The appearance 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 between the representatives of the stronger sex. Men can produce not only seminal fluid during sex, but also a special lubricant that facilitates the gliding of the penis during friction.
If there is no lubrication in men when they are excited, then this is a symptom of some kind of pathology related to the reproductive system. The release of this fluid prevents injury to the male genital organ during vaginal penetration.
There are many glands and cells in the body that secrete mucus, but - apart from physiologically determined reasons - mucus secretion in men can be associated with diseases, mainly of the urogenital system or inflammatory diseases of the male genital organs, as well as with certain pathologies of the intestine.
Mucus secretion in men when excited
They normally involve the secretion of mucus in men when they are excited. When the male sexual organ is in an erect state, a special mucous secretion is produced by a pair of small exocrine glands - bulbourethracs or Cooper's. They are located under the prostate - in the depths of the muscles of the urogenital diaphragm (diaphragma urogenitale), at the base of the penis, with access to the urethra that passes through it.
The mucous secretion of these glands - a colorless transparent liquid with a thick consistency - is a pre-ejaculation, that is, a preliminary ejaculation that enters the urethra before the sperm is released into it (ejaculation or ejaculation).
This fluid contains glycosaminoglycans (mucus), L-fructose, various enzymes, but above all, its alkaline reaction (pH>7, 2). The function of the secretion of the Cooper glands is to neutralize the traces of acidic urine in the urethra, since the acidic environment is unfavorable for sperm. The vagina is also usually acidic (pH = 4. 0-4. 2), so mucus secretion in men when stimulated alkalizes the vaginal environment - for better sperm survival.
The amount of pre-ejaculation in different men varies (up to 4-5 ml) and in some it is not produced at all, therefore, according to experts, its "normal" has not been established.
Mucus secretion in men can be increased by increasing the production of mucous secretions from the urethral glands of Littre, which are located in the epithelium of the inner membrane along the length of the urethra. However, their main function is to produce mucus, which protects the urethra from acidic urine.
Is it possible to get pregnant from fertilization in men? Pre-ejaculate contains some of the chemicals found in semen, such as the lysosomal enzyme acid phosphatase. But at the same time, he lacks such a sperm marker as the enzyme γ-glutamyl transferase.
The question of the possibility of pregnancy from pre-ejaculatory fluid is being studied, but there is still no definitive answer. According to the Journal Human Fertility, studies conducted in 2011-2016. A group of British doctors found very little sperm in 40% of pre-ejaculatory samples, but in 37% single motile sperm were recorded. Therefore, do not rule out the possibility of getting pregnant from a pre-ejaculation.
Mucus discharge from the urethra in men
Abnormal secretion of mucus in men from the urethra can occur with a number of diseases. The main causes of mucus discharge from the urethra in men are related to 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 the bacteria Escherichia coli, Enterobacter spp. , K. And infectious urethritis caused by strepto- and staphylococcus often develops after bladder catheterization or due to violations of basic hygiene rules.
Clinical statistics show that more than half of the cases of inflammation of the urethra are related to chlamydia. up to 25% - with mycoplasma. 15-20% - with ureaplasma. about 17% - with Trichomonas. Less than 5% fall to fungal (candidiasis) urethritis. Gonorrhea and lesions of the urethra with gonococci are detected in men aged 22-37 years in about 420 cases per 100, 000.
Risk factors for the development of urethritis, accompanied by discharge of varying intensity: sexually active age, promiscuity in sexual intercourse and neglect of their safety.
The prevalence of cystitis in men is estimated at 0. 8%, which is ten times lower than in women, but its symptoms in patients are the same: mucus in the urine or mucus-bloody discharge combined with quite painful (burning), but little urination and frequent urination.
Similar symptoms of mucus discharge in men in the case of the formation of stones in the bladder, which many men of mature age experience. In addition, as noted by urologists, often the narrowing of the urethral canal, compressed by the hypertrophied prostate gland, contributes to the stagnation of urine and the formation of stones.
It is possible to release white mucus in men - when there is an admixture of pus in bacterial chronic prostatitis, which is 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 went to the doctor do not show symptoms of prostatitis, but a mixture of pus is detected in the composition of their semen, and according to the results of a blood test, an increase in the level of leukocytes.
Non-purulent milky mucus can be released in cases of prostatitis - abnormal secretion of the prostate gland with its atrophy, associated either with an excessively active sex life, or with the presence of non-bacterial chronic prostatitis in a man.
Mucous discharge from the anus in men
With infections of the gastrointestinal tract or its frequent irritation, the secretory goblet cells of the inner lining of the intestinal tract begin to produce an excessive amount of mucus, which is released through the rectum.
The main diseases in which there is mucus discharge from the anus in men are ulcerative colitis and proctitis.
With ulcerative colitis, ulcers form at the site of inflammatory foci in the mucous membrane of the colon and rectum. Patients complain not only of mucous discharge from the anus, but also of fatigue, loss of strength, loss of appetite and periodic bleeding from the rectum. The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, but most clinicians believe that its pathogenesis lies in an abnormal immune system response to bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. The systemic nature of ulcerative colitis is indicated by non-intestinal manifestations: joint pain. ulcers on the mucous membrane in the mouth, skin and subcutaneous tissue. the formation of blood clots in the veins. inflammation of the gall bladder, liver, etc.
The causes of the development of proctitis - inflammation of the mucous membrane of the rectum - are most often associated with infection and among its symptoms are: mucus discharge from the rectum, bleeding, pain (located in the lower abdomen and perineum, radiating to the lower backand coccyx), feeling of pressure on the bowel walls, frequent false urge to defecate, diarrhea and/or constipation.
Who to contact?
Urologist, proctologist.
Diagnosis of mucus secretion in men
When mucus is released from the urethra in men, the diagnosis includes memory data, blood tests (general, ELISA, PCR). general, biochemical and bacteriological analyzes of urine. smear from the urethra.
Instrumental diagnosis is carried out using ultrasound of the genitourinary organs.
In case of mucous discharge from the rectum, proctologists conduct a manual examination, prescribe blood, urine and stool tests, and also take a swab from the anus for bacterial culture.
Among the methods of instrumental diagnosis are used: sigmoidoscopy (rectoscopy), colonoscopy, x-ray and ultrasound of the abdominal cavity.
Differential diagnosis
Considering that there are several reasons for the appearance of these symptoms, differential diagnosis is necessary, which is carried out using computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
Treatment of mucus secretions in men
Effective treatment of mucus discharge in men with infectious urethritis is provided by the use of antibacterial drugs.
For the treatment of ulcerative colitis, NSAIDs are used: rectal suppositories are inserted into the rectum (1-2 suppositories) three times a day.
Treatment for proctitis depends on the cause of the inflammation. Proctitis caused by bacteria is usually treated with antibiotics. If proctitis is caused by inflammatory bowel disease, medications to control the inflammation or surgery may be needed.
Consequences and complications
Experts call such consequences and complications of diseases in which men have mucus discharge from the urethra:
- inflammation of the seminal vesicles (cystitis).
- epididymitis - inflammation of the epididymis (with a high probability of its obstruction).
- inflammation of the bulbourethral glands (cuperitis) and their possible irreversible dysfunction.
- impaired spermatogenesis, anorgasmia, dyspareunia, sexual dysfunction and infertility.
In addition, inflammation of the prostate is fraught with adenoma or adenocarcinoma of the prostate.
The most dangerous consequences of non-specific ulcerative colitis are perforation of the walls of the colon or rectum (with the formation of fistulas), intestinal bleeding with great blood loss and the development of oncology (colon cancer). And with significant mucous secretions accompanying proctitis, irritation of the perianal area occurs, which can lead to wetting of the skin, the appearance of an anal fissure, itching, burning and pain during defecation.
Prevention
Prevention of prostatitis is considered the timely release of the bladder and bowels. active lifestyle (including intimate lifestyle, but only with protected sex); compliance with the rules of personal hygiene; healthy diet, as well as getting rid of all bad habits. However, these recommendations are suitable for almost any disease, therefore, in terms of preventing the occurrence of problems with the prostate, medicine has not yet offered something more specific.
Forecast
Doctors do not give predictions for the development of any symptom (and pathological discharge of mucus in men - from the urethra or anus - refers to symptoms) separately from the disease that causes it.
And if urethral infections, following the doctor's prescriptions, can be cured, then ulcerative colitis patients can only control for life, trying to prevent recurrences.