Is Male Discharge Normal?

If you notice that you have irregular penile discharge, you might begin to worry that something’s wrong, or that you have an STD. However, male discharge doesn’t always indicate sexually transmitted infections, and it could be perfectly normal. Read on to learn more about male penile discharge. But, first things first, is male discharge normal?

In some cases, male discharge is normal (like pre-ejaculate). However, if you notice a change in the colour, texture, smell, or frequency of your penile discharge, this may be considered abnormal, and you should seek medical advice to get to the root cause of the problem. Unusual discharge could be a sign of an STD.

Read on to learn more about the causes of male discharge, the signs and symptoms of an STD, and where to seek medical treatment. 

What is Male Discharge?

Male penile discharge is a substance that comes out of the urethra, has a smell, varies in colour and viscosity and is not urine or semen. Penile discharge can be an STD symptom but it can also be a sign of another infection or inflammation.

Can You Have Penile Discharge Without Having an STD?

Yes, you can experience penile discharge without having an STD. There are various conditions and infections that can cause male discharge such as a UTI or Balanitis. Pre-ejaculate is also considered by some as male discharge but isn’t an STD.

What Can Cause Male Discharge?

There are a number of conditions that can cause male discharge, but not all of them are sexually transmitted infections. Male discharge can be caused by:

Pre-Ejaculate

Whilst sometimes considered as discharge, pre-ejaculate is completely normal and nothing to worry about. Pre-ejaculate, or pre-cum, is associated with arousal and exits the penis the same way as regular ejaculate during sex (just like women, men can get “wet”, in a sense when aroused). Pre-ejaculate/pre-cum is normal, and is usually thin, watery, and clear in colour.

Urinary Tract Infections

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is caused by bacteria infecting the urinary tract. The infection could occur anywhere throughout the urinary tract, from the bladder right through to the urethra. Discharge as a result of a UTI may appear to be clear or pus-tinged flowing from the urethra. You may also feel an urgent need to urinate with a UTI, have a burning sensation when you urinate, and your urine might be cloudy or foul smelling. 

Balanitis

Balanitis is inflammation of the head of the penis, usually caused by irritation from common items such as soaps and shampoos, as well as poor hygiene and allergies. With balantis, oozing penile discharge may occur under the foreskin, or on the head of the penis. Whilst Balanitis is quite common in men, it is easily treatable with antifungal creams, antibiotics, or steroid creams.

Prostatitis

Prostatitis occurs when the prostate (a small gland found below the bladder) becomes inflamed and irritated, sometimes caused by bacterial infection. With prostatitis, you may notice a discharge coming from the urethra. Discharge caused by prostatitis is usually thick in texture and is accompanied by aches, pains, and a fever.

Smegma

Smegma is a build-up of substances under the foreskin that looks like thick, white discharge. It is not actually classed as discharge but looks very similar. It is usually made up of skin cells and naturally occurring body oils and fluids. Smegma is usually caused by poor hygiene and can be removed by washing the tip of the penis thoroughly.

STDs

There are a variety of STDs that cause male discharge, including chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Learn which STDs cause unusual male discharge below:

• Chlamydia: With chlamydia, male discharge may look white, watery or mucous-like, coming from the tip of the penis
• Gonorrhoea: Male discharge caused by gonorrhoea may be white, yellow or green in colour.
• Trichomonas: Trich causes a thin, white discharge from the penis.
• Mycoplasma Genitalium: Discharge caused by mycoplasma genitalium may be white and watery in texture.
• Genital Herpes: Although very rare, genital herpes can sometimes cause discharge from the penis via open sores.

Urethritis

Urethritis is a condition that causes the swelling of the urinary tract (however, it is different to a urinary tract infection). It is usually caused by an STD infection, such as gonorrhoea or chlamydia, and causes white or cloudy discharge from the tip of the penis. Not all urethritis is caused by a sexually transmitted infection, but it is hard to tell until an STD test is taken.

Penile discharge caused by STDs is unlikely to clear up on its own. If you suspect an STD is the cause of your discharge, then you must take an STD test, and seek treatment if your test returns positive.

When Should You Be Concerned About Male Discharge?

Any discharge that cannot be related to sexual arousal (ejaculate or pre-ejaculate) is not considered normal and should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible. You may also want to seek medical advice if you notice a change in:

• Colour
• Texture
• Frequency
• Smell

If you notice a change in any of the above, it could be an STD. The only way to be 100% sure is to take an STD test as soon as possible. If the test returns positive, ensure that you’re treated effectively and don’t pass any sexually transmitted infections on to sexual partners. 

Stay On the Safe Side With Your Sexual Health

Your Sexual Health offers a wide range of STD tests both in-clinic across the UK, or as home-testing kits. Visit our website to learn more, and to determine which test is right for you.