Male discharge can be normal, especially during moments of excitement, when the urethra, the channel that transports urine from the body, releases a colorless liquid before ejaculation.
However, when male discharge appears outside moments of excitement and is brown, yellowish or greenish in color, it may indicate infections such as gonorrhea, trichomoniasis or chlamydia, especially if it is accompanied by itching and pain when urinating, for example.
If you frequently experience discharge from the penis, it is recommended to consult a urologist, who will evaluate the signs and symptoms, make a diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Main causes
The main causes of male discharge are:
1. Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection, which can be transmitted with or without penetration, through oral, anal or vaginal sex without the use of a condom.
In most cases, a man with gonorrhea has no symptoms. However, in some cases, there may be a yellowish-white discharge, similar to pus, pain or burning when urinating. Learn about other symptoms of gonorrhea.
What to do: Treatment must be indicated by a urologist, and may include the use of antibiotics, such as azithromycin tablets and 500mg ceftriaxone injection, in a single dose. See how gonorrhea is treated.
2. Trichomoniasis
Male trichomoniasis is an infection that can be transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, whether oral, anal or vaginal. Understand better how trichomoniasis is transmitted.
Although many men do not experience symptoms of trichomoniasis, in some cases symptoms may include pain or burning when urinating, itching in the genital area and white, fluid discharge from the penis.
What to do: The treatment indicated by the urologist can last 5 to 7 days and include the use of antibiotics, such as tinidazole, secnidazole or metronidazole. Furthermore, trichomoniasis treatment should also include sexual partners, even if there are no symptoms.
3. Chlamydia
Chlamydia can be transmitted through contact with semen or vaginal fluid containing the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis, through unprotected sex, with or without penetration. Symptoms of chlamydia in men may include clear or white discharge from the penis, pain or burning when urinating, pain and swelling in the testicles, and sore throat.
What to do: Treatment is generally carried out with an intramuscular injection of 500mg ceftriaxone in a single dose; 1 g of azithromycin tablet in a single dose, or with the use of doxycycline or erythromycin for 7 days. Understand better how chlamydia is treated.
4. Candidiasis
Candidiasis in men occurs due to the excessive growth of the Candida fungus on the penis, which can arise due to sexual intercourse without using a condom, poor intimate hygiene or due to situations that alter the immune system, such as flu, stress, diabetes or chemotherapy. , for example.
Symptoms of candidiasis in men may include thick, white discharge from the glans similar to curdled cheese, reddish and/or white plaques on the penis, pain, itching and burning around the head of the penis.
What to do: Treatment may include the use of antifungal creams or ointments such as miconazole and clotrimazole and/or some oral medications such as fluconazole and hydrocortisone. Furthermore, sitz baths with chamomile or barbatimão are some home remedies that can also complement the treatment of candidiasis in men. See some home remedies for candidiasis.
5. Urethritis
Urethritis is an inflammation of the urethra that arises mainly due to the migration of intestinal bacteria or unprotected sexual contact.
Symptoms of urethritis in men vary depending on the cause, but may include foul-smelling yellow-green discharge, white discharge, pain or burning when urinating, and blood in urine or semen. Know all the symptoms of urethritis.
What to do: Treatment is carried out according to the cause of the urethritis and must be indicated by a urologist, and may include the use of antibiotics, such as azithromycin, doxycycline or even a single injection of 500mg ceftriaxone.
6. Balanite
Balanitis is an inflammation of the head of the penis that can arise due to infections caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi, through unprotected sexual intercourse. Furthermore, balanitis can also be caused by poor intimate hygiene and allergies to soaps, creams, or some types of fabrics, for example.
The most common symptoms of balanitis include redness, pain, swelling, and small sores on the head of the penis. In addition, blisters with pus, itching and white or transparent discharge with a bad smell may also be present.
What to do: Treatment of balanitis caused by an infection includes proper hygiene guidance and the use of antibiotics and antifungals. In other cases of balanitis, it may be recommended to exclude the use of products that cause irritation and the use of anti-inflammatory medications.
