What best describes your symptoms?
The details can help point to what may be causing the discharge. They cannot confirm the diagnosis on their own.
Clear or watery discharge
Clear fluid can sometimes be normal, especially with sexual arousal. Persistent or unexplained discharge should still be checked.
White or cloudy discharge
This can happen with urethral infection, including some STIs, and may need testing.
Yellow or green discharge
Yellow or green discharge can happen with infections such as gonorrhea and should be assessed.
Discharge with burning
Burning when passing urine together with discharge can be a sign of urethral infection or an STI.
Discharge with pain or swelling
Pain, swelling or tenderness around the penis or testicles needs medical assessment.
Discharge noticed on underwear
Dried or sticky marks on underwear may be easier to notice in the morning. Persistent discharge should be checked.
What could be causing the discharge?
Several conditions can cause penile discharge. Some need treatment, while others may be caused by irritation.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea can cause thick white, yellow or green discharge, often together with burning when urinating.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia may cause a smaller amount of clear or cloudy discharge, burning when urinating or no symptoms at all.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis can sometimes cause irritation, burning or discharge from the penis.
Other infections
Other infections can cause inflammation of the urethra and may lead to discharge.
Irritation
Soaps, lubricants and other products can sometimes irritate the genital area and cause symptoms.
Other causes
Not every genital symptom is caused by an STI. A clinician can help determine what is most likely.
When should you get checked?
New penile discharge is usually worth assessing, especially when it happens with other symptoms.
Arrange STI testing if...
✓ You have new or unexplained discharge
✓ You recently had unprotected sex
✓ You have a new sexual partner
✓ Your partner has an STI
✓ You also have burning when urinating
Get medical advice if...
✓ The discharge keeps coming back
✓ You have genital sores
✓ You have itching or irritation
✓ Your penis is swollen or painful
✓ You have pain during sex
Seek urgent care if...
✓ You have severe pain
✓ Your testicle becomes very painful or swollen
✓ You have fever
✓ There is blood in the urine
✓ Symptoms are becoming worse quickly
How SRHN can help
Get private support from Nigerian clinicians without embarrassment.
Understand your symptoms
Discuss your discharge, burning, pain or other symptoms privately.
Get testing guidance
Find out whether STI testing may be needed and what your next step could be.
Review your results
Already had an STI test? Talk through your result and what it means.
Get treatment support
Get guidance on treatment, partner care and follow-up when needed.
Common questions about penile discharge
Quick answers to questions people commonly ask.
What causes discharge from the penis?
Penile discharge may be caused by sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, other infections, or irritation. The appearance of the discharge alone cannot always tell you the cause.
Could penile discharge be an STI?
Yes. Gonorrhea and chlamydia are common causes of penile discharge. Some people may also have burning when urinating, itching or other genital symptoms.
Can I have an STI without other symptoms?
Yes. Some STIs cause few or no symptoms. That is why testing can still be important after a possible exposure.
Should I get tested if I have penile discharge?
Yes. New or unexplained discharge should be assessed, especially after unprotected sex or if a partner has an STI.
Can gonorrhea and chlamydia be treated?
Yes. These infections can usually be treated with the right medicines. Testing and clinical assessment help determine the correct treatment.
Should I have sex while I have penile discharge?
It is safer to avoid sexual contact until you have been assessed and, if an infection is diagnosed, have completed the recommended treatment and received advice about when it is safe to have sex again.
Can I treat penile discharge myself?
Avoid taking antibiotics or other medicines without knowing the cause. Different infections need different treatment, and the wrong medicine may delay proper care.
When should I seek urgent medical help?
Seek urgent medical care if you have severe pain, significant testicular swelling or pain, fever, blood in the urine, or symptoms that are getting worse quickly.