Bladder and Prostate Issues: Symptoms and When to Seek Help

Q: Bladder and Prostate Issues: Symptoms and When to Seek Help

Hello： Basically, it is safer to first conduct a urine test. <br>You should pay attention to your lifestyle, such as staying active, eating light meals, and drinking plenty of water. <br>Avoid alcoholic and spicy beverages. <br>If symptoms persist, further examination may be nece

(Suspected) bladder/prostate issues?

Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing discomfort in my lower abdomen recently.
Let me provide some relevant information: In January, April, September, and December of 2016, I had episodes of persistent foreign body sensation in my lower abdomen (approximately between the pubic area and the navel).
Sometimes, I experienced slight tearing pain (which was mild and tolerable).
Each episode was accompanied by a persistent urge to urinate (though not very strong).
I did not experience true frequency or urgency; the sensation was more pronounced when sitting down and less noticeable when standing or exercising.
When I pressed on my lower abdomen, there was no significant pain or discomfort.
The previous episodes resolved on their own within about 2 weeks to 1 month.
This time (in December), it has recurred.
My last sexual activity was in May 2016, and I underwent tests (urine and blood tests) in June and September, which were normal.
I had a history of urethritis in January 2016, which resolved after 2 weeks of antibiotic treatment.
From 2015 until November 2016, I experienced post-void dribbling (residual urine after urination, sometimes significant).
After May, I began to limit sexual activity (and significantly reduced the frequency of masturbation), and the residual urine issue started to improve, to the point where I had almost none recently.
However, in the past few days, I noticed some unexplained discharge (possibly white?).
I have not experienced any burning or pain during urination (so it should not be urethritis?).
One instance was two days ago after urination, where the discharge was slightly yellow; another was this morning after waking up, where I felt some transparent discharge after applying pressure to the urethra; and another instance was today before a bowel movement, where I felt discharge in the urethra, which was also transparent upon pressure.
This time, the lower abdominal discomfort (slight pain) has persisted for 5 days without signs of self-resolution, along with a continuous mild urge to urinate.
What could this likely indicate? (Bladder? Prostate? Or unresolved urethritis? Or could it just be a digestive issue, e.g., small intestine?) Which specialty should I seek assistance from?

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/12/09

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: Basically, it is safer to first conduct a urine test.
You should pay attention to your lifestyle, such as staying active, eating light meals, and drinking plenty of water.
Avoid alcoholic and spicy beverages.
If symptoms persist, further examination may be necessary.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2016/12/09

More Info

When it comes to bladder and prostate issues, understanding the symptoms and knowing when to seek medical help is crucial for effective management and treatment. Based on the symptoms you've described, it seems you are experiencing a combination of discomfort in the lower abdomen, persistent urinary sensations, and unusual discharge, which can be indicative of several underlying conditions.

Symptoms Overview
1. Lower Abdominal Discomfort: The sensation of an "alien object" in the lower abdomen, particularly between the pubic area and the navel, can be associated with bladder or prostate issues. This discomfort, especially if it is accompanied by a mild tearing pain, could suggest inflammation or irritation in the bladder or prostate.

2. Persistent Urinary Sensation: The feeling of needing to urinate without a strong urge, especially when sitting, could indicate bladder irritation or a condition like prostatitis. This sensation can be exacerbated by certain positions or activities, such as sitting or physical exertion.

3. Residual Urine Issues: The history of post-void residual urine suggests that there may have been an obstruction or dysfunction in the bladder or prostate. This can lead to feelings of incomplete emptying, which can be frustrating and uncomfortable.

4. Unusual Discharge: The presence of unusual secretions, particularly if they are yellow or clear, can be a sign of an underlying infection or inflammation. While you noted the absence of burning or pain during urination, which may suggest that it is not a typical urinary tract infection (UTI), it still warrants further investigation.

Potential Conditions
Given your symptoms, several conditions could be at play:
- Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate can lead to discomfort in the lower abdomen, urinary urgency, and unusual discharge. Chronic prostatitis can sometimes present with vague symptoms that come and go.

- Bladder Irritation: Conditions such as interstitial cystitis or bladder infections can cause similar symptoms, including discomfort and persistent urinary sensations.

- Urethritis: Inflammation of the urethra can lead to unusual discharge and may not always present with typical symptoms like burning during urination.

- Digestive Issues: While less likely, gastrointestinal issues can sometimes mimic urinary symptoms, particularly if there is pressure on the bladder from the intestines.

When to Seek Help
Given that your symptoms have persisted for five days without improvement, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Here are some recommendations on how to proceed:
1. Consult a Urologist: Since your symptoms are primarily related to urinary function and discomfort in the lower abdomen, a urologist would be the most appropriate specialist to evaluate your condition. They can perform necessary tests, such as urinalysis, imaging studies, or even cystoscopy, to determine the underlying cause.

2. Discuss Your Symptoms in Detail: When you visit the urologist, be sure to provide a comprehensive history of your symptoms, including the timeline, any previous infections, and the nature of the discharge. This information will help the doctor make a more accurate diagnosis.

3. Consider Other Specialists if Necessary: If the urologist rules out urinary issues, you may need to consult a gastroenterologist to explore potential digestive causes for your symptoms.

Conclusion
In summary, your symptoms warrant further investigation, particularly given their persistence and the presence of unusual discharge. Seeking help from a urologist is the best course of action to determine the cause of your discomfort and to receive appropriate treatment. Early intervention can help prevent potential complications and improve your quality of life. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to health concerns, especially those involving the urinary system.

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