A KEY TO SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTION SYMPTOMS IN MEN
DISCHARGE FROM THE PENIS
Discharge from the penis is never a normal occurrence, and any man experiencing this symptom should be examined by a health care provider while he is having the symptom. The most common causes are sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and nongonoccal urethritis. Some men think this symptom is caused by not drinking enough fluids, drinking too much caffeine, or having too much or too little sex, but there is no evidence that any of these can cause discharge from the penis.
Chlamydia and nongonoccal urethritis (NGU). NGU is a sexually transmitted infection in the urethra [urethritis) that is not caused by gonorrhea. The most common cause is chlamydia, but other bacteria, as well as herpes and trichomonas, can also be responsible. The discharge from this cause is usually clear, and there is not much of it. There also may be redness at the tip of the penis. Symptoms typically start a week or two, or up to a couple of months, after infection. Many men, however, experience no symptoms with this infection.
Epididymitis. Characterized by swelling and pain in the epididymis, epididymitis may be accompanied by a discharge and burning with urination. The swelling and pain usually occur on only one side.
Gonorrhea. The discharge from gonorrhea is usually thick, copious, and yellow. It usually starts within a day to a week or two after infection. There may be burning with urination as well and redness at the tip of the penis. However, certain men experience no symptoms with gonorrhea.
Herpes. Herpes can cause discharge, with outbreaks occurring in the urethra or on the skin of the genitals. The discharge is usually clear.
Outbreaks inside the urethra usually cause extreme pain with urination, with men typically reporting “I feel like I’m peeing ground glass.”
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