Urinary Pain and Discomfort After Holding Urine

Holding urine and straining to urinate?

Hello, doctor.
Recently, I had to hold my urine for a long time while on the highway.
Later, when I urinated, I seemed to exert too much force, and I experienced a noticeable sharp pain around the mid-shaft of the penis.
Additionally, when I wiped, there was an unknown yellowish discharge and some blood on the tissue.
I initially thought it was nothing serious, but it has been three days, and the issue persists, with the unknown discharge increasing in amount.
Could you please tell me what the problem might be?

Lin Xiansheng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/06/23

Dr. Li Yilun reply Urology

If you experience painful urination and frequent urination, it may indicate a urinary tract infection; however, the condition can vary among different patients.
It is important to note that a simple description cannot determine the severity of the condition.
A thorough assessment, including a medical history review and physical examination, is necessary.
If you have significant symptoms, it is advisable to consult a professional physician for evaluation and testing.
Doctors often require a detailed medical history, visual examination, palpation, and additional tests to establish an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Therefore, if you are experiencing symptoms, it is recommended to seek evaluation and treatment from a nearby urologist.

Reply Date: 2015/06/23

More Info

Experiencing urinary pain and discomfort after holding urine for an extended period can be concerning, especially when accompanied by unusual discharge and blood. Based on your description, it is essential to consider several potential causes and the appropriate steps to take.

Firstly, holding urine for too long can lead to bladder overdistension, which may cause irritation and inflammation of the bladder and urethra. This irritation can manifest as pain during urination, a sensation of urgency, and even difficulty in starting or maintaining a urine stream. The act of straining to urinate, especially after prolonged retention, can exacerbate this discomfort and lead to microtrauma in the urethra, resulting in pain and potential bleeding.

The presence of a yellow, cloudy discharge along with blood can indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI) or possibly a sexually transmitted infection (STI). UTIs are common, particularly in individuals who may have experienced urinary retention, as bacteria can proliferate in the stagnant urine. Symptoms of a UTI typically include a burning sensation during urination, increased frequency and urgency of urination, and sometimes lower abdominal pain. The presence of blood in the urine (hematuria) can also occur in cases of infection or irritation.

Given that the symptoms have persisted for three days and have worsened, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. A healthcare provider will likely perform a urinalysis to check for signs of infection, such as the presence of white blood cells, bacteria, and red blood cells. They may also conduct a urine culture to identify the specific bacteria responsible for the infection, allowing for targeted antibiotic treatment.

In the meantime, here are some recommendations to help alleviate your symptoms:
1. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help flush out bacteria from the urinary tract and dilute the urine, which may reduce irritation.

2. Avoid Irritants: Stay away from caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and acidic foods, as these can irritate the bladder and worsen symptoms.

3. Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate discomfort. However, consult with a healthcare provider before taking any medication, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

4. Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress to the lower abdomen may provide some relief from pain and discomfort.

5. Avoid Holding Urine: In the future, try to avoid holding urine for extended periods. Regularly emptying the bladder can help prevent irritation and infections.

6. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms, such as increased pain, fever, or changes in urine color or odor, and report these to your healthcare provider.

In summary, while it is not uncommon to experience discomfort after holding urine, the persistence of your symptoms, especially with the presence of discharge and blood, warrants a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing complications and ensuring a swift recovery. Please make an appointment with a urologist or your primary care physician as soon as possible.

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