Isolation of clear mucus from the urethra in men: physiological and pathological

study of mucus secreted during male arousal

The resulting sexual desire in women is accompanied by the release of lubrication and swelling of the mammary glands. However, not everyone knows what is released during arousal among the representatives of the stronger sex. Men can create a special lubricant that causes the penis to move not only during sexual intercourse, but also during friction.

If there is no lubrication in men, then this symptom is associated with some pathology of the reproductive system. The secretion of this fluid prevents damage to the male genital organ during vaginal penetration.

There are many glands and cells that secrete mucus in the body, but - apart from physiologically determined reasons - mucus secretion in men is primarily caused by diseases of the genitourinary system or inflammatory diseases of the male genital organs, as well as some intestinal pathologies.

Excretion of mucus during excitement in men

Physiological arousal includes mucus secretion in men. When the male genital organ is erect, a special mucous secretion is released through a pair of small exocrine glands - bulbourethral or Cooper's glands. They are located below the prostate gland - in the depth of the urogenital diaphragm muscles (diaphragma urogenitale), at the base of the penis, with access to the urethra passing through it.

Mucous secretion of these glands - a colorless transparent liquid of a sticky consistency - pre-ejaculate, that is, preliminary ejaculate, which enters the urethra before the release of sperm into the urethra (ejaculate or ejaculate).

This liquid contains glycosaminoglycans (mucus), L-fructose, various enzymes, but the most important thing is its alkaline reaction (pH>7, 2). The function of the secretion of Cooper's glands is to neutralize the traces of acidic urine in the urethra, because an acidic environment is unfavorable for sperm. The vagina is usually acidic (pH = 4, 0-4, 2), so the secretion of mucus in men alkalizes the environment of the vagina - for the better survival of spermatozoa.

The amount of ejaculate in different men is different (up to 4-5 ml), and in some it is not produced at all, therefore, according to experts, its "norm" is not established.

In men, mucus secretion can be increased by increasing the production of mucus secretion by the urethral glands of Littre, located in the epithelium of the inner membrane along the entire length of the urethra. However, their main function is to secrete mucus that protects the urinary tract from acidic urine.

Is it possible to get pregnant from lubrication in men? Pre-ejaculate contains some of the chemicals found in semen, such as the lysosomal enzyme acid phosphatase. But at the same time, there is no sign of sperm such as the enzyme gamma-glutamyl transferase.

The question of the possibility of pregnancy from pre-ejaculate fluid is being studied, but there is no definitive answer yet. According to the Journal Human Fertility, studies conducted in 2011-2016. A group of British doctors found very few sperm in 40% of pre-ejaculate samples, but 37% had motile sperm. So, don't rule out the possibility of getting pregnant from premature ejaculation.

Mucous discharge from male urethra

Pathological secretion of mucus from the urethra in men can occur with a number of diseases. The main causes of mucus discharge in men are urethritis (inflammation of the urethra); cystitis (inflammation of the bladder; urolithiasis and prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland).

The pathogenesis of urethritis is caused by sexually transmitted infections such as Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma genitalium, as well as Escherichia coli, Enterobacter spp. , Kleb. Infectious urethritis caused by streptococci and staphylococci often occurs after catheterization of the bladder or due to violation of basic hygiene rules.

Clinical statistics show that more than half of the cases of urethral inflammation are related to chlamydia; up to 25% - with mycoplasma; 15-20% - with ureaplasma; about 17% - with Trichomonas. Less than 5% are mycotic (candida) urethritis. Gonorrhea and gonococcal infection of the urethra occur in approximately 420 cases per 100, 000 in men aged 22-37 years.

Risk factors for the development of urethritis accompanied by secretions of different intensity: sexually active age, sexual misconduct and neglect of their safety.

The prevalence of cystitis in men is estimated at 0. 8%, which is ten times less than in women, but its symptoms are the same in patients: mucus in the urine or mucous-bloody discharge combined with very painful (burning), but less. urination and frequent urination.

Similar symptoms of mucus discharge in men when stones appear in the bladder, they are faced by many men of mature age. Moreover, as noted by urologists, stricture of the urethral canal is often compressed by the hypertrophied prostate gland, which contributes to urinary retention and the formation of stones.

In men, white mucus can be released - when there is a mixture of pus in bacterial chronic prostatitis, it is not more than 10% of all cases (the most common pathogens are Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella spp. ). By the way, about 12% of men who go to the doctor do not have any symptoms of prostatitis, but a mixture of pus is found in their sperm, and according to the results of a blood test, an increase in prostatitis is observed. leukocyte levels.

Small milky mucus in the prostate - abnormal secretion of the prostate gland, its atony, or associated with an excessively active sexual life, or the presence of chronic non-bacterial prostatitis in men.

Mucus discharge from the rectum in men

In the case of infections of the gastrointestinal tract or its frequent irritation, goblet secretory cells of the inner lining of the intestine begin to secrete excess mucus from the rectum.

Ulcerative colitis and proctitis are one of the main diseases that affect the mucous membrane of the anus in men.

In ulcerative colitis, ulcers appear at the site of inflammation in the mucous membrane of the colon and rectum. Patients complain not only of mucous discharge from the rectum, but also fatigue, loss of strength, loss of appetite and periodic rectal bleeding. The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, but most doctors believe that its pathogenesis lies in the immune system's abnormal response to bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. The systemic nature of ulcerative colitis is shown by manifestations unrelated to the intestines: pain in the joints; ulcers on the mucous membrane of the mouth, skin and subcutaneous tissue; the formation of blood clots in the veins; inflammation of the gallbladder, liver, etc. b.

The causes of the development of proctitis are inflammation of the mucous membrane of the rectum - often associated with infection and its symptoms: discharge of mucus from the rectum, bleeding, pain (localized in the lower abdomen and perineum, radiating to the lower back) and cocci), a feeling of pressure on the intestinal walls, false urge to defecate frequently, diarrhea and/or constipation.

Who should contact?

Urologist, proctologist.

Diagnosis of mucus discharge in men

Urethral discharge in men, diagnosis includes anamnesis data, blood test (general, ELISA, PCR); general, biochemical and bacteriological analyzes of urine; swab from the urethra.

Instrumental diagnosis is carried out using ultrasound of the urinary organs.

In the case of mucous discharge from the rectum, proctologists examine it manually, order blood, urine and stool analysis, as well as take a rectal swab for bacterial culture.

Among the methods of instrumental diagnosis, the following are used: sigmoidoscopy (rectoscopy), colonoscopy, X-ray of the abdominal cavity and ultrasound.

Differential diagnosis

Taking into account that there are several reasons for the appearance of these symptoms, differential diagnosis is necessary, which is carried out using computer or magnetic resonance imaging.

Treatment of mucus discharge in men

Effective treatment of mucus secretion in men with infectious urethritis is provided by the use of antibacterial drugs.

NSAIDs are used to treat ulcerative colitis: rectal suppositories are inserted into the rectum (1-2 suppositories) three times a day.

Treatment of proctitis depends on the cause of the inflammation. Bacterial proctitis is usually treated with antibiotics. If proctitis is caused by inflammatory bowel disease, medication or surgery may be needed to control the inflammation.

Outcomes and complications

Experts name the consequences and complications of diseases in which mucus is secreted from the urethra in men:

  • testicular inflammation (vesiculitis);
  • epididymitis - inflammation of the epididymis (there is a high probability of its obstruction);
  • inflammation of the bulbourethral glands (cuperitis) and their possible irreversible dysfunction;
  • disorders of spermatogenesis, anorgasmia, dyspareunia, sexual dysfunction and infertility.

In addition, inflammation of the prostate gland is accompanied by adenoma or adenocarcinoma of the prostate gland.

The most dangerous consequences of nonspecific ulcerative colitis are perforation of the walls of the colon or rectum (with the formation of fistulas), bleeding from the intestine with heavy blood loss, and the development of oncology (colorectal cancer). And with significant mucous secretions accompanying proctitis, irritation of the perianal area occurs, which can lead to skin maceration, anal fissures, itching, burning, and pain during defecation.

Prevention

Prevention of prostatitis is timely evacuation of the bladder and bowels; an active lifestyle (including in an intimate sense, but only with protected sex); observance of personal hygiene rules; healthy food, as well as getting rid of all bad habits. However, these recommendations are suitable for almost all diseases, so medicine has not yet recommended anything specific to prevent problems with the prostate.

Approx

Doctors do not predict the development of any symptom (and in men, pathological discharge of mucus - from the urethra or anus - means symptoms) apart from the disease that caused it.

And if urethral infections can be cured according to the doctor's instructions, then ulcerative colitis patients can only be monitored for life, trying to prevent recurrences.