Penile Discharge Overview

Regular sexual stimulation will produce discharge from the penis, this kind of discharge includes pre-ejaculate, or pre-cum, and semen ejaculate.

However, supposed you have an abnormal discharge from your penis or the tip of your penis, you may be having a penile infection.

What is Abnormal Penile Discharge?

An abnormal penile discharge is a cause of either non-sexually transmitted infections or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) usually caused by a bacterial infection. An STD testing can determine the cause of the discharge

The Signs and Symptoms of Abnormal Penile Discharge

Abnormal Penile discharge is one of the signs of penile infections caused by Urethritis (inflammation of the urethra) or Sexually Transmitted infections.

Other associated signs and symptoms with penile discharge may include:

• Painful urinating
• Pain or itching
• Blood in urine
• Blood in semen
• Rashes, ulcers, or sores over the head or shaft of the penis
• Swelling foreskin
• redness or irritation of the penis
• Pelvic pain or discomfort
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Urinary frequency
• Foul-smelling or cloudy urine

What are the Causes of Abnormal Penile Discharge?

Some of the most common causes of penile discharge include:

1. Balanitis

Usually, uncircumcised males may suffer from balanitis. About 10% of males will have balanitis during their lifetime. The discharge of the penis may be caused by the practice of poor hygiene, sexually transmitted infections, genital yeast infection in men, sensitivity, or allergy to harsh soaps or chemicals.

2. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

UTI refers to inflammation of the urethra. Males can get UTIs too.

This type of UTI called urethritis can cause penile discharge. Pus-like discharge, an urgency to urinate, pain during urination, and foul-smelling or cloudy urine could be some of the accompanying symptoms.

3. Prostatitis

Prostatitis is common in younger men and middle-aged men. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate gland enlargement, prostate cancer could share the same sign and symptoms as Prostatitis, such as fever, chills, lower back pain, pelvic pain, low sex driver or discharge through the urethra and etc.

4. Urethritis

When your urethra is inflamed, it is called urethritis.

Non- Sexually related urethritis or urethra inflammation may often be accompanied by yellowish-green penile discharge and burning sensation during urination.

5. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Some of the common STIs that cause abnormal penile discharge are:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhoea
• Trichomoniasis
• Mycoplasma genitalium
• Ureaplasma urealyticum
• Male Yeast infection (candidiasis)

Do I Need to Consult a Doctor?

Consult our doctor soon if the abnormal penile discharge is not due to urine, ejaculation, or pre-ejaculation.

The underlying cause may be something more severe that requires medical attention and treatment.

After a proper diagnosis, our doctor will typically examine your medical and sexual history, symptoms and test discharge samples using lab techniques.

Appropriate treatment is necessary. The type of treatment involved is dependent on the underlying cause of the abnormal penile discharge.