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 representatives of the stronger sex. Men are able to produce not only seminal fluid during sex, but also a special lubricant that facilitates the sliding of the penis during friction.
If there is no lubrication in men when aroused, then this is a symptom of some kind of pathology related to the reproductive system. The release 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, mainly of the genitourinary system or inflammatory diseases of the male genitals, as well as some intestinal pathologies.
Mucus secretion in men when excited
Physiological include the secretion of mucus in men when aroused. When the male sexual organ is in a state of erection, a special mucous secretion is produced by a pair of small exocrine glands - bulbourethral or Cooper's. They are located below the prostate - in the depths of the muscles of the urogenital diaphragm (urogenital diaphragm), at the base of the penis, with access to the urethra passing through it.
The mucous secretion of these glands - a colorless transparent liquid of viscous consistency - is a pre-ejaculation, that is, a preliminary ejaculation that 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 Cooper's gland secretion is to neutralize traces of acidic urine in the urethra, as the acidic environment is unfavorable for sperm. The vagina is also usually acidic (pH = 4. 0-4. 2), so the mucus secretion in men when aroused alkalizes the vaginal environment - for better sperm survival.
The amount of pre-ejaculate in different men varies (up to 4-5 ml), and in some it is not produced, so, according to experts, its "norm" has not been established.
Mucus secretion in men can be increased by increasing the production of mucus secretion by the urethral glands of Littre, located in the inner membrane epithelium along the entire length of the urethra. However, its main function is to produce mucus, which protects the urethra from acidic urine.
Is it possible to get pregnant from lubrication in men? Pre-ejaculate contains some of the chemicals present in semen, such as the lysosomal acid phosphatase enzyme. But at the same time, it lacks a sperm marker like the enzyme gamma-glutamyl transferase.
The question of the probability 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 semen in 40% of pre-ejaculate samples, but in 37% individual motile sperm were recorded. Therefore, do not exclude the possibility of getting pregnant from a preliminary ejaculation.
Mucus secretion from the urethra in men
Pathological mucus secretion in men from the urethra can occur with various diseases. The main causes of mucus discharge in men from the urethra are associated with urethritis (inflammation of the urethra); cystitis (inflammation of the 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, as well as the bacteria Escherichia coli, Enterobacter spp. , Klebsiella spp. And infectious urethritis caused by streptococci and staphylococcus often develops after bladder catheterization or due to violations of basic rules of hygiene.
Clinical statistics indicate that more than half of cases of urethral inflammation are associated with chlamydia; up to 25% - with mycoplasma; 15-20% - with ureaplasma; about 17% - with Trichomonas. Less than 5% fall into mycotic urethritis (candidiasis). Gonorrhea and gonococcal urethral lesions are detected in men aged 22 to 37 years in approximately 420 cases per 100, 000.
Risk factors for the development of urethritis, accompanied by secretions of varying intensity: sexually active age, promiscuity in sexual relations 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 bloody mucus secretion is combined with quite painful (burning), but scanty urination and frequent urination.
Similar symptoms of mucus discharge in men in case of bladder stone formation, which many men of mature age face. In addition, as urologists note, often the stenosis of the urethral canal, squeezed by the enlarged prostate, contributes to the stagnation of urine and the formation of stones.
It is possible to release white mucus in men - when there is a mixture of pus in chronic bacterial prostatitis, 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 went to the doctor do not have symptoms of prostatitis, but a mixture of pus is found in the composition of their sperm 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 prostorrhoea - abnormal secretion of the prostate with its atony, associated with an excessively active sex life or the presence of chronic non-bacterial prostatitis in a man.
Mucus secretion from the anus in men
With infections of the gastrointestinal tract or their frequent irritation, the goblet-secreting 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 discharge of mucus from the anus in men are ulcerative colitis and proctitis.
With ulcerative colitis, ulcerations form at the site of inflammatory foci on 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 doctors believe that its pathogenesis lies in an abnormal response by the immune system to bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. The systemic nature of ulcerative colitis is indicated by manifestations not associated with the intestines: joint pain; ulcers on the mucous membrane of the mouth, on the skin and in the subcutaneous tissue; the formation of blood clots in the veins; inflammation of gallbladder, liver, etc.
The causes of the development of proctitis - inflammation of the rectal mucosa - are most often associated with infection, and among its symptoms are: rectal mucus secretion, bleeding, pain (located in the lower abdomen and perineum, radiating to the lumbar region and coccyx), feeling of pressure in the intestinal 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 anamnesis data, blood tests (general, ELISA, PCR); general, biochemical and bacteriological analysis of urine; urethra swab.
Instrumental diagnosis is performed by means of ultrasound of Organs genitourinary organs.
In case of mucous discharge from the rectum, proctologists perform a manual examination, prescribe blood, urine and stool tests, and also collect a swab from the anus for bacterial culture.
Of the instrumental diagnostic methods, the following 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, a differential diagnosis is necessary, which is performed by means of magnetic or computed 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.
For the treatment of ulcerative colitis, NSAIDs are used: rectal suppositories are introduced 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 the proctitis is caused by inflammatory bowel disease, drugs to control the inflammation or surgery may be needed.
Consequences and complications
Experts call these consequences and complications of diseases in which men have mucus secretion from the urethra:
- inflammation of the seminal vesicles (vesiculitis);
- epididymitis - inflammation of the epididymis (with a high probability of its obstruction);
- inflammation of the bulbourethral glands (couperite) 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 nonspecific ulcerative colitis are perforation of the walls of the colon or rectum (with the formation of fistulas), intestinal bleeding with heavy blood loss, and the development of oncology (colorectal cancer). And with significant mucous secretions that accompany proctitis, irritation of the perianal region occurs, which can lead to skin maceration, the appearance of anal fissure, itching, burning and pain during defecation.
Prevention
Prevention of prostatitis is considered the timely release of the bladder and intestines; active lifestyle (including intimately, but only with protected sex); compliance with personal hygiene rules; healthy eating, as well as getting rid of all bad habits. However, these recommendations are suitable for almost all ailments, so in the matter of preventing the occurrence of problems with the prostate, medicine has not yet offered anything more specific.
Prediction
Doctors do not give predictions for the development of any symptoms (and the pathological excretion of mucus in men - from the urethra or anus - refers to symptoms) in isolation from the disease that causes it.
And if urethral infections, following the doctor's prescriptions, can be cured, ulcerative colitis patients can only manage life, trying to avoid relapses.