Penile discharge is any fluid released from the penis that is not urine or semen. This symptom is abnormal and often indicates an underlying health issue. It differs from normal bodily fluids like pre-ejaculate, a clear, slippery fluid produced during sexual arousal, or smegma, a natural accumulation of skin cells and oils under the foreskin.
Understanding Penile Discharge
Penile discharge varies in color, ranging from clear, white, yellow, green, cloudy, or blood-tinged. Its consistency can also vary, from thin and watery to thick, milky, or pus-like.
The discharge might also have an unpleasant or foul odor, indicating an infection. The amount can differ, from a scant crusting at the urethral opening to a noticeable leakage. Any discharge occurring without sexual arousal or ejaculation warrants medical attention.
Common Causes Linked to Sexually Transmitted Infections
Several sexually transmitted infections (STIs) frequently cause penile discharge.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, often presents with a white, cloudy, or watery discharge that may have a foul smell. Other symptoms include painful urination, testicular pain or swelling, and burning or itching around the genitals. It is transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea, caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, causes a thick, pus-like discharge that can be white, yellow, or greenish. Men may also experience burning or pain during urination, increased urinary frequency, and sometimes swollen or tender testicles. This infection spreads through vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
Trichomonas Vaginalis
Trichomonas vaginalis, a parasitic infection, can cause a thin, white, or frothy penile discharge, sometimes with a “fishy” odor. Men might also experience pain during urination, frequent urination, or soreness in the penis or testicles. Transmission occurs through vaginal sex or sharing sex toys.
Mycoplasma Genitalium (Mgen)
Mycoplasma genitalium (Mgen) is another bacterial STI that can cause urethritis, leading to penile discharge. The discharge is often watery or white. Other symptoms include pain while urinating, itching or irritation inside the penis, and occasionally testicular pain or pain during ejaculation. Mgen is mainly transmitted through vaginal or anal sex, with oral transmission being less common.
Genital Herpes
Genital herpes, caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), is less commonly associated with discharge but can cause a clear, thick, or cloudy fluid if the urethra is infected. Typical symptoms include painful blisters or sores around the genitals, tingling, burning, or itching, and pain when urinating. Herpes spreads through skin-to-skin contact with infected areas, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
Other Medical Causes of Discharge
Penile discharge can also stem from conditions not related to sexually transmitted infections.
Non-Gonococcal Urethritis (NGU)
Non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) is inflammation of the urethra not caused by gonorrhea. It can cause a clear or white discharge, burning during urination, and sometimes testicular pain or swelling. NGU can be caused by various bacteria, viruses, or irritation from products like soaps or detergents.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in men can lead to penile discharge. The discharge might be pus-like, cloudy, or frothy and white, sometimes with a foul odor. Symptoms often include frequent urination, a strong urge to urinate, and pain or burning during urination.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis, an inflammation of the prostate gland, can also be a source of discharge. Discharge from prostatitis is often minimal and can be white or yellow. Men with prostatitis may also experience pain in the groin, lower abdomen, or testicles, frequent urination, and painful ejaculation.
Balanitis
Balanitis, an inflammation of the head of the penis, can cause a thick, whitish, or yellowish discharge from under the foreskin, along with redness, swelling, itching, and an unpleasant smell. This condition can arise from bacterial or fungal infections, poor hygiene, or allergic reactions.
Smegma
The accumulation of smegma can sometimes be mistaken for discharge. While normal, excessive buildup can lead to a foul odor and create an environment for bacterial growth. Proper hygiene, including regular cleaning under the foreskin, can prevent this buildup.
Next Steps and Medical Guidance
Prompt medical evaluation is warranted for any abnormal penile discharge. Ignoring it can lead to serious health complications. Seek attention if the discharge is accompanied by severe pain, high fever, or blood in the urine.
A healthcare provider will begin with a detailed medical and sexual history. A physical examination of the genitals will follow. Laboratory tests are then conducted, which may include a urethral swab for fluid analysis, urine tests for bacteria or white blood cells, and blood tests for certain STIs.
Treatment for penile discharge depends on the identified cause. Bacterial infections, including many STIs and some UTIs, are treated with antibiotics. Fungal infections, such as yeast infections causing balanitis, respond to antifungal creams or oral medications. If an allergic reaction is the cause, steroid creams might be prescribed.
Prevention of discharge, especially STI-related causes, involves practicing safer sex. Consistent and correct use of condoms during all sexual activity reduces the risk of transmission. Regular STI testing is a recommended preventive measure. Untreated infections can lead to complications such as epididymitis (inflammation of the tubes storing sperm), urethral strictures, infertility, and an increased risk of HIV transmission.