Penile discharge refers to any fluid that exits the penis other than urine or semen. This symptom indicates an underlying medical condition and should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Prompt medical assessment is important to identify the cause and prevent potential complications.
Common Causes of Penile Discharge
Penile discharge often signals an infection, frequently a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Gonorrhea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) is a common cause, leading to urethral inflammation and purulent discharge. Chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis), another bacterial STI, can also cause urethral inflammation and discharge. These bacterial infections reside in the urethra but can spread if left untreated.
Non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) is an inflammation of the urethra not caused by gonorrhea. This condition can stem from various sources, including other STIs like Mycoplasma genitalium or Trichomonas vaginalis, or even non-infectious causes such as irritation or trauma. Balanitis, inflammation of the glans (head of the penis), can also cause discharge, especially in uncircumcised men where moisture and warmth under the foreskin favor bacterial or fungal growth.
Yeast infections, caused by Candida, can affect the penis, leading to Candida balanitis. This fungal overgrowth can produce discharge and is more common in moist, warm environments, such as under the foreskin. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and prostatitis, inflammation of the prostate gland, are additional non-STI causes of penile discharge.
Identifying Discharge Characteristics and Other Symptoms
Penile discharge varies in appearance, offering clues to its origin. Color can range from white, cloudy, clear, yellow, or green. Consistency might be thin, watery, thick, pus-like, or cottage cheese-like. Some discharge may also have an unpleasant odor.
Other symptoms often accompany discharge. Pain or burning during urination (dysuria) is common. Itching or irritation around the penis may also occur.
Swelling or redness of the penis, especially around the tip or under the foreskin, can occur. Pain or discomfort during ejaculation, or blood in the discharge or urine, may also occur. More generalized symptoms like fever or testicular pain and swelling can indicate a broader infection.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seeking medical attention promptly upon noticing penile discharge is important. This symptom is a sign of an underlying medical issue, often an infection, and requires professional evaluation. Delaying assessment can lead to more serious health complications. Untreated STIs can spread, potentially causing issues like urethral strictures (narrowing of the urethra) or inflammation of the testicles, which can affect fertility.
Untreated infections can also be transmitted to sexual partners, leading to further spread and potential health problems for them. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent these long-term consequences and help manage symptoms effectively. It is particularly important to see a doctor immediately if the discharge is accompanied by severe pain, a high fever, or blood.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing the cause of penile discharge involves a comprehensive approach by a healthcare provider. The process begins with a detailed medical history, including questions about sexual activity and any recent exposures. A physical examination of the genitals is then performed to check for signs of inflammation, redness, swelling, or obvious discharge.
Laboratory tests are essential to identify the specific pathogen responsible. These tests often include a urethral swab, where a small swab is gently inserted into the urethra to collect a fluid sample for analysis. Urine tests are also commonly performed to check for bacteria and white blood cells, which indicate infection. In certain situations, blood tests may be ordered to rule out specific STIs.
Treatment for penile discharge depends entirely on the identified cause. Bacterial infections, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, are typically treated with antibiotics. For fungal infections like yeast balanitis, antifungal creams or oral medications are prescribed. It is important to complete the full course of prescribed medication, even if symptoms improve, to ensure the infection is fully eradicated and to prevent antibiotic resistance. Treating sexual partners is also important to prevent re-infection and further transmission.