Leakage of prostate secretions (prostatorrhea)
Prostatic discharge (prostatorrhea) is a condition in which discharge from the prostate gland oozes from the urethra. It occurs at the end of urination or during defecation, and there are no sperm in the discharge.
What is prostatic secretion?
The prostate gland produces a secretion that is released during ejaculation as a component of semen. It is a clear or slightly milky colored liquid. It has a thin, watery consistency.
Prostatic secretion contains:
- minerals – potassium, calcium, sodium base, chlorine, zinc, bicarbonates, phosphates
- proteins, lipid substances in the form of granules – lecithin bodies.
- enzymes – amylase, acid phosphatase
- citric acid – maintains the acidity of the secretion.
Prostatic secretion is slightly acidic (pH = 6.6). It provides nutrients and a favorable environment for sperm.
What are the causes of prostatic discharge?
Leakage of secretion from the prostate can be due to the following reasons:
- paresis of the prostatic ducts
- mechanical compression of solid feces
- sexual abstinence (neither masturbation nor sexual contact)
- when intercourse is interrupted – sometimes sexual arousal without subsequent ejaculation can cause the release of prostate secretion
- chronic prostatitis – inflammation of the prostate gland can lead to leakage of prostatic secretion
- pelvic floor muscle dysfunction – weakness or dysfunction of the pelvic floor muscles can lead to involuntary leakage
- prostate enlargement – benign prostatic hyperplasia or other conditions that enlarge the prostate can cause this problem.
What are the symptoms of discharge from the prostate?
The main symptom is the presence of a clear or milky fluid that flows from the urethra without ejaculation. This abnormal discharge of prostate secretion can be accompanied by different symptoms depending on the underlying cause. Possible accompanying symptoms are, for example: discomfort or pain in the pelvis or perineum, difficulty urinating, changes in urination (frequent urination, weak stream), problems with ejaculation, erectile function, etc.
How is prostatorrhea diagnosed?
The diagnostic process includes the following steps:
- detailed history – the patient describes his complaints
- physical examination – the prostate gland is examined by rectal douching – size, shape, consistency.
- urine test – the purpose is to check for the presence of blood, signs of infection
- examination of prostate secretion – microscopic examination of the secreted secretion is carried out. An abundance of lecithin and amyloid bodies, epithelial cells, erythrocytes, and leukocytes are found. Absent sperm.
To clarify the cause of prostatorrhea, a number of additional tests can be carried out, for example:
- prostate specific antigen (PSA) test – elevated PSA levels can indicate inflammation of the prostate, benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostate cancer.
- transrectal ultrasound examination of the prostate – helps to detect an enlarged prostate, cysts or tumors of the prostate.
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – gives more detailed images of the prostate and surrounding tissues.
- urodynamic tests – these can help identify problems with urinary function that may be related to prostate problems.
- cystoscopy – in some cases, a cystoscopy may be performed.
The choice of diagnostic tests depends on the specific symptoms of the patient and the results of the initial evaluation.
Prostatorrhea should be distinguished from spermatorrhea – discharge of semen without erection and orgasm
What is the treatment for prostatic discharge?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause eg: antibiotics for prostatitis, medication for BPH, pelvic floor exercises.
