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Jun 26, 2006
Penile Discharge Fact Sheet
by SirGan
 Most people don’t really know what exactly penile discharge is and consider urine or semen as penile discharge. This of course, isn't true! Penile discharge is the abnormal loss of fluid that is not urine or semen from the urethra at the tip of the penis. When does it occur? It is commonly the sign of a sexually transmitted disease (STD), and requires prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment. Problem with these sexually transmitted diseases is that, while some are quite painful, and include visible sores and discharge, others can go unnoticed for quite some time, while they are unwittingly passed on to others. Another important thin is that some are curable, while others are not. Latest researches indicate that- there are more than 25 diseases that could be spread through sexual contact.
Statistic dataAbout 12 million new STD infections occur in the United States each year and, about 25% occurs of those in someone between the ages 16 and 19. One in five Americans or approximately 56 million people carries an STD. Over 40 million people are estimated to have chronic genital herpes, and there are an estimated 4 million new Chlamydia cases a year.
What are the symptoms of penile discharge?Not too many people know that the discharge can vary in amount from scanty to profuse, and in color from clear to yellow or green. Not only that- the timing can vary from early in the morning only, to throughout the day.
The discharge is often accompanied by other symptoms such as:
Most common causes of penile dischargeMost experts are saying that there is a variety of causes that could produce a persistent drip from the penis. There is no doubt- the vast majority of penile discharges are the result of sexually transmitted diseases. The discharge can be thick or thin.
The two most common disease suspects are gonorrhea and chlamydia and the problem is that both have similar signs. The discharge may appear as soon as 2 to 5 days after having sex with an infected partner, or it could take as long as 14 days.
All condition that produce some penile discharge could be divided into two big groups:
Gonococcal urethritis (gonorrhea)Although already most people know much about this condition, it is important to say that this sexually transmitted disease is caused by bacterium called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Incubation period usually takes two to five days from infection to symptoms. Most common symptoms of this type of urethritis include purulent (pus-containing) discharge with peak within two weeks.
Discharge occurs in 95 per cent of men and it is:
· purulent in 75 per cent,
· white or cloudy in 10 per cent and
· clear in 5 per cent
It can be easily transmitted by sexual intercourse, including oral sex. Because this condition can be spread by oral, oral, anal, and vaginal sex – it is very difficult to prevent this disease just with condoms! There are also several complications if left untreated. The infection can spread up the urethra to the epididymis and sometimes cause even infertility. Important thing to know is that anal infection is common especially when the infection is transmitted by anal intercourse.
Non-gonococcal or non-specific urethritisNon-specific urethritis is the most common form of penile discharge. Researches have came to the conclusion that men aged between 20 and 35 years are most commonly affected. Several different organisms can cause the non-specific urethritis:
· Chlamydia trachomatis
· Mycoplasma genitalium
· Ureaplasma urealyticum
· Trichomonas vaginalis
· Herpes simplex
· Chlamydia trachomatisThis condition is caused by one bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis and it is characterized by painful urination and watery discharge. Diagnosis is easy and it include:
Discharge may be slightly watery. Signs and symptoms for men is characterized by painful urination and purulent discharge. It is important to know that the patient may also be asymptomatic which represent the epidemiological threat!
· Ureaplasma urealyticumThis is organism that causes one sexually transmitted disease characterized by painful urination and purulent discharge. Small, wall-less organisms that produces urease can be easily found in culture. The fact is that Ureaplasma urealyticum causes approximately 20% of cases of non-gonococcal urethritis. It can produce urease unlike other Mycoplasmas.
· Genital HerpesGenital herpes is a viral infection that causes periodic outbreaks of painful sores around the genitals. It is caused by Herpes simplex virus which exists as two different viral types, HSV-1 and HSV-2.
Although not too many people know about this- the fact is that genital herpes can be spread even when using a condom, because the lesions can be in areas the condom does not cover. It is also possible to transmit herpes even when you do not have visible lesions. Because it is a viral condition- there is no cure for genital herpes but medicines can be taken to reduce the number and severity of outbreaks and lessen the chance of asymptomatic viral shedding.
Only possible way of prevention should be limiting the number of sex partners, use of condoms. Everyone who thinks that it is infected should avoid any sexual contact and contact some STD clinic!
· Trichomonas VaginalisTrichomoniasis is one common sexually transmitted disease caused by a tiny parasite called Trichomonas Vaginalis. The fact is that it mostly infects the vagina in women, but occasionally it may infect the urethra in men. It is proven that using condoms correctly will lower the risk of catching trichomoniasis.
It is important to know that, on very rare occasions, this parasite can be spread by sharing moist towels, washcloths and hot baths. What are the symptoms of trichomonas vaginalis?
Most common symptoms in men include:
How is trichomonas vaginalis diagnosed? Doctor usually examine patient’s genital area, and a sample may be taken from the vagina or urethra using a cotton wool swab. What are the effects of trichomonas vaginalis if left untreated? Complications with trichomoniasis are rare. The thing is that if a woman is infected when she gives birth, she may pass it on to the baby if it’s a girl.
Most common bacterial STD's
Diagnosis of conditions accompanied with penile dischargeThere are several different ways to diagnose a STD. Penile discharge urethritis is most commonly diagnosed by finding white blood cells on a urethral swab or urine sample. Important thing to know is that the color and consistency of the discharge does not help to distinguish any non-specific urethritis from gonococcal urethritis.
Experts are saying that gonococcal urethritis is diagnosed in 98% of men by microscopic examination of the discharge obtained from a urethral swab.
Today- development of more sensitive tests such as polymerase chain reaction and ligase chain reaction might allow for more precise diagnosis, especially in patients with no symptoms- so called asymptomatic infections!
Treatment of conditions with penile dischargeGonococcal urethritis
One of several antibiotics can be given as a single dose:
Non-specific urethritis
Usual antibiotic treatment includes doxycycline 100mg twice daily for seven days or a single dose of Azithromycin 1g if the infection is due to Chlamydia trachomatis.
Prevention of STDsThe most secure way of prevention is definitely a sustaining from sexual intercourse. Another option is to be in a long-term monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner. Activities that carry the very low or no risk for developing some sexually transmitted disease are:
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