The appearance of sexual desire in women is associated with the release of lubrication and swelling of the mammary glands. However, not everyone knows what is released during excitement between representatives of the stronger sex. Men are not only able to produce seminal fluid during sex, but also a special lubricant that makes it easier for the penis to slide during friction.
If there is no lubrication in men in an excited state, then this is a symptom of some pathology related to the reproductive system. The release of this fluid prevents damage to the male genital organ during penetration into the vagina.
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 with the urinary system or inflammatory diseases of the male genital organs, as well as some intestinal pathologies.
Mucus secretion in men in an excited state
Physiology includes the secretion of mucus in men when they are aroused. When the male genital organ is erect, a pair of small exocrine glands - bulbourethral or Cooper's gland - produces a special mucous secretion. They are located under the prostate - deep in the urogenital diaphragm (diaphragma urogenitale) muscle, at the bottom of the penis, with access to the urethra passing through it.
The mucous secretion of these glands - a colorless, transparent liquid with a viscous consistency - is a preejaculate, that is, a preliminary ejaculate, which enters the urethra before the release of spermatozoa (ejaculation or ejaculation).
This fluid contains glycosaminoglycans (mucus), L-fructose, various enzymes, but most importantly, its alkaline reaction (pH>7, 2) contains. 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 that is stimulated in men alkalizes the vaginal environment - for better sperm survival.
The amount of preejaculate varies among different men (up to 4-5 ml), and in some it is not produced at all, so according to experts, its "norm" has not been established.
In men, mucus secretion can be increased by increasing the mucus production of the Littre's urethral glands, which are located in the epithelium of the inner membrane along the entire length of the urethra. However, their main function is the production of mucus, which protects the urethra from acidic urine.
Can men get pregnant from lubrication? Pre-ejaculate contains some of the chemicals present in semen, such as the lysosomal acid phosphatase enzyme. However, it lacks a sperm marker such as the gamma-glutamyl transferase enzyme.
The question of the probability of pregnancy from pre-ejaculatory fluid is being investigated, but there is no definitive answer yet. According to the Journal Human Fertility, studies conducted between 2011 and 2016. A group of British doctors found very few sperm in 40% of pre-ejaculatory samples, but unique motile sperm were detected in 37%. So don't rule out the possibility of getting pregnant from pre-ejaculation.
Mucus discharge from the urethra in men
In men, the abnormal secretion of mucus from the urethra can occur in the case of many diseases. The main causes of urethral discharge in men are related to urethritis (inflammation of the urethra); cystitis (inflammation of the urinary bladder; urolithiasis and prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate).
The pathogenesis of urethritis is caused by sexually transmitted infections such as Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma genitalium, and Escherichia coli, Enterobacter spp. , Klebsiella spp. Infectious urethritis caused by streptococci and staphylococci often develops after bladder catheterization or due to violation of basic hygiene rules.
Clinical statistics show that more than half of urethritis cases are associated with chlamydia; up to 25% - with mycoplasma; 15-20% - with ureaplasma; about 17% - with Trichomonas. Less than 5% have mycotic (candidiasis) urethritis. Gonorrhea and gonococcal lesions of the urethra are seen in approximately 420 cases out of 100, 000 in men aged 22-37.
Risk factors for the development of urethritis with discharge of variable intensity: sexually active age, promiscuity of sexual contact and neglecting their safety.
The prevalence of cystitis in men is estimated at 0. 8%, which is ten times lower than in women, but the symptoms are the same in patients: mucus in the urine or mucous-bloody secretions are quite painful (burning), but are associated with little. urination and frequent urination.
Similar symptoms of mucus discharge in men for stones in the bladder, which many mature men face. In addition, as urologists note, often the narrowing of the urethral canal, which is squeezed by the hypertrophic prostate gland, contributes to the stagnation of urine and the formation of tartar.
In men, white mucus can be released - if there is a mixture of pus in bacterial chronic prostatitis, which accounts for up to 10% of cases (the most common pathogens are Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella spp. ). About 12% of men who go to the doctor do not experience any symptoms of prostatitis, but they find a mixture of pus in the composition of their sperm and, according to the results of the blood test, the level of leukocytes.
Non-purulent milky mucus may be released in case of prostorrhoea - pathological secretion of the prostate with atony - which is associated either with an excessively active sexual life or with the presence of non-bacterial chronic prostatitis.
Mucous discharge from the anus in men
In case of infections of the gastrointestinal tract or its frequent irritation, the goblet-secreting cells of the inner mucous membrane of the intestinal tract begin to produce an excessive amount of mucus, which is released through the rectum.
The main diseases in which discharge from the anus in men are ulcerative colitis and proctitis.
In case of ulcerative colitis, ulcers form at the site of inflammatory foci of 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 rectal bleeding. The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, but most clinicians 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 unrelated to the intestines: joint pain; ulcers on the mucous membrane of the mouth, skin and subcutaneous tissue; formation of blood clots in the veins; inflammation of the gallbladder, liver, etc.
The causes of proctitis - inflammation of the mucous membrane of the rectum - are most often associated with infection, the symptoms of which include: discharge of rectal mucus, bleeding, pain (localized in the lower abdomen and perineum, radiating to the lower back and tailbone), a feeling of pressure on the intestinal walls, frequent false stools, diarrhea and/or constipation.
Who should we contact?
Urologist, proctologist.
Diagnosis of mucus discharge in men
When discharge is released from the urethra in men, the diagnosis includes anamnesis data, blood tests (general, ELISA, PCR); general, biochemical and bacteriological analysis of urine; swab from the urethra.
Instrumental diagnosis is performed by ultrasound of the urogenital organs.
In the case of rectal mucous discharge, proctologists perform a manual examination, prescribe blood, urine and stool tests, and take a swab from the anus for bacterial culture.
Among the instrumental diagnostic methods, the following are used: sigmoidoscopy (rectoscopy), colonoscopy, X-ray and ultrasound of the abdominal cavity.
Differential diagnosis
Given that these symptoms have several causes, a differential diagnosis is required, which is performed using computerized or magnetic resonance imaging.
Treatment of mucus discharge in men
Effective treatment of mucus discharge in men with infectious urethritis is provided by the use of antibacterial drugs.
NSAIDs are used to treat ulcerative colitis: rectal suppositories are inserted into the rectum three times a day (1-2 suppositories).
Treatment of proctitis depends on the cause of the inflammation. Bacterial proctitis 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 diseases in which men secrete mucus from the urethra:
- vesiculitis;
- epididymitis - inflammation of the epididymis (there is a high probability of its blockage);
- inflammation of the bulbourethral glands (couperitis) and possible irreversible malfunctions;
- impaired spermatogenesis, anorgasmia, dyspareunia, sexual dysfunction and infertility.
In addition, inflammation of the prostate is fraught with prostate adenoma or adenocarcinoma.
The most dangerous consequences of non-specific ulcerative colitis are perforation of the wall of the colon or rectum (with the formation of fistulas), intestinal bleeding with large blood loss, and the development of oncology (colorectal cancer). In the case of significant mucous discharge accompanying proctitis, irritation of the perianal region occurs, which can lead to skin maceration, anal fissures, itching, burning and pain during defecation.
Prevention
Prevention of prostatitis can be considered a timely release of the bladder and bowels; an active lifestyle (including intimate expressions, but only with protected sex); compliance with personal hygiene rules; healthy eating and getting rid of all bad habits. However, these recommendations are suitable for almost all diseases, so medical science has not yet offered a more specific way to prevent the occurrence of prostate problems.
Forecast
Doctors do not predict the development of any symptoms (and the pathological secretion of mucus in men - from the urethra or anus - indicates symptoms) separately from the disease that caused it.
And while urinary tract infections can be cured with a doctor's prescription, ulcerative colitis sufferers can only control them for life to prevent relapses.