What Causes White Discharge From Penis?

Posted on Sat, 31 May 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 31 May 2014 Answered on

Fri, 20 Jun 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I went to my doctor on 5/15 because I noticed a white discharge from my penis. They tested for Chlamydia, Ghonneria and Trich. Only the Chlamydia was positive. I was proscribed Azithromycin which I took. On 5/21 I called back because the discharge while diminished, was still present. I was prescribed Doxycycline which I have taken for the seven days. Since completing this medication, the discharge has been reduced to a very small amount first thing in the morning, however it is still present. Do I need additional medication? Should I be concerned?
My Doctor's offices are closed today

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Need not worry

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your query.

The decrease in the discharge is a good sign of the cure. You have been on two best antibiotics for the infection. I consider that there is no need for any more antibiotics.

Though the discharge is still present, it does come down after some time even when the antibiotic course is completed. This is normal way of response. Need not worry.

Wish you speedy recovery.

regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (54 minutes later)

Thanks for the response.

While I'm glad the antibiotics work well and the diminished discharge is a good sign of the cure, I do have a follow-up question.

Does this still present a risk a transmission to others. I read somewhere that the discharges I'm seeing is the body's way of expelling dead cells. I just don't want to infect someone.

If the antibiotics did what they were supposed to, is this remaining discharge a danger for transmitting an STD such as the Chlamydia I tested positive for? Also, could the discharge I'm seeing be indicative of something else? I have no other symptoms, no pain or burning when urinating, stomach pain, itching, etc.

Thanks again for you help.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Risk exists

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for writing back.

Yes, discharge is a collection of dead cells and may also contain infective microbes to some extent.

Antibiotic reduce the number of microbes which will be responsible for the clinical symptoms. They do not completely kill every last microbe. When there is even a minimal amount of discharge there is risk of transmission. You can be non infective only a week after the discharge is completely stopped.

Hope, I answered your query.

regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar