Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Penile discharge
Introduction
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.