Penile discharge can be quite a burden. It may be from an STD, or it may be from something else. In this post, we’ll be discussing the various reasons your penis may be discharging fluids of various kinds. The fluid may vary in color, cause various levels of pain and discomfort, and should be something you’ll want to diagnose as soon as possible. Read on to learn more about penile discharge and what it may mean in your unique situation.
What is Penile Discharge?
Penile discharge is quite simply a discharge (some type of unusual fluid) from your penis. The discharge will release upon urination sometimes, or it may just release on its own via your urethra. The important thing to remember is penile discharge is not normal. Whenever your penis is discharging a fluid or some sort, it’s happening for a reason. The human body is quite good at presenting signs, symptoms, and discomfort to alert you something is wrong. When you experience penile discharge, it may be clear and watery, or even thick and white. It mainly depends on the type of underlying condition you have. Listen to your body and get tested as soon as possible to determine the exact cause of your penile discharge.
STD Causes of Penile Discharge
Penile discharge is sometimes caused by an STD. The STDs listed below, gonorrhea and chlamydia, are two of the most common causes of penile discharge.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is an STD which is caused by the bacterium known as Neisseria Gonorrhoeae. The symptoms of gonorrhea in men consist of the following:
•A strong urge to urinate, or increased urination activity
•Penile discharge or drip which will appear to be white, yellow, beige, or greenish colored
•Painful swelling and redness at the opening of the penis
•Swelling and/or pain within the testicle area
•A persistent sore throat
Gonorrhea is typically treated with a course of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor once the infection is confirmed. You’ll want to ensure you follow the directions of your doctor and complete the course of antibiotics fully. You’ll also want to avoid sexual activity due to the fact your gonorrhea infection may still be able to spread to sexual partners during the course of treatment.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is an STD which can cause similar symptoms to gonorrhea in men in some cases. However, some men may experience little to no symptoms whatsoever after exposure to chlamydia. This is why if you believe you may have been exposed to chlamydia via sexual activity with a partner, it’s important to get tested as soon as possible. Ignoring a chlamydia infection can result in conditions such as epididymitis. This infection may spread to the prostate gland, which may result in fever, painful intercourse, and discomfort in the lower back area. If you choose to get tested and treat the problem as soon as possible, you’ll most likely not experience long-term medical issues.
The most common symptoms of chlamydia in men consist of the following:
•Painful burning sensation during urination
•Yellowish or greenish discharge from the penis
•Noticeable pain in the lower abdomen area
•Noticeable pain in the testicles
Chlamydia is also typically treated with a course of antibiotics, due to its bacterial nature. You’ll want to ensure you follow the directions of your doctor and complete the course of antibiotics fully. You’ll also want to avoid sexula activity due to the fact your chlamydia infection may still be able to spread to sexual partners during the course of treatment.
Non-STD Causes of Penile Discharge
Now we’ve discussed the most common STD causes of penile discharge, let’s discuss the non-STD causes of penile discharge.
UTIs (Urinary tract Infections)
UTIs in men aren’t typically as common as tey are i women, yet it still is quite possible for a man to develop a UTI. Some causes of UTIs within men may consist of the following:
•Adenovirus
•Bacterial infection
•Irritation from a new personal product such as soap, shampoo, or other skincare products
•An infection from a catheter, post-surgery
•Damage to the urethra from intense intercourse or masturbation
•Genital injuries from sports or other activities
Prostatitis
Prostatitis could be the cause of your penile discharge. Prostatitis is the inflammation of the prostate gland. Prostatitis may be the result of injury or infection to the prostate gland, yet it may also be unclear as to why your prostate is inflamed. Some possible symptoms of prostatitis consist of the following:
•General pain in the prostate or genital area
•Foul odors emitted from your urine
•Bloody urine
•Difficulty peeing
•A noticeably weak or interrupted urine stream
•Painful ejaculation
•Difficulty achieving orgasm
In some cases of prostatitis, it may resolve all on its own. However, if you’re experiencing chronic prostatitis, you’ll want to see a doctor immediately, as there may be something serious going on.
Smegma
If you’re an uncircumcised male, you may experience a condition known as smegma. What’s smegma you may ask? Smegma is a thick buildup of dead skin cells, oils, sweat, and fluids below your foreskin. It can appear to be discharged, yet it’s usually just a buildup of the above over time. Smegma is naturally occuring, yet if too much of it builds up over time, it may result in a fungal or bacterial infection. Be sure to maintain good personal hygiene if you are uncircumcised to prevent excess smegma from building up over time.
Balanitis
Balanitis is an inflammation of the foreskin and will sometimes occur in uncircumcised males. It’s certainly a painful condition, yet it’s usually not serious in most cases. Some of the most common symptoms of balanitis are:
•Redness around the penile glans
•Redness under the foreskin
•Excessive tightening of the foreskin
•Unusual odors emitting from the penile area
•Noticeable discomfort or itchiness
•General pain within the genital area
Causes of balanitis consist of the following:
•Common skin conditions, such as eczema
•Fungal infections
•Bacterial Infections
•Irritation from soaps or other skincare products
Getting Tested to Rule Out an STD
The importance of getting tested to rule out an STD cannot be emphasized enough. Getting tested regularly can help keep you and your sexual partners safe. Feel free to click the button below to find the nearest STD testing center near you and determine what’s the cause of your penile discharge, today!
DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.