused by excessive or insufficient intimate hygiene, various skin diseases, a weakened immune system or urinary incontinence.
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Other causes of vaginal discharge in men are:
- prostate inflammation
- urethral stricture
- urethral diverticula
- Tumors in the urinary or genital area
- Inflammation from placing a catheter
When to see a doctor
Generally should persistent changes in the intimate area always medically cleared as these can occur as a symptom of serious illnesses. This applies in particular to a discharge on the penis if there are other symptoms such as burning or pain when urinating. Because: STDs are often the cause, which can have serious consequences if left untreated. In this case, the first point of contact should be the urologist.
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