Penis Health Red Flag: Penile Discharge

When a man first notices penile discharge, he might hope that he’s wrong - that he hasn’t really seen what he thinks he saw. But in most cases, when a man notices something odd about his penis, he’s right in that something really is going wrong with the equipment. It’s a true penis care emergency in that a man needs to figure out what is causing the discharge as soon as possible, so as to help keep his penis health in tip-top shape - and of course, to help ensure that he protects the health of his sexual partners as well.

Penile discharge: Is it an STD?

Unfortunately, one of the most common reasons for penile discharge is a sexually transmitted disease. Though in most cases the infection comes along with other symptoms as well, some men experience a discharge with little to no other symptoms.

The discharge can take a variety of forms. In some cases it is very thin and watery, and is only a slow "drip" that might take a man a few days to notice. But in others, the discharge is copious, with large amounts of it showing up in his underwear in a short period of time. Some discharge might become thick as well.

When it comes to color, penile discharge can be anything from entirely clear to dark yellow or green. Some discharge can even be entirely white, as though chalk has been mixed with water. A discharge that includes any pink or red color might mean there is also blood in there, which doesn’t bode well for a man - it’s a sure sign he needs to get to the doctor as soon as possible.

Other potential signs

As mentioned earlier, there are often many other symptoms that accompany a penile discharge that is the result of a sexually transmitted infection. These can include a red penis, itching, swelling, penis pain, a feeling of fullness, an urge to urinate that leads to only a few drops coming out, a rash, painful urination and more. Any of these could indicate a serious medical issue, including an infection a man picked up from a partner.

What to do

When a man is confronted with a penile discharge, the first thing he must do is figure out where the problem is coming from. For most guys, that’s going to mean a quick visit to the doctor or health clinic, where he will be tested for sexually transmitted diseases. The doctor might take a swab of the discharge for further study and to help determine the STD more quickly; a guy can also expect to have blood taken for labs that can help pinpoint which problem he might have.

If a guy notices penile discharge that is mixed with blood, experiences penis pain with no explanation, or notices the discharge shortly after he suffered an injury to the penis, it’s time to go to the emergency room. These situations require a man to be thoroughly checked out as soon as possible to help him avoid any long-term problems that might result from the issue.

On a day-to-day basis, a guy should take steps to protect his penis. This includes using condoms when in bed with a new partner, keeping the penis clean and fresh, and reaching for a daily penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) . A guy should look for a crème that contains Shea butter for dryness, vitamin C for overall skin health, vitamin A for odor control and alpha lipoic acid to fight the free radicals that can lead to signs of aging. A guy should also look for other nutrients, such as L-carnitine and L-arginine, which provide for better health of a guy’s favorite organ.

Penile Discharge - a Red Flag for an STI

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are very common and can lead to diseases such as hepatitis C, HIV and syphilis. According to the American Sexual Health Association, more than half of all people will be affected at some point in their lives. It's important to understand and recognize the signs of STIs, because if a man waits too long, a minor infection can become a major problem. Be proactive with penis care to identify and prevent disease - check out five common red flags to manage this important health issue.

1. Penile discharge - Several changes to a man's penile discharge could occur if he has a sexually transmitted infection. His discharge may vary from slight to profuse, its color could change from clear to yellow or green and the discharge could become watery. In addition, penile discharge is often accompanied by a rash in the genital area and burning when urinating. If a man notices the first signs of penile discharge, he should seek prompt diagnosis and treatment from a genitourinary medicine or STD clinic.

2. Blood in the semen - Hematospermia, blood in the semen, impacts a man's genitourinary system, including his bladder and testicles. While blood in the semen has no definitive cause, it can be a sign of severe infections such as chlamydia or herpes. Like penile discharge, hematospermia is also frequently accompanied by side effects like painful urination and pain with ejaculation. Treatment for blood in the semen varies, and in many cases, the condition resolves itself over time.

3. Chancre sores - Chancre sores are small, painless sores on the part of the body where the infection was transmitted, most commonly the genitals, rectum, lips or tongue. A man could experience chancre sores within 10 days to 3 months of exposure to an infection. A single chancre sore could develop, but many chancre sores may appear as well. For the most part, chancre sores do not require treatment unless they last several weeks. In such cases, they could be a sign of an infection or other serious health problem.

4. Flesh-colored genital bumps - Small, flesh-colored genital bumps may appear around the genitals. These growths are pink or red and may look like the small parts of a cauliflower. Frequently appearing in groups of three or four, these genital bumps can grow and spread quickly. While flesh-colored genital bumps are typically not too painful, common side effects include bleeding, itching and mild pain. Genital bumps can be a sign of genital human papillomavirus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted viral infection. Genital bumps may disappear on their own, a process which can take several years in some cases; or they may be removed with prescription treatments or laser therapy.

5. Genital blisters - Often, genital blisters can be a sign of infection, regardless of whether they are painful or painless. Genital herpes and syphilis are among the most common causes of genital blisters. However, pimples and other acne-type lesions around the penis are normal. If men are unsure about genital blisters, they should consult a doctor for diagnosis.

The worst thing a man can do is delay treatment. Instead, it is vital to be proactive when it comes to men's health. An infection like this can have long-lasting effects on a man, his partner, his family, his friends and others. Men should understand the red flags described here to ensure that they can identify and control the impact before serious consequences occur.

A penis health formula (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) can have far-flung effects on men's penile health. Products like this help men control common problems such as penis irritation and inflammation. A top-notch creme also enables men to keep their skin soft and smooth. Don't ignore this important aspect of men’s health - use a top-notch creme to help alleviate or repair penis damage quickly and efficiently. Skin that is smooth, resilient and supple is more resistant to infection, not to mention more pleasurable for both the man and his partner.