Difficulty Passing Urine: Causes & Treatment in Bhopal

1. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

UTIs are caused by bacteria entering the urinary system. They are much more common in women (due to shorter urethra) but can affect men as well. If untreated, a bladder infection can spread to the kidneys, which is more serious.

Symptoms:

• Burning or stinging pain during urination (dysuria)
• Urgent, frequent need to urinate, often passing only small amounts
• Cloudy, dark, or foul-smelling urine
• Lower abdominal pain or pressure
• Blood in urine (haematuria)
• Fever and back pain if infection reaches the kidneys

Diagnosis & Treatment: Urine routine, microscopy, and culture at our pathology lab (Dr. Apoorva Tripathi, MBBS, MD) identifies the exact bacteria. Dr. Mohit Sikka prescribes targeted antibiotics. Most patients feel better within 1-3 days.

2. Enlarged Prostate / BPH (Men Over 50)

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that is extremely common in men over 50. The prostate surrounds the urethra, so when it enlarges, it squeezes the urine passage.

Symptoms:

• Weak or slow urine stream
• Difficulty starting urination (hesitancy) — you have to wait before urine starts flowing
• Straining to urinate
• Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
• Feeling that the bladder is not completely empty
• Dribbling after urination
• Interrupted urine stream (stops and starts)

Treatment: Dr. Mohit Sikka manages BPH with medications (alpha-blockers like tamsulosin, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors). Ultrasonography evaluates prostate size and post-void residual urine. PSA blood test screens for prostate conditions. Most patients respond well to medical management.

3. Kidney Stones

Stones in the kidneys or ureters can cause urinary symptoms, especially when a stone reaches the lower ureter near the bladder or blocks urine flow.

Symptoms:

• Severe colicky pain in the flank or lower abdomen
• Blood in urine (may be visible or only on testing)
• Frequent, urgent urination when stone is near the bladder
• Burning during urination
• Nausea and vomiting during pain episodes

Diagnosis: Ultrasonography at R.K. Hospital detects stones in kidneys, ureters, and bladder. Urine tests check for blood and infection. X-ray KUB can visualize radio-opaque stones. Most small stones (less than 6mm) pass with medications and adequate hydration.

4. Bladder Problems

Various bladder conditions can cause difficulty urinating:

• Overactive bladder: Sudden, urgent need to urinate with difficulty holding urine
• Neurogenic bladder: Nerve damage (from diabetes, spinal injury) affecting bladder control
• Urethral stricture: Narrowing of the urethra causing very slow stream (more common after injury, infection, or instrumentation)
• Bladder stones: Stones forming in the bladder, causing pain, interrupted stream, and blood in urine

Evaluation: Clinical history, urine tests, ultrasonography with post-void residual volume measurement, and uroflowmetry help identify the specific bladder problem. Treatment is targeted based on the cause.