There are various causes of penile discharge, one of which is sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Some other possible causes include pre-ejaculation, prostatitis, balanitis, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
The penis may secrete discharge for several reasons. If it is likely that penile discharge is due to an STD, then it is important to seek treatment. Most STDs are highly treatable, and treatment prevents severe complications.
Male discharge that has a non-STD cause may be a variation of discharge, or it could be a sign of an infection that requires treatment.
In this article, we look at the non-STD causes of penile discharge and explain when to see a doctor.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Learn more.
Pre-ejaculate is fluid that comes out of the penis during arousal. People also refer to it as ‘precum.’ The Cowper’s glands make pre-ejaculate, which exits the penis in the same way as semen and urine.
In most cases, there are only a few drops of pre-ejaculate, so some individuals may not notice it at all.
A 2024 study consisting of 70 samples of sperm found that around 78% of the samples of pre-ejaculate fluid did not contain sperm.
There is still a chance that pre-ejaculate entering a vagina could result in pregnancy, so those who do not wish their partner to become pregnant should wear a condom even before having sex.
Learn more about pre-ejaculation and pregnancy here.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when harmful bacteria infect part of the urinary tract. The urinary tract comprises the following:
- bladder
- prostate
- kidneys
- urethra
- ureters
People with UTIs may find urination very painful or be unable to empty their bladder fully. Some may experience incontinence or a frequent urge to urinate. There may be discharge from the penis that is white or frothy, and in some cases, there may also be blood in the urine.
A UTI is a bacterial infection. Most of the time, antibiotics will be necessary to treat the infection. A doctor must prescribe the right type of antibiotics to kill the bacteria, so people should avoid self-medicating or using old antibiotics.
Learn more about UTIs here.
Balanitis is inflammation of the head of the penis. This common infection affects
Two other conditions that are similar to balanitis include posthitis, which is foreskin inflammation, and balanoposthitis, which is inflammation of both the foreskin and the head of the penis.
Balanitis may cause swelling or itching on the head of the penis. A person may also notice discharge under the foreskin or on the head of the penis. These infections are common in people with diabetes, so anyone presenting with them who does not have the condition should be tested for it.
Fungal infections, as well as bacterial infections, are the most common cause of balanitis. Diabetes is a risk factor for fungal infections, so balanitis may be more common among those living with this condition.
The type of treatment will depend on the cause of the infection. For example, if a fungal infection causes balanitis, a doctor may prescribe an antifungal drug.
Sometimes, penile discharge can occur as a result of hygiene or self-care issues, such as using an unclean catheter or not receiving appropriate help bathing in a nursing home. In these instances, lifestyle changes may reduce the risk of another episode.
Learn more about balanitis here.
The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland that surrounds the urethra and sits at the front of the rectum. The prostate makes prostate fluid, which helps lubricate semen.
Men with prostatitis may experience:
- prostate pain
- difficulty urinating
- discharge from the penis
Prostatitis occurs when the prostate becomes inflamed and irritated, sometimes due to a bacterial infection. It can be acute or chronic. Chronic prostatitis can develop due to a problem with the immune system or following damage to the prostate or surrounding nerves.
The right treatment depends on whether prostatitis is acute or chronic.
Antibiotics can usually treat acute prostatitis, while chronic prostatitis is more challenging. A combination of medications, as well as home remedies such as sitz baths, may help. Sometimes, surgery is necessary to correct an underlying problem with the prostate or reproductive system.
Learn more about prostatitis here.
Smegma combines dead skin cells, water, and the skin oil sebum. It is usually white or yellow. Smegma lubricates the head of the penis, helping prevent pain from friction, especially during sexual activity.
Smegma also contains bacteria. Usually, these bacteria are healthy and beneficial, but harmful bacteria sometimes grow out of control in smegma. An overgrowth of unhealthy bacteria can cause a bad smell and may play a role in certain infections, including UTIs.
Uncircumcised men tend to have more noticeable smegma because the foreskin traps it under the head of the penis.
Although smegma is not dirty or harmful, many prefer to rinse it periodically.
Learn more about smegma here.
Not all male discharge is a sign of a problem. Sometimes, it appears due to the temporary production of more smegma or pre-ejaculate.
In other cases, an individual might notice the discharge more, perhaps because they are paying closer attention to their penis or suddenly feeling self-conscious.
It is advisable for a person to consult a doctor about penile discharge if they experience:
- discharge that is not from pre-ejaculate or ejaculate
- pain when urinating, having sex, or bathing
- swelling on or around the penis
- a foul smell coming from the penis
- a fever or other signs of infection, such as feeling nauseated
Even if these symptoms are absent, talking with a doctor about discharge can be reassuring. A doctor can help identify what is and is not usual.
Can you have discharge without an STD?
Various conditions can result in penile discharge; it does not have to be an STD. Causes can include pre-ejaculation or infections such as balanitis.
What are the main causes of penile discharge?
The main causes of penile discharge tend to be pre-ejaculation fluid, sexually transmitted infections or diseases, and other infections such as prostatitis.
What are the differences between smegma and an STI?
Smegma is not an STI and is not infectious. It is usually crumbly in texture, does not come with pain, and is a natural buildup of dead skin cells and fluid.
Male discharge is typical, healthy, and may even make sex more comfortable. Quite often, if no other symptoms occur alongside the discharge, there may be no cause for concern.
Infections, inflammation, and other problems respond well to treatment, so feeling embarrassed is unnecessary. A healthcare professional can treat abnormal discharge relatively quickly.
