Causes of penile discharge other than an STD

Causes of penile discharge other than an STD

Discharge from any bodily orifice, other than what’s it’s meant to be, can be distressing. For men, other than urine or semen, a discharge from the penis can be a major cause of concern, especially if it’s considered to be related to a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

STDs such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, or Trichomoniasis are common infections that can cause penile discharge.  Any man with a discharge from the penis needs to see their healthcare provider right away to have a correct diagnosis. If it’s an STD, it’s important to treat it preventing the spread to others. Also STDs are highly treatable in men and treatment prevents serious complications. 

But what if their doctor discovers the penile discharge is not from an STD?  What other conditions could be causing penile discharge?

There could be several reasons a man’s penis is secreting a discharge. Here’s a look at several non-STD causes of penile discharge and if a man should seek medical help or not.

·      Urinary tract infection

Men under the age of 50, rarely develop urinary tract infections (UTI). However, the risk increases with age. Generally, men with a UTI will have noticeable symptoms which may include the following:

·      Painful urination

·      Frequent urge to urinate

·      Blood in the urine

·      Incontinence

·      Cloudy or smelly urine

·      Discharge from the penis that is white or frothy

A UTI in men is considered a bacterial infection due to harmful bacteria that has infected a part of the urinary tract.  This can include a man’s bladder, prostate, kidneys, urethra, or the ureters.

Men with penile discharge along with any of the other symptoms indicating a possible UTI, need to see their doctor for a correct diagnosis. The treatment for UTIs in men is to prescribe antibiotics needed to kill the bacteria.

·      Pre-ejaculate or Precum fluid

Pre-ejaculate, sometimes called precum, is a clear fluid that is released when a man becomes sexually aroused, but before he ejaculates. Sometimes, it can be seen at the tip of the penis, but most of the time, men don’t even notice it.

Pre-ejaculate fluid neutralizes any acidity left by urine in the urethra, protecting sperm that flows through. Men do not need to see their doctor for this normal occurrence.

·      Prostatitis

A lesser known and less talked about problem affecting up to one in six men during their life is called prostatitis.  This inflammation of the prostate gland – anything word ending in “itis” means inflammation – annually causes more than two million men to seek help from their doctor with this painful condition

When the prostate gland becomes inflamed, a whole host of symptoms can result:

·      Burning or painful urination

·      Urgent need to urinate

·      Trouble voiding

·      Difficult or painful ejaculation

·      Pain in the area between the scrotum and rectum known as the perineum

·      Lower back pain

Prostatitis is usually due to a bacterial infection and can be considered acute or chronic. Other causes of prostatitis can be from damage to the prostate or surrounding nerves. Treatment for acute prostatitis is usually with antibiotics. Chronic prostatitis may be treated with a combination of medications or possibly surgery if necessary to correct an underlying problem with the prostate or reproductive system.

·      Smegma

Smegma can occur in both men and women.  In men, smegma is a thick, white, cheesy substance made up of a combination of dead skin cells, water, and the skin oil called sebum. Smegma collects under the foreskin of the penis and is more common in uncircumcised men who don’t clean that area well enough.

 On the one hand, smegma helps lubricate the head of the penis, helping prevent pain from friction during sexual activity. But smegma can also contain bacteria and when it’s harmful bacteria it can grow out of control in smegma. When unhealthy bacteria forms an overgrowth resulting in smegma, it can lead to a bad smell and can play a role in infections, including STDs.

Men who notice the following symptoms possibly indicating an overgrowth of smegma, should see their doctor:

·      Discharge that is not from pre-ejaculate or ejaculate

·      Pain when urinating, having sex, or bathing

·      Swelling on or around the penis

·      A foul smell coming from the penis

·      Running a fever

·      Balanitis

Balanitis is an inflammation of the glans, or the head of the penis due to an infection or other cause. It’s a common condition affecting approximately 1 in every 25 boys and 1 in 30 uncircumcised males at some time in their life. Some causes of balanitis can be anything that irritates the foreskin or head of the penis, including harsh soaps and other chemicals. Other causes can be men with diabetes who can develop fungal infections.

Balanitis can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful but it is not usually serious.  It may cause swelling or itching on the head of the penis and men may notice discharge under the foreskin or on the head of the penis.

Typically the treatment for balanitis depends on the cause of the infection. If a fungal infection is the cause, then a doctor may prescribe an antifungal drug.  Or if balanitis is a result of poor hygiene or self-care such as using an unclean catheter, then lifestyle changes can help clear up the infection and to prevent another infection.

Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy.  Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.