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

study of mucus secreted during arousal in men

The appearance of 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 produce not only seminal fluid during sexual intercourse, but also a special lubricant that makes it easier for the penis to slide during friction.

If there is no lubrication in men when they are excited, then this is a symptom of some kind of pathology related to the reproductive system. The release of this liquid prevents injuries to the male genital organ during vaginal penetration.

There are many glands and cells in the body that secrete mucus, but - in addition to physiologically determined reasons - mucus secretion in men can be associated with diseases, mainly of the genitourinary system or inflammatory diseases of the male genital organs, as well as some pathologies intestinal.

Secretion of mucus in men when they are excited.

Physiological ones include the secretion of mucus in men when they are aroused. When the male sexual organ is erect, a pair of small exocrine glands, the bulbourethral or Cooper glands, produce a special mucous secretion. They are located under the prostate, deep in the muscles of the urogenital diaphragm (urogenital diaphragm), at the base of the penis, with access to the urethra passing inside.

The mucous secretion of these glands, a colorless transparent liquid of a viscous consistency, is a pre-ejaculation, that is, a preliminary ejaculation that enters the urethra before the release of sperm into it (ejaculate or ejaculate).

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

The amount of pre-ejaculate in different men varies (up to 4-5 ml), and in some it does not occur at all, therefore, according to experts, its "norm" has not been established.

Mucus secretion in men can be increased by increasing the production of mucus secretion by the urethral glands of Littre, located in the inner membrane epithelium throughout the urethra. However, its main function is to produce mucus, which protects the urethra from acidic urine.

Is it possible to get pregnant from lubrication in men? Pre-ejaculate contains some of the chemicals present in semen, such as the enzyme lysosomal acid phosphatase. But at the same time, it lacks a sperm marker like the enzyme gamma-glutamyl transferase.

The question of the probability of pregnancy from pre-ejaculatory 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 little semen in 40% of pre-ejaculate samples, but individual motile sperm were recorded in 37%. Therefore, do not exclude the possibility of getting pregnant from a preliminary ejaculation.

Mucus discharge from the urethra in men.

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

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 the bacteria Escherichia coli, Enterobacter spp. , Klebsiella spp. And infectious urethritis caused by streptococci and staphylococci often develops after bladder catheterization or due to violations of the basic rules of hygiene.

Clinical statistics indicate that more than half of the cases of inflammation of the urethra are associated with chlamydia; up to 25% - with mycoplasma; 15-20% - with ureaplasma; about 17% - with Trichomonas. Less than 5% falls on mycotic urethritis (candidiasis). Gonorrhea and gonococcal lesions of the urethra are detected in men aged 22 to 37 years in approximately 420 cases per 100, 000.

Risk factors for the development of urethritis, accompanied by secretions of varying intensity: sexually active age, promiscuity in sexual intercourse 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 in patients are the same: mucus in the urine or mucus-bloody discharge is combined with quite a bit of pain. (burning), but little urination and frequent urination.

Similar symptoms of mucus discharge in men in the case of the formation of stones in the bladder, faced by many men of mature age. Also, as urologists note, often the stricture of the urethral canal, compressed by the hypertrophied prostate, contributes to stagnation of urine and the formation of stones.

It is possible to release white mucus in men, when there is an admixture of pus in chronic bacterial prostatitis, which accounts for no 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 went to the doctor do not experience any symptoms of prostatitis, but an admixture of pus is found in the composition of their sperm, and, according to the results of a blood test, an increase in the level of leukocytes.

Nonpurulent milky mucus may be released in cases of prostorrhea - abnormal discharge from the prostate gland with its atony, associated with an overly active sexual life or with the presence of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis in a man.

Secretion of mucus from the anus in men.

With infections of the gastrointestinal tract or its frequent irritation, the goblet-secreting cells of the inner lining of the intestinal tract begin to produce an excessive amount of mucus, which is released through the rectum.

The main diseases in which there is discharge of mucus from the anus in men are ulcerative colitis and proctitis.

With ulcerative colitis, ulcerations form at the site of inflammatory foci on the mucous membrane of the colon and rectum. Patients complain not only of mucous discharge from the anus, but also of 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 an abnormal response of the immune system to bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. The systemic nature of ulcerative colitis is indicated by manifestations not associated with the intestines: pain in the joints; ulcers on the mucous membrane of the mouth, on the skin and in the subcutaneous tissue; the formation of blood clots in the veins; inflammation of the gallbladder, liver, etc.

The causes of the development of proctitis (inflammation of the rectal mucosa) are most often associated with infection, and among its symptoms are: discharge of rectal mucus, bleeding, pain (localized in the lower abdomen and in the perineum , radiating to the lower back). and coccyx), sensation of pressure on the intestinal walls, frequent false urge to defecate, diarrhea and/or constipation.

Who to contact?

Urologist, proctologist.

Diagnosis of mucus secretion in men.

When mucus is released from the urethra in men, the diagnosis includes anamnesis data, blood tests (general, ELISA, PCR); general, biochemical and bacteriological analyzes of urine; urethral swab.

Instrumental diagnosis is carried out by ultrasound of the genitourinary organs.

In case of mucous discharge from the rectum, proctologists conduct a manual examination, prescribe blood, urine and stool tests, and also take a sample from the anus for bacterial culture.

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

differential diagnosis

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

Treatment of mucus secretion in men.

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

For the treatment of ulcerative colitis, NSAIDs are used: rectal suppositories are introduced into the rectum (1-2 suppositories) three times a day.

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

Consequences and complications

Experts call such consequences and complications of diseases in which men have mucus discharge from the urethra:

  • inflammation of the seminal vesicles (vesiculitis);
  • epididymitis - inflammation of the epididymis (with a high probability of obstruction);
  • inflammation of the bulbourethral glands (couperitis) and their possible irreversible dysfunction;
  • impaired spermatogenesis, anorgasmia, dyspareunia, sexual dysfunction and infertility.

Also, inflammation of the prostate is fraught with adenoma or adenocarcinoma of the prostate.

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

Prevention

Prevention of prostatitis is considered the timely release of the bladder and intestines; active lifestyle (including in intimate terms, but only with protected sex); compliance with the rules of personal hygiene; healthy food as well as get rid of all bad habits. However, these recommendations are suitable for almost any disease, therefore, in the matter of preventing the occurrence of problems with the prostate, medicine has not yet offered anything more specific.

Forecast

Doctors do not give prognoses for the development of any symptoms (and the pathological excretion of mucus in men - from the urethra or anus - refers to symptoms) in isolation from the disease that causes it.

And if infections of the urethra, following the doctor's prescriptions, can be cured, then patients with ulcerative colitis can only control for life, trying to prevent relapses.