Penile discharge
Template:Search infobox Steven C. Campbell, M.D., Ph.D.
Overview
Overview
Penile discharge is commonly associated with STD‘s. A thorough sexual history along with a complete medical history and physical exam are necessary. In addition, cultures for STD’s should be taken though rarely are nonsexually transmitted diseases the cause.
Causes
Causes
Common Causes
- Carcinoma of the urethra
- Foreign body in the urethra
- Infection
- Nonspecific urethritis
- Prostatitis
- Reiter’s syndrome
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
A patient that is not circumscised is at higher risk for STD’s.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
- History includes:
- Personal history
- Sexual history
- Note: onset, color, type and duration of discharge
Physical Examination
- Genital exam
Laboratory Findings
- Blood culture
- CBC
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C antibodies
- HIV
- RPR
- Urethral cultures – gold standard for gonorrhea and chlamydia
- Urinalysis
- Wet mount for trichomonas
X Ray
- X-ray for detection of foreign bodies, when necessary.
Treatment
Treatment
- Penile discharge should be treated as an STD until definitivly ruled out.
Medical Therapy
Pharmacotherapy
Acute Pharmacotherapies
- Chlamydia – PO azithromycin, ofloxacin for seven days, doxycycline for seven days or erythromycin for seven days
- Trichomonas – Single dose metronidazole for seven days
- Gonorrhea – Ceftriaxone single dose IM (in office) / PO cefixime / ciprofloxacin
Primary Prevention
- Suggest the patient inform all sexual partners of disease so they can seek treatment.
- Discuss safe sexual practices.
Looking for the patient version?
© 2026 MyEClinic – IFTM Institut für Telematik in der Medizin GmbH