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

study of the mucus secreted during male arousal

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 emitted during arousal among the representatives of the stronger sex. During sexual intercourse, men are able to produce not only seminal fluid, but also a special lubricant that facilitates the gliding of the penis during friction.

If men do not have lubrication during arousal, this is a symptom of a pathology related to the reproductive system. The release of this fluid prevents injury to the male genitalia during vaginal penetration.

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

Mucus secretion in men excited

Physiologically, it involves the secretion of mucus in men when they are excited. When the male genital organ is in an erect state, a special mucous secretion is produced by a pair of small exocrine glands - bulbourethral or Cooper's glands. They are located under the prostate - in the depths of the muscles of the urogenital diaphragm (diaphragma urogenitale), at the base of the penis with access to the urethra that passes through it.

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

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 an acidic environment is unfavorable for sperm. Also, the vagina is usually acidic (pH = 4. 0-4. 2), so mucus secretion in men during arousal alkalizes the vaginal environment - for better sperm survival.

The amount of preejaculate is different for different men (up to 4-5 ml), and for some it is not produced at all, so, according to experts, its "norm" has not been determined.

Mucus secretion in men can be increased by increasing the mucous secretion of Littre's urethral glands, which are located in the epithelium of the inner membrane along the entire length of the urethra. However, their main function is to produce mucus that protects the urethra from acidic urine.

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

The question of the possibility of pregnancy from pre-ejaculatory fluid is being studied, but there is no definitive answer yet. According to the Journal Human Fertility, studies conducted between 2011 and 2016A group of British doctors found very little sperm in 40% of pre-ejaculate samples, but single motile sperm were recorded in 37%. Therefore, do not rule out the possibility of getting pregnant from the initial ejaculation.

Mucus discharge from the urethra in men

In men, abnormal discharge of mucus from the urethra can occur in several diseases. The main causes of discharge of mucus from the urethra in men are related to 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 such sexually transmitted infections as Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma genitalium, as well as bacteria Escherichia coli, Enterobacter spp. , Klebsiella spp. And infectious urethritis caused by streptococci and staphylococci often develops after bladder catheterization or violations of basic hygiene rules.

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

Risk factors for the development of urethritis, accompanied by secretions of various 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 the symptoms in patients are the same: mucus in the urine or bloody secretions of mucus combined with rather painful (burning), but insignificant. urination and frequent urination.

Similar symptoms of mucus discharge in men with bladder stones, which many men experience in adulthood. In addition, as noted by urologists, often the narrowing of the urethra, squeezed out by a hypertrophied prostate gland, contributes to urine stagnation and the formation of stones.

In men, discharge of white mucus is possible - if there is an admixture of pus in the case of bacterial chronic 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 go to the doctor do not feel any symptoms of prostatitis, but the admixture of pus is detected in the semen, and according to the results of the blood test, the level of leukocytes increases.

Non-purulent, milky mucus can be secreted in case of prostorrhea – abnormal secretion of the prostate with its atony, associated either with an excessively active sex life, or with the presence of non-bacterial chronic prostatitis in a man.

Mucus discharge from the anus in men

With infections of the gastrointestinal tract or its frequent irritation, the goblet secretory 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 mucus is released from the anus in men are ulcerative colitis and proctitis.

With ulcerative colitis, ulcers form in the mucous membranes of the colon and rectum instead of foci of inflammation. Patients complain not only of discharge of mucus 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 clinicians believe that its pathogenesis is an abnormal response of the immune system to bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. The systemic nature of ulcerative colitis is indicated by manifestations that are not related to the intestines: pain in the joints; ulcers on the oral mucosa, skin and subcutaneous tissue; formation of blood clots in the veins; gall bladder, liver, etc. c. inflammation.

The causes of the development of proctitis - inflammation of the rectal mucosa - are most often associated with infection, and its symptoms include: secretion of rectal mucus, bleeding, pain (localized in the lower abdomen and perineum, radiating to the lower back and tailbone), a feeling 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; smear from the urethra.

Instrumental diagnosis is performed using ultrasound of the urogenital organs.

In the case of mucous discharge from the rectum, proctologists perform a manual examination of it, prescribe blood, urine and fecal tests, as well as take a smear from the anus for bacterial culture.

Instrumental diagnostic methods include: sigmoidoscopy (rectoscopy), colonoscopy, X-ray and ultrasound of the abdominal cavity.

Differential diagnosis

Given that there are several reasons for the appearance of these symptoms, a differential diagnosis is required, 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 to control the inflammation or surgery may be necessary.

Consequences and complications

Experts call the following consequences and complications of the disease in which men have mucus secretion from the urethra:

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

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

The most dangerous consequences of non-specific ulcerative colitis are perforation of the walls of the colon or rectum (with the formation of fistulas), intestinal bleeding with large blood loss and the development of oncology (colorectal cancer). And with a significant discharge of mucous membranes accompanying proctitis, irritation of the perianal region occurs, which can cause skin maceration, the appearance of an anal fissure, itching, burning and pain during defecation.

Prevention

Prevention of prostatitis is considered timely release of the bladder and bowels; an active lifestyle (including in intimate terms, 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 any disease, so medicine has not yet offered anything more specific when it comes to preventing prostate problems.

Forecast

Doctors do not make predictions about the development of symptoms (and pathological discharge of mucus in men - from the urethra or anus - refers to symptoms) separately from the disease that causes it.

And if urinary tract infections can be cured by following the doctor's prescriptions, then ulcerative colitis patients can only control themselves for the rest of their lives, trying to prevent recurrences.