The diagnosis can often be made with a swab of the discharge.
The treatment varies by the cause but often involvesantibiotics.
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Sexually Transmitted Infections
Many sexually transmitted infections are characterized by a penile discharge.
Kanizphoto / Getty Images
In some cases, a penile discharge may be the only symptom of the infection.
These include:
Gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis can usually be cleared with a single dose of antibiotics.
Genital herpes is incurable but can be managed with oral antiviral drugs.
Symptoms of NSU include:
NSU is also commonly treated with a course of antibiotics.
Men with foreskins are most commonly affected.
Balanitis can be sparked by STIs as well as non-sexually transmitted bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Symptoms of balanitis include:
Proper hygiene, including washing under the foreskin, can often resolve symptoms.
If needed,topical antibioticsorantifungalsmay be prescribed
Prostatitis
Prostatitisis inflammation of theprostate gland.
Smegma is most common inuncircumcised menbut can also affect circumcised men who don’t wash properly.
Larger tumors may require a course ofchemotherapy.
Summary
Penile discharge can be a sign of infection of the male urinary tract or reproductive tract.
Causes include sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea or chlamydia, bladder or kidney infections, or non-specific urethritis.
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