Penile discharge

Lore & Background

Penile discharge is a symptom rather than a disease itself, commonly resulting from infections such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, or trichomoniasis. In gonorrhea, the discharge may appear white, yellow, or green. Other causes include non-specific urethritis, acute prostatitis, infection under the foreskin, warts or herpes simplex virus ulcers at the urethral opening, an object in the urethra, or recent surgical procedure. A bloody discharge may indicate urethral cancer.

Reader's Guide

Penile discharge is a significant clinical sign in men, often indicating a sexually transmitted infection. Evaluation typically involves a swab of the discharge, and additional tests for HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis may be performed. Men who have sex with men may also require throat and rectal swabs. Treatment depends on the specific cause, and spread of infection is reduced by informing sexual partners so they can be treated and by avoiding sex until tests are completed and seven days have passed after treatment. Risk factors include being a sexually active man under 25, having a recent new sexual partner, unprotected sex, or the presence of any sexually transmitted infection.

Did You Know?

• Penile discharge is not urine, pre-ejaculate, or semen.
• In gonorrhea, the discharge may be white, yellow, or green.
• A swab of the discharge is usually performed for evaluation.