Worrisome individuals
Hello Dr.
Liu: I am 22 years old, 173 cm tall, and weigh 61 kg.
I often experience frequent urination, weak urine flow, and sometimes pain during urination, particularly near the urethral opening.
When I go to the bathroom, my urine sometimes splits, and towards the end of urination, I occasionally notice a white cloudy discharge.
I also frequently feel fatigued and have intermittent sharp pain in my lower back, around the sides of my spine.
Could you please help me understand what might be wrong with my body?
P.S.
1.
I previously had high uric acid levels, and I have had a habit of holding in my urine since middle school.
Could holding in urine contribute to high uric acid levels? (A traditional Chinese medicine doctor previously told me that I eat too much meat or legumes, but I don’t.)
2.
Since childhood, I have had difficulty urinating if someone is nearby, as if I am afraid of being watched, which has led to my habit of holding in urine.
However, I want to change this, but I feel even more anxious when trying to urinate in public restrooms (though I can urinate quite easily when I am alone).
I have read that this might be a psychological issue causing urinary tension, or could it be related to relaxation of my sphincter muscle? Or do I possibly have interstitial cystitis?
3.
If I need to see a doctor, which specialty should I consult first? Additionally, what are the costs associated with blood tests and urinalysis?
4.
If I have sphincter muscle relaxation, is it easy to treat? Is interstitial cystitis easy to treat? Is high uric acid easy to treat? How long does treatment for these three conditions typically take? After treatment, is there a chance of recurrence? Thank you for your assistance.
woody, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/09/09
Dr. Liu Jianting reply Urology
It's indeed confusing! Please consult a urologist for a detailed examination.
Reply Date: 2004/09/09
More Info
Frequent urination and associated symptoms can be quite distressing, especially when they interfere with daily life. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a combination of urinary symptoms, including frequent urination, difficulty urinating, pain during urination, and possibly some psychological factors related to your urination habits. Let's break down your concerns and provide some insights.
1. Understanding Your Symptoms
Frequent urination can be caused by a variety of factors, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder irritation, or even psychological factors such as anxiety. The pain you experience near the urethra and the splitting of urine could indicate an underlying issue such as urethritis or a bladder condition. The presence of a white, cloudy discharge could suggest an infection or inflammation, which should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
2. Connection Between Holding Urine and Health Issues
Holding urine for extended periods can lead to several complications, including urinary tract infections and bladder dysfunction. While it may not directly cause high uric acid levels, chronic urinary retention can lead to bladder overactivity and other urinary issues. Your previous high uric acid levels may be related to dietary factors or metabolic issues, but they are not typically linked to the habit of holding urine.
3. Psychological Factors
Your description of feeling unable to urinate when others are nearby suggests a psychological component to your urinary issues. This could be a form of social anxiety or a learned behavior from childhood. It’s not uncommon for individuals to develop a fear of urination in public settings, which can exacerbate the physical symptoms you are experiencing. Addressing this anxiety through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or relaxation techniques may help improve your ability to urinate in various settings.
4. Seeking Medical Help
To address your symptoms, it would be advisable to start with a visit to a urologist. They can perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and necessary tests such as urinalysis, urine culture, and possibly imaging studies to assess your urinary tract. The costs for blood tests and urinalysis can vary widely depending on your location and healthcare provider, but they are generally affordable and necessary for diagnosis.
5. Treatment Options
If you are diagnosed with conditions such as urinary sphincter dysfunction or interstitial cystitis (IC), treatment options are available. Sphincter dysfunction can often be managed with pelvic floor exercises, medications, or biofeedback therapy. Interstitial cystitis may require a combination of dietary changes, medications, and bladder training techniques.
High uric acid levels can typically be managed through dietary modifications and medications like allopurinol, which helps reduce uric acid production. Treatment duration varies based on individual response and adherence to lifestyle changes, but many patients see significant improvement within a few months.
6. Prognosis and Recurrence
The prognosis for these conditions varies. With appropriate treatment, many individuals experience significant relief from symptoms. However, some conditions, like interstitial cystitis, may require ongoing management. It’s essential to maintain regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your condition and adjust treatment as necessary.
In conclusion, your symptoms warrant a comprehensive evaluation by a urologist, who can provide a tailored treatment plan based on your specific diagnosis. Addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of your condition will be crucial in achieving long-term relief and improving your quality of life. Don’t hesitate to seek help; you deserve to feel comfortable and confident in your daily activities.
Similar Q&A
Frequent Urination: Understanding Your Urological Concerns
Frequent urination throughout the day.
Dr. Liu Jianting reply Urology
Constantly feeling the urge to urinate can be quite frustrating. There are many possible reasons for this, such as a bladder infection, cooler weather, drinking too much water, or other factors. It's best to consult a physician for a proper evaluation![Read More] Frequent Urination: Understanding Your Urological Concerns
Understanding Frequent Urination and Anxiety-Related Symptoms
Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing frequent urination and difficulty urinating. My inability to urinate usually occurs when someone is nearby, so I believe it may be a psychological issue. However, after researching related conditions online, my anxiety has worsened, and the...
Dr. Chen Xiuyi reply Urology
Hello: The causes of frequent urination can be divided into two main categories. The first category involves increased urine production by the kidneys, which can occur due to physiological factors such as excessive fluid intake, consumption of coffee or alcohol, or as a result of...[Read More] Understanding Frequent Urination and Anxiety-Related Symptoms
Understanding Frequent Urination: Causes and Symptoms Explained
Frequent urination without increased fluid intake, along with feelings of fatigue, drowsiness, and occasional nausea, could be indicative of several underlying conditions. Possible causes may include diabetes mellitus, urinary tract infections, or kidney issues. It is important t...
Dr. Chen Jiansheng reply Urology
Hello, Miss Pudding: The causes of frequent urination are complex (infection, stones, emotions, medications, diet, etc.). I recommend that you visit the urology department for a urinalysis and treatment to gain a clearer direction. Chen Chien-Sheng, Urology Department, Hsin Ying ...[Read More] Understanding Frequent Urination: Causes and Symptoms Explained
Understanding Frequent Urination: Causes and Concerns in Urology
Since last month, I have been experiencing a frequent urge to urinate, with an increased number of trips to the bathroom each day. Sometimes the urgency is so intense that I almost can't hold it (previously, I could hold it for a long time). Initially, I experienced this dai...
Dr. Sun Hongshun reply Urology
Hello: Your symptoms may indicate a urinary tract infection, kidney stones, or overactive bladder. It is recommended to visit a urology clinic for a urine test or to arrange for other examinations. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Frequent Urination: Causes and Concerns in Urology
Related FAQ
(Urology)
Urination(Urology)
Frequent Urination(Internal Medicine)
Frequent Urination(Obstetrics and Gynecology)
Urination(Internal Medicine)
Urethritis(Urology)
Frequent Urination(Rehabilitation)
Urination(Family Medicine)
Chronic Kidney Disease(Urology)
Cystitis(Urology)