Penile Discharge
Discharge from the penis outside of ejaculation is one of the more reliable signals that something's worth testing for — there are fewer everyday explanations for it than for most other symptoms on this list.
What the discharge itself can suggest
Thick, yellow or greenish discharge, often with a strong odor, is the classic presentation of gonorrhea, usually showing up within a week or two of exposure. Thin, cloudy, or clear discharge is more typical of chlamydia, though a meaningful share of chlamydia infections cause no discharge at all. Trichomoniasis and mycoplasma genitalium can both cause a milder, less distinctive discharge and are worth considering if a broader panel wasn't used.
What it's less likely to be
A non-infectious cause for actual discharge (as opposed to normal fluid during arousal) is fairly uncommon in men, which is part of why this symptom is taken seriously — it's not typically explained away by irritation or hygiene the way some other symptoms can be.
When It's Worth Testing
Any new discharge outside of normal sexual activity is worth testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea specifically, ideally as part of a broader panel rather than assuming which one it is from color alone.
Related Testing Topics
Current STDcheck.com Coupons
Placeholder — replace with STDcheck.com's current verified coupon code and terms.