The emergence 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 arousal in the representatives of the stronger sex. Men can produce not only seminal fluid during sex, but also a special lubricant that helps the penis slide during friction.
If there is no lubrication in men when excited, then this is a symptom of some kind of pathology related to the reproductive system. The secretion of this fluid prevents damage 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 inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system or the male genital organs, as well as some others. Intestinal pathologies.
Mucus secretion in men during arousal
Physiological includes the secretion of mucus during arousal in men. When the male genital organ is erect, a special mucous secretion is produced by a pair of small exocrine glands - bulburethral or Cooper. They are located below the prostate - in the depth of the muscles of the urogenital diaphragm (diaphragma urogenitale), at the base of the penis, to the urethra passing through it.
The mucous secretion of these glands - a colorless transparent liquid of a viscous consistency - is preejaculate, that is, preliminary ejaculate, which 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 during arousal in men 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, therefore, according to experts, its "norm" has not been established.
Mucus secretion in men can be increased by increasing the production of mucous secretion by the urethral glands of the liter, which are located in the epithelium of the inner lining along the entire length of the urethra. However, their main function is the production of mucus, which protects the urinary tract from acidic urine.
Is it possible to get pregnant with lubrication in men? Pre-ejaculate contains some of the chemicals found in semen, such as the lysosomal enzyme acid phosphatase. But at the same time, it lacks a sperm marker such as the enzyme gamma-glutamyl transferase.
The question of the probability of pregnancy from preejaculatory fluid has been studied, but there is no definitive answer yet. According to Human Fertility magazine, studies conducted in 2011-2016. A group of British doctors found very few sperm in 40% of pre-ejaculate samples, but individual motile spermatozoa were observed in 37%. Therefore, do not exclude the possibility of pregnancy from pre-ejaculate.
Mucus discharge from the urethra in men
Pathological discharge of mucus from the urethra in men can occur with a number of diseases. The main causes of discharge of mucus from the urethra in men are associated with urethritis (inflammation of the urethra); Cystitis (inflammation of the bladder; urolithiasis and prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland).
The 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. , K. And infectious urethritis caused by streptococci and staphylococci often develops after bladder catheterization or due to violation of basic hygiene rules.
Clinical statistics indicate 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 caused by mycosis (candidiasis) urethritis. Gonorrhea and urethral lesions with gonococci are detected in men aged 22-37 years, about 420 cases per 100, 000.
Risk factors for the development of urethritis, which is accompanied by secretion of different intensity: sexually active age, indecency in sexual intercourse and neglect of their safety.
The prevalence of cystitis in men is estimated at 0. 8%, which is ten times less than in women, but its symptoms in patients are the same: mucus in the urine or mucus-bloody discharge combined with rather painful (burning), but scarce. Urination and frequent urination.
Symptoms similar to mucus discharge in men with stones in the urinary bladder, which many men of mature age face. Moreover, as noted by urologists, the stricture of the urethral canal, often compressed by the hypertrophic prostate, contributes to the stagnation of urine and the formation of stones.
It is possible to discharge white mucus in men - in the case of bacterial chronic prostatitis when mixing with pus, which accounts for no more than 10% of all cases (the most common pathogens are Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella spp. ). By the way, about 12% of men who come to the doctor do not have symptoms of prostatitis, but a purulent mixture is found in their semen, and according to the results of a blood test, the level of leukocytes increases.
Non-purulent milky mucus can be released during prostatitis - pathological secretion of the prostate gland with its atony, which is related to either an overly active sexual life, or the presence of non-bacterial chronic prostatitis in men.
Mucus discharge from the anus in men
During infections of the gastrointestinal tract or its frequent irritation, the secretory cells of the cup of the inner lining of the intestinal tract begin to produce an excessive amount of mucus, which is excreted through the rectum.
The main diseases in which mucus discharges from the anus in men are ulcerative colitis and proctitis.
In case of ulcerative colitis, ulcers are formed at the site of inflammatory foci of the mucous membrane of the large intestine and rectum. Patients complain not only of mucous discharge from the anus, but also fatigue, loss of strength, loss of appetite and periodic rectal bleeding. The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, but most doctors 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 oral mucosa, skin and subcutaneous tissue; formation of blood clots in the veins; Inflammation of the gallbladder, liver, etc. Sh.
The causes of proctitis - inflammation of the mucous membrane of the rectum - are most often associated with infection, and its symptoms include: rectal mucus secretion, bleeding, pain (localized in the lower abdomen and perineum, radiating to the lower back. and coccyx), feeling of pressure on the intestinal walls, defecationFrequent false desire, diarrhea and/or constipation.
Who should I contact?
Urologist, proctologist.
Diagnosis of mucus secretion in men
Diagnosis of mucus discharge from the urethra in men includes anamnesis data, blood analysis (general, ELISA, PCR); general, biochemical and bacteriological analyzes of urine; A smear from the urethra.
Instrumental diagnosis is carried out by ultrasound of the urogenital organs.
In the case of mucous discharge from the rectum, proctologists conduct a manual examination of it, order blood, urine and stool analysis, 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, it is necessary to make a differential diagnosis, which is carried out using computer or magnetic resonance imaging.
Treatment of mucus discharge in men
Effective treatment of mucus secretion in men with infectious urethritis is provided by the use of antibacterial drugs.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs 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 inflammation. Proctitis caused by bacteria is usually treated with antibiotics. If proctitis is caused by inflammatory bowel disease, medications or surgery may be needed to control the inflammation.
Consequences and complications
Experts call such consequences and complications of the disease when men have mucus discharge from the urethra:
- inflammation of 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;
- Violated spermatogenesis, anorgasmia, dyspareunia, sexual dysfunction and infertility.
In addition, inflammation of the prostate is full of 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 secretion accompanying proctitis, there is irritation of the perianal region, which can cause skin maceration, the appearance of an anal fissure, itching, burning and pain during defecation.
Prevention
Prevention of prostatitis is considered timely release of bladder and bowels; an active lifestyle (including in intimate terms, but only with protected sex); observance of personal hygiene rules; Healthy eating, as well as getting rid of all bad habits. However, these recommendations are suitable for almost any disease, therefore, medicine has not yet offered anything more specific in the prevention of prostate problems.
forecast
Doctors do not give a prognosis for the development of any symptoms (and the pathological discharge of mucus in men - from the urethra or anus - refers to symptoms) in isolation from the disease causing the disease.
And if urethral infections, following the doctor's prescription, are cured, then patients with ulcerative colitis can only control themselves for life, trying to prevent relapses.