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 among representatives of the stronger sex. Men are able to produce not only seminal fluid during sex, but also a special lubricant that makes it easier for the penis to slide when friction occurs.
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 release of this fluid prevents injury to the male genital organs 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, especially of the genitourinary system or inflammatory diseases of the male genital organs, as well as some diseases. intestinal pathology.
Mucus secretion in men when excited
Physiological includes the discharge of mucus in men when aroused. When the male sexual organs are erect, a special mucus secretion is produced by a pair of small exocrine glands - bulbourethral or Cooper. They are located under the prostate - in the depths of the muscles of the urogenital diaphragm (diaphragm urogenitale), at the base of the penis, with access to the urethra passing through it.
The mucus secretion of this gland - a colorless transparent liquid with a viscous consistency - is pre-ejaculate, that is, the early ejaculate that enters the urethra before the release of sperm into it (ejaculate or ejaculation).
This liquid contains glycosaminoglycans (mucus), L-fructose, various enzymes, but most importantly, its basic reaction (pH>7, 2). The secretory function of Cooper's glands is to neutralize the remnants 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 the secretion of mucus in men when aroused makes the vaginal environment alkaline - for better sperm viability.
The amount of pre-ejaculation in different men varies (up to 4-5 ml), and in some it is not produced at all, so, according to experts, its "norm" has not been established.
Mucous secretion in men can be increased by increasing the production of mucus secretion by Littre's urethral glands, which are located in the epithelium of the inner membrane along 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-ejaculation contains some of the chemicals present in semen, such as the lysosomal enzyme acid phosphatase. But at the same time, it lacks sperm markers like the enzyme gamma-glutamyl transferase.
The question of the possibility of pregnancy from pre-ejaculatory fluid is being studied, but there is no definite answer yet. According to the Journal of Human Fertility, the study was conducted in 2011-2016. A group of British doctors found very little semen in 40% of the pre-ejaculate samples, but in 37% of individual motile spermatozoa were recorded. So do not exclude the possibility of getting pregnant from early ejaculation.
Secretion of mucus from the urethra in men
Pathological secretion of mucus in men from the urethra can occur with a number of diseases. The main cause of mucus discharge in men from the urethra is 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, and Escherichia coli bacteria, Enterobacter spp. , Klebsiella spp. And infectious urethritis caused by strepto- and staphylococci often develops after catheterization of the bladder or due to violation of basic hygiene rules.
Clinical statistics show 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 in mycotic urethritis (candidiasis). Gonorrhea and urethral lesions 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 secretions of different 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 the symptoms in patients are the same: mucus in the urine or mucus-bloody discharge combined with moderately painful (burning), but slight. urinate and urinate frequently.
Similar symptoms of mucus discharge in men in the case of stone formation in the bladder, which many adult men face. In addition, as urologists note, often the narrowing of the urethral canal, squeezed by a hypertrophied prostate gland, contributes to stagnation of urine and the formation of stones.
It is possible to discharge 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 go to the doctor have no symptoms of prostatitis, but a mixture of pus is found in the composition of their sperm, and according to the results of blood tests, an increase in the level of leukocytes.
Non-purulent milk mucus can be released in the case of prostorrhea - abnormal secretion of the prostate gland with its atony, associated either with an overactive sexual life, or with the presence of chronic non-bacterial prostatitis in men.
Mucus secretion from the anus in men
With infection of the digestive tract or frequent irritation, the goblet secretory cells in the inner lining of the intestinal tract begin to produce excess mucus, which is released through the rectum.
The main diseases in which there is mucous discharge from the anus in men are ulcerative colitis and proctitis.
With ulcerative colitis, ulcerations form at the site of the inflammatory focus on 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 the abnormal response of the immune system to bacteria in the digestive tract. The systemic nature of ulcerative colitis is indicated by manifestations not related to the intestine: pain in the joints; ulcers on the mucous membranes in the mouth, on the skin and in the subcutaneous tissue; the formation of blood clots in the veins; inflammation of the gallbladder, liver, etc.
The cause of the development of proctitis - inflammation of the rectal mucosa - is most often associated with infection, and among the symptoms are: secretion of rectal mucus, bleeding, pain (localized in the lower abdomen and in the perineum, spreading to the lower back and coccyx), a feeling of pressure on the wallsbowel, frequent bowel movements, 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 urine analysis; swab from the urethra.
Instrumental diagnosis is carried out using ultrasound of the genitourinary organs.
In the case of mucus discharge from the rectum, the proctologist performs a manual examination, prescribes blood, urine and stool tests, and also takes 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.
Diagnostic differences
Considering that there are several reasons for the appearance of these symptoms, a differential diagnosis is required, which is carried out using computed 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.
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 inflammation or surgery may be needed.
Consequences and complications
Experts call the 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 (couperitis) and their possible irreversible dysfunction;
- impaired spermatogenesis, anorgasmia, dyspareunia, sexual dysfunction and infertility.
In addition, inflammation of the prostate is fraught with adenomas or adenocarcinomas of the prostate.
The most dangerous consequences of non-specific ulcerative colitis are perforation of the wall of the colon or rectum (with fistula formation), intestinal bleeding with heavy blood loss, and the development of oncology (colorectal cancer). And with a significant secretion of mucus that accompanies proctitis, irritation of the perianal area occurs, which can lead to maceration of the skin, the appearance of anal fissures, itching, burning and pain during defecation.
Prevention
Prevention of prostatitis is considered to be timely removal of the bladder and intestines; an active lifestyle (including intimate relationships, but only with protected sex); compliance with the rules of personal hygiene; healthy food, and get rid of all bad habits. However, this recommendation is suitable for almost all diseases, therefore, in terms of preventing the occurrence of problems with the prostate, drugs do not offer anything more specific.
Forecast
Doctors do not give estimates for the development of any symptoms (and the pathological excretion of mucus in men - from the urethra or anus - refers to symptoms) independently of the disease that caused it.
And if the infection of the urethra, following the doctor's prescription, can be cured, then the patient with ulcerative colitis can only control for life, trying to prevent recurrence.