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

study of 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 released during excitement among the representatives of the stronger sex. Men are able to produce not only seminal fluid during sex, but also a special lubricant that facilitates the gliding of the penis during friction.

If there is no lubrication in men when they are excited, then it is a symptom of some kind of pathology related to the reproductive system. The release of this fluid prevents injury 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, primarily of the genitourinary system or inflammatory diseases of the male genital organs, as well as some intestinal pathologies.

Mucus secretion in men when excited

Physiologically, they involve the secretion of mucus in men when they are aroused. When the male genital organ is in a state of erection, a pair of small exocrine glands - bulbourethral or Cooper's - produces a special mucous secretion. They are located under the prostate - in the depth of the urogenital diaphragm muscle (diaphragma urogenitale), at the bottom of the penis, with access to the urethra that passes inside it.

The mucous secretion of these glands - a colorless transparent liquid with a viscous consistency - is the preejaculate, that is, the preliminary ejaculate that 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. The vagina is also usually acidic (pH = 4. 0-4. 2), so the secretion of mucus in men during arousal alkalizes the vaginal environment - for better sperm survival.

The amount of preejaculate in different men varies (up to 4-5 ml), and in 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 production of mucous secretions by the urinary glands of Littre, which are located in the epithelium of the inner membrane along the entire length of the urethra. However, their main function is the production of mucus, which protects the urethra from acidic urine.

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

The question of the probability of pregnancy from preejaculate fluid is being studied, but there is no definitive answer yet. According to the journal Human Fertility, studies conducted in the period 2011-2016. A group of British doctors found very few sperm in 40% of pre-ejaculate samples, but 37% of individual motile sperm were recorded. Therefore, do not exclude the possibility of pregnancy from the preliminary ejaculate.

Mucus discharge from the urethra in men

Pathological secretion of mucus in men from the urethra can occur in numerous diseases. The key causes of mucus discharge in men from the urethra are related to urethritis (inflammation of the urethra); cystitis (inflammation of the urinary bladder; urolithiasis and prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate).

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

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

Risk factors for the occurrence of urethritis, accompanied by secretions of varying intensity: sexually active age, promiscuity in sexual relations and disregard for their safety.

The frequency of cystitis in men is estimated at 0. 8%, which is ten times lower than in women, but the symptoms in patients are the same: mucus in the urine or mucus-bloody discharge in combination with rather painful (burning), but scarce urination and frequenturination.

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

It is possible to release white mucus in men - when there is an admixture of pus in bacterial chronic prostatitis, which accounts for no more than 10% of all cases (the most common causative agents of the disease are Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella spp. ). By the way, about 12% of men who turn to a doctor do not experience any symptoms of prostatitis, but their semen contains pus, and according to the results of a blood test, an increase in the level of leukocytes.

Non-purulent milky mucus can be released in cases of prostatitis - abnormal secretion of the prostate with its atony, associated either with an excessively active sexual 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 excess mucus, which is released through the rectum.

The main diseases that cause mucus discharge from the anus in men are ulcerative colitis and proctitis.

In case of ulcerative colitis, ulcerations occur at the site of inflammatory foci in the mucosa of the large intestine 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 clinicians 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 that are not related to the intestines: pain in the joints; ulcers on the mucous membrane in the mouth, on the skin and in the subcutaneous tissue; 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 the symptoms are: secretion of rectal mucus, bleeding, pain (localized in the lower abdomen and in the perineum, radiating to the lower back and coccyx), 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 data from the anamnesis, blood tests (general, ELISA, PCR); general, biochemical and bacteriological analyzes of urine; swab from the urethra.

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

In the case of mucous discharge from the rectum, proctologists conduct a manual examination, prescribe blood, urine and feces tests, and also take a swab 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 necessary, which is carried out by computer or magnetic resonance imaging.

Treatment of mucus 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. Proctitis caused by bacteria is usually treated with antibiotics. If proctitis is caused by inflammatory bowel disease, medication 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 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;
  • disturbed spermatogenesis, anorgasmia, dyspareunia, sexual dysfunction and infertility.

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

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

Prevention

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

Forecast

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

And if urethral infections, following the doctor's prescriptions, can be cured, then patients with ulcerative colitis can only be controlled for life, trying to prevent recurrences.