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Isolation of transparent mucus in men from the urethra, anus: physiological and pathological

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Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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In the body, many glands and cells secreting mucus, but - in addition to physiological causes - mucus in men can be associated with diseases, especially the genitourinary system or inflammatory diseases of male genital organs, as well as some bowel pathologies.

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Isolation of mucus in men with agitation

The physiological is the excretion of mucus in men. When the male sexual organ is in a state of erection, a special mucous secret is produced by a pair of small exocrine glands - bulbourethral or Cooper. They are below the prostate - in the depth of the muscles of the genitourinary diaphragm (diaphragma urogenitale), at the base of the penis, with an exit into the passing urethra.

The mucous secret of these glands is a transparent liquid of viscous consistency that is transparent and is a pre-ejaculate, that is, a preliminary ejaculate that enters the urethra before the sperm is ejected (by ejaculation or ejaculation).

This liquid contains glycosaminoglycans (mucus), L-fructose, various enzymes, but most importantly its alkaline reaction (pH> 7.2). The function of the secret of the Cooper glands is to neutralize traces of acid urine in the urethra, since the acid medium is unfavorable for sperm. The vagina is also usually acidic (pH = 4.0-4.2), so the mucus secretion in men, when excited, also alkalizes the vaginal environment - for better survival of spermatozoa.

The amount of pre-ejaculate in different men varies (up to 4-5 ml), and in some it is not produced at all, so, according to experts, its "norm" is not established.

The mucus secretion in men can be increased by increasing the production of the mucous secretion by the urethral glands of Littre, 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 acid urine.

Is it possible to conceive from the liberation of lubricants in men? Preliminary ejaculate contains some chemicals present in the sperm, for example, the lysosomal enzyme acid phosphatase. But at the same time there is no such semen marker in it as the enzyme gamma-glutamyltransferase.

The question of the likelihood of pregnancy from a preliminary ejaculate fluid is being studied, but there is as yet no definitive answer. According to the Journal of Human Fertility, research conducted in 2011-2016. A group of British physicians found a very small amount of semen in 40% of pre-ejaculate samples, however, in 37%, separate mobile spermatozoa were recorded. So do not exclude the possibility of getting pregnant from a preliminary ejaculate.

Excretion of mucus in men from the urethra

Pathological excretion of mucus in men from the urethra can occur with a variety of diseases. The key causes of mucus secretion 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 gland).

The pathogenesis of urethritis is caused by such sexually transmitted infections as Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma genitalium, and also bacteria Escherichia coli, Enterobacter spp., Klebsiella spp. And infectious urethritis, caused by strepto- and staphylococci, often develops after a catheterization of the bladder or because of violations of the elementary rules of hygiene.

Clinical statistics note that more than half of cases of inflammation of the urethra is associated with chlamydia; up to 25% with mycoplasma; 15-20% with ureaplasma; about 17% - with Trichomonases. Less than 5% is  mycotic (candida) urethritis. Gonorrhea and urinary tract infection by 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 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 that of women, but its symptoms in patients are the same:  mucus in the urine  or mucocutaneous bleeding are combined with quite painful (causing burning), but poor urination and more frequent mishap.

Similar symptoms of mucus secretion in men in the case of the formation of stones in the bladder, which is faced by many men of adulthood. Moreover, as noted by urologists, often stagnation of urine and the formation of concrements contributes to the stricture of the urethral canal, squeezed hypertrophied prostate.

It is possible to separate white mucus in men - when there is an admixture of pus in  bacterial chronic prostatitis, which accounts for not more than 10% of all cases (the most frequent pathogens are Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella spp.). By the way, about 12% of the men turning to the doctor do not experience any symptoms of prostatitis, but in the composition of their sperm there is an admixture of pus, and according to the results of the blood test - an increase in the level of leukocytes.

Pulmonary mucus of a milky shade can be allocated in cases of prostatherapy - an abnormal secretion of the prostate gland with its atony associated with either an overactive sexual life or with the presence of a man with an antibacterial chronic prostatitis.

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Isolation of mucus from the anus in men

With infections of the gastrointestinal tract or its frequent irritation, the goblet secretory cells of the intestinal tracts of the intestinal tract begin to produce an excessive amount of mucus that exits through the rectum.

The main diseases in which mucus secretion from the anus is observed in men: nonspecific ulcerative colitis and proctitis.

With ulcerative colitis in the place of inflammatory foci in the mucous membrane of the thick and rectum ulcers are formed. Patients complain not only of the mucus discharge from the anus, but also of fatigue, loss of energy, loss of appetite and periodic rectal bleeding. The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, but most clinicians believe that its pathogenesis is an abnormal reaction 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: joint pain; ulcers on the mucous in the mouth, on the skin and in the subcutaneous tissue; formation of thrombi in 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, and among its symptoms are: the allocation of rectal mucus, bleeding, pain (localized in the lower abdomen and in the perineum, irradiating the lower back and the concha), a feeling of pressure on the intestinal walls, frequent false desires for defecation, diarrhea and / or constipation.

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Diagnosis of mucus secretion in men

In the allocation of mucus in men from the urethra, the diagnosis includes history, blood tests (general, ELISA, PCR); general, biochemical and bacteriological analyzes of urine; smear from the urethra.

Instrumental diagnosis is performed using ultrasound of the genito-urinary organs.

Details on the procedure for detecting inflammation of the prostate -  Diagnosis of chronic prostatitis

With mucous secretions from the rectum, proctologists conduct her manual examination, prescribe blood tests, urine and feces, and take a smear from the anus to the bac.

From the methods of instrumental diagnosis are used: sigmoidoscopy (rectoscopy), colonoscopy, x-ray and ultrasound of the abdominal cavity.

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Differential diagnostics

Given that there are several reasons for the appearance of these symptoms, differential diagnosis is needed, which is carried out using computer or magnetic resonance imaging.

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Treatment of mucus discharge in men

Effective treatment of mucus discharge in men with infectious urethritis is provided by the use of antibacterial drugs: Ceftriaxone (0.25 g intramuscularly once a day); Inside once a day - Ciprofloxacin (0.5 g) or Ofloxacin (0.4 g).

In addition, Doxycycline is prescribed (100 mg twice daily for a week) or Azithromycin (2 g once), if the inflammation of the urethra is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. More information see -  Chlamydial urethritis

Detailed treatment of inflammation of the prostate, including alternative treatment, in the publication -  Treatment of prostatitis. A physiotherapeutic treatment of this disease is discussed in the article -  Physiotherapy with prostatitis

For the treatment of ulcerative colitis, NSAIDs are used, for example, Mesalazine (Salofalk, Mesakol): rectal suppositories are injected into the rectum (1-2 candles) three times a day. What other medicines are prescribed, for details read -  Nonspecific ulcerative colitis - Treatment

Proctitis treatment depends on the cause of inflammation. Proctitis caused by bacteria is usually treated with antibiotics. If proctitis is caused by inflammatory bowel disease, it may be necessary to take medication to control inflammation or surgical treatment. Methods of therapy, preparations and recommendations for the cleansing of the large intestine are presented in the material -  Proctitis

Consequences and complications

Experts call such consequences and complications of diseases, in which men have mucus discharge from the urethra:          

  • inflammation of seminal vesicles (vesiculitis);
  • epididymitis - inflammation of the appendage of the testis (with a high probability of its obstruction);
  • inflammation of bulbourethral glands (cuperite) 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 the perforation of the walls of the colon or rectum (with the formation of fistula), intestinal bleeding with large blood loss, and the development of oncology (colorectal cancer). And with significant mucous discharge accompanying proctitis, irritation of the perianal area occurs, which can lead to maceration of the skin, the appearance of anal fissure, itching, burning and pain during defecation.

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Prevention

Clear preventive measures regarding sexually transmitted diseases and leading to secretions from the urethra are indicated in the publication -  Methods for preventing STDs

Prophylaxis of prostatitis is considered timely release of the bladder and intestines; active lifestyle (including in the intimate terms, but only with protected sex); compliance with personal hygiene; healthy food, as well as getting rid of all bad habits. However, these recommendations are suitable for almost any disease, so in the prevention of prostate problems, medicine does not offer anything more specific.

Forecast

Forecasting the development of any symptom (and pathological excretion of mucus in men - from the urethra or anus - refers to the symptoms) in isolation from the disease causing it, doctors do not give.

And if the infections of the urethra, following the doctor's prescriptions, can be cured, ulcerative colitis patients can only control for life, trying not to allow relapses.

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