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 requires prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment, usually by staff at a specialized sexual health clinic.
Noticeable discharge from the penis that differs in color, consistency, or odor from usual.
Discomfort or burning sensation during urination or ejaculation, often accompanied by discharge.
Persistent itching or irritation around the genital area, possibly indicating an underlying infection.
Inflammation or redness around the tip of the penis or along the urethra.
Blood in the discharge or urine may indicate a more severe condition requiring immediate medical attention.
Foul-smelling discharge emanating from the penis is often a sign of infection or inflammation.
Recurrent or persistent discharge unrelated to sexual activity or arousal, suggesting an underlying health issue.
Additional symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, or swollen lymph nodes in the groin area.
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). The infecting organism could be identified from these samples. 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 color and consistency of the discharge do not help distinguish NSU from gonococcal urethritis. Gonococcal urethritis is diagnosed in 98 percent of men by microscopic examination of discharge from a urethral swab.
Treatment will depend on the cause of the discharge from the penis.
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 simply 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 penis discharge if they experience:
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:
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.
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.
Discharge caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can vary in color. 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.
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.
Without treatment, symptoms of urethritis (inflammation of the urethra) and purulent discharge (containing pus) peak within two weeks.
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).
