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Discharge of clear mucus in men from the urethra, anus: physiological and pathological
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 12.07.2025
There are many glands and cells in the body that secrete mucus, but - in addition to physiologically determined reasons - mucus secretion in men can be associated with diseases, primarily of the genitourinary system or inflammatory diseases of the male genital organs, as well as some intestinal pathologies.
Mucus discharge in men during arousal
Physiological factors include the secretion of mucus in men during arousal. When the male genital organ is in a state of erection, a special mucous secretion is produced by a pair of small exocrine glands - bulbourethral or Cooper's. They are located below the prostate - deep in the muscles of the urogenital diaphragm (diaphragma urogenitale), at the base of the penis, with an outlet into the urethra passing inside it.
The mucous secretion of these glands is a colorless, transparent liquid of viscous consistency, which is called pre-ejaculate, that is, preliminary ejaculate, which enters the urethra before the release of sperm into it (ejaculation).
This fluid contains glycosaminoglycans (mucus), L-fructose, various enzymes, but most importantly, its alkaline reaction (pH> 7.2). The function of the secretion of the Cowper's glands is to neutralize traces of acidic urine in the urethra, since an acidic environment is unfavorable for sperm. The vagina is also usually acidic (pH = 4.0-4.2), so the secretion of mucus in men during arousal also alkalizes the vaginal environment - for better survival of sperm.
The amount of pre-ejaculate varies from man to man (up to 4-5 ml), and some do not produce it at all, so, according to experts, its “norm” has not been established.
Mucus secretion in men can increase due to increased production of mucus secretion by the urethral glands of Littre, located in the epithelium of the inner lining along the entire length of the urethra. However, their main function is to produce mucus, which protects the urethra from acidic urine.
Can you get pregnant from male lubrication? Pre-ejaculate contains some chemicals found in sperm, such as the lysosomal enzyme acid phosphatase. However, it lacks the sperm marker enzyme gamma-glutamyl transferase.
The question of whether pre-ejaculate fluid can make you pregnant is being studied, but there is no definitive answer yet. According to the Journal Human Fertility, studies conducted in 2011-2016 by a group of British doctors found that 40% of pre-ejaculate samples contained very little sperm, but 37% contained individual motile sperm. So the possibility of getting pregnant from pre-ejaculate should not be ruled out.
Discharge of mucus from the urethra in men
Pathological discharge of mucus from the urethra in men can occur with a number of diseases. The key causes of mucus discharge in men from the urethra are associated with urethritis (inflammation of the urethra); cystitis (inflammation of the bladder); urolithiasis and prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland).
The pathogenesis of urethritis is caused by sexually transmitted infections such as Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma genitalium, as well as bacteria Escherichia coli, Enterobacter spp., Klebsiella spp. And infectious urethritis caused by streptococci and staphylococci often develops after catheterization of the bladder or due to violations of basic hygiene rules.
Clinical statistics indicate that more than half of cases of urethral inflammation are associated with chlamydia; up to 25% - with mycoplasma; 15-20% - with ureaplasma; about 17% - with trichomonads. Less than 5% is mycotic (candidal) urethritis. Gonorrhea and urethral lesions by gonococci are detected in men aged 22-37 years in approximately 420 cases per 100 thousand.
Risk factors for the development of urethritis, accompanied by discharge of varying intensity: sexually active age, promiscuity in sexual intercourse and neglect of their safety.
The prevalence of cystitis in men is estimated at 0.8%, which is tens of times lower than in women, but its symptoms in patients are the same: mucus in the urine or mucous-bloody discharge combined with quite painful (burning), but scanty urination and frequent urination.
Similar symptoms of mucus discharge in men in the case of formation of stones in the bladder, which many mature men face. Moreover, as urologists note, stagnation of urine and formation of stones is often facilitated by stricture of the urethral canal, compressed by a hypertrophied prostate gland.
White mucus may be released in men when there is an admixture of pus in bacterial chronic prostatitis, which accounts for no more than 10% of all cases (the most common pathogens are Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella spp.). By the way, about 12% of men who consult a doctor do not experience any symptoms of prostatitis, but an admixture of pus is found in their sperm, and according to the results of a blood test, an increase in the level of leukocytes.
Non-purulent milky mucus may be released in cases of prostatorrhea - abnormal secretion of the prostate gland during its atony, associated either with an overly active sexual life or with the presence of non-bacterial chronic prostatitis in a man.
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Discharge of mucus from the anus in men
In cases of gastrointestinal infections or frequent irritation, the goblet cells of the inner lining of the intestinal tract begin to produce excess mucus, which is released through the rectum.
The main diseases in which mucus discharge from the anus is observed in men are nonspecific ulcerative colitis and proctitis.
In ulcerative colitis, ulcers form at the site of inflammatory foci in the mucous membrane of the colon and rectum. Patients complain not only of mucous discharge from the anus, but also of fatigue, loss of strength, loss of appetite, and periodic rectal bleeding. The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, but most clinicians believe that its pathogenesis lies in an abnormal reaction of the immune system to bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. The systemic nature of ulcerative colitis is indicated by manifestations not associated with the intestines: joint pain; ulcers on the mucous membrane in the mouth, on the skin and in the subcutaneous tissue; the formation of blood clots in the veins; inflammation of the gallbladder, liver, etc.
The causes of proctitis - inflammation of the mucous membrane of the rectum - are most often associated with infection, and its symptoms include: discharge of rectal mucus, bleeding, pain (localized in the lower abdomen and in the perineum, radiating to the lower back and coccyx), a feeling of pressure on the intestinal walls, frequent false urge to defecate, diarrhea and/or constipation.
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Diagnosis of mucus discharge in men
When mucus is released from the urethra in men, diagnostics include anamnesis data, blood tests (general, ELISA, PCR); general, biochemical and bacteriological urine tests; a smear from the urethra.
Instrumental diagnostics is carried out using ultrasound of the genitourinary organs.
Details on the method of detecting inflammation of the prostate gland - Diagnosis of chronic prostatitis
If there is mucous discharge from the rectum, proctologists perform a manual examination, prescribe blood, urine and stool tests, and also take a smear from the anus for bacterial culture.
The following instrumental diagnostic methods are used: rectoscopy (rectoscopy), colonoscopy, X-ray and ultrasound of the abdominal cavity.
Treatment of mucus discharge in men
Effective treatment of mucus discharge in men with infectious urethritis is provided by the use of antibacterial drugs: Ceftriaxone (0.25 g intramuscularly once a day); orally once a day - Ciprofloxacin (0.5 g) or Ofloxacin (0.4 g).
In addition, Doxycycline (100 mg twice daily for a week) or Azithromycin (2 g once) is prescribed if the inflammation of the urethra is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. For more information, see Chlamydial Urethritis
Treatment of inflammation of the prostate gland, including folk treatment, is described in detail in the publication – Treatment of prostatitis. And physiotherapeutic treatment of this disease is considered in the article – Physiotherapy for prostatitis
For the treatment of ulcerative colitis, NSAIDs are used, for example, Mesalazine (Salofalk, Mesacol): rectal suppositories are inserted into the rectum (1-2 suppositories) three times a day. What other drugs are prescribed, read more - Nonspecific ulcerative colitis - Treatment
Treatment for proctitis depends on the cause of the inflammation. Proctitis caused by bacteria is usually treated with antibiotics. If proctitis is caused by inflammatory bowel disease, medications to control the inflammation or surgery may be needed. Treatment methods, medications, and recommendations for colon cleansing are presented in the material - Proctitis
Consequences and complications
Experts name the following consequences and complications of diseases in which men experience mucus discharge from the urethra:
- inflammation of the seminal vesicles (vesiculitis);
- epididymitis – inflammation of the epididymis (with a high probability of its obstruction);
- inflammation of the bulbourethral glands (couperitis) and their possible irreversible dysfunction;
- spermatogenesis disorders, anorgasmia, dyspareunia, sexual dysfunction and infertility.
In addition, inflammation of the prostate is fraught with adenoma or adenocarcinoma of the prostate gland.
The most dangerous consequences of non-specific ulcerative colitis are perforation of the walls of the colon or rectum (with the formation of fistulas), intestinal bleeding with large blood losses, as well as the development of oncology (colorectal cancer). And with significant mucous discharge accompanying proctitis, irritation of the perianal area occurs, which can lead to maceration of the skin, the appearance of anal fissures, itching, burning and pain during defecation.
Prevention
Clear preventive measures regarding sexually transmitted diseases that cause discharge from the urethra are indicated in the publication - Methods of preventing STDs
Prevention of prostatitis is considered to be timely emptying of the bladder and intestines; an active lifestyle (including intimately, but only with protected sex); compliance with the rules of personal hygiene; healthy food, as well as getting rid of all bad habits. However, these recommendations are suitable for almost any disease, so in the matter of preventing the occurrence of problems with the prostate, medicine does not offer anything more specific yet.
Forecast
Doctors do not give prognoses for the development of any symptom (and pathological discharge of mucus in men - from the urethra or anus - is a symptom) in isolation from the disease that causes it.
And if urinary tract infections can be cured by following doctor’s orders, then ulcerative colitis patients can only control for life, trying to prevent relapses.