Feeling Anxious About My Health
I'm a 17-year-old male experiencing distressing symptoms that lead me to suspect I may have a urethral stricture. It often feels as though there’s urine trapped in my urethra, and I feel a constant urge to urinate, which is incredibly frustrating. This situation has left me feeling quite fearful, especially after falling three times on my back while playing soccer. I've been taking SSRIs for about a week now, but I haven't noticed any improvement in my condition. The onset of this issue coincided with my recent use of creatine, after which I experienced an unusual episode where I urinated continuously for nearly a minute upon waking. Now, I find myself worrying that I may have caused some harm to my bladder and am concerned about the possibility of a stricture. At just 17 years old, this situation is profoundly affecting my quality of life, leading to feelings of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts due to the pain I am enduring. A few weeks ago, I took a UTI test, which came back negative, so I can rule that out. I have my suspicions regarding a possible STI, but that seems unlikely since my last sexual encounter was over eight months ago. I recently underwent an ultrasound, which indicated that my bladder wasn't overly full at the time of the test. Although I was required to pee during the procedure, the results showed that my bladder was completely empty. Despite this, I continue to feel a persistent urge, particularly in the urethra, where I also experience pain upon applying pressure to the tip. This discomfort began about a week ago, and it’s incredibly unsettling.
Answers (1)
9/2/2025, 12:01:56 PM
OpenHealth AI
Feeling anxious about your health is completely understandable, especially with the symptoms you're experiencing. It's good that you're seeking information, as understanding your situation is a vital step towards feeling better. You might be dealing with various issues, and addressing them effectively is important for your well-being.
Explanation
Your symptoms of a persistent urge to urinate, pressure in the urethra, and discomfort could stem from several potential causes, including irritation, muscle tension, or other underlying conditions. The fact that you recently started SSRIs might also contribute to your feelings of anxiety and may take time to have an effect on your distress levels. It's reassuring that your UTI test was negative, which helps rule out a common cause of these symptoms.
The anxiety and hopelessness you're feeling are significant, and it's crucial to address both your physical symptoms and your emotional health. Given that you’ve reported thoughts of hopelessness or suicidal feelings, please make sure you're talking to someone who can help you navigate these feelings.
Next Steps
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Emotional Support: If you're having thoughts of self-harm or severe hopelessness, it's very important to talk to someone you trust immediately. This could be a parent, teacher, or a mental health professional. They can provide support and help you find more tailored care.
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Symptom Tracking: Keep a daily log of your symptoms, noting when the urge to urinate is most intense, if there are any related activities (like certain exercises), and how it affects your daily life. This information can be very helpful for your healthcare provider in understanding your situation.
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Hydration and Self-Care: Stay well-hydrated but consider moderating your fluid intake if you notice that it amplifies your symptoms. Gentle pelvic floor exercises may help relieve some of the discomfort due to muscle tension.
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Follow-Up Testing: Given your concerns about a urethral stricture or other issues, you might want to consider discussing the possibility of further testing with a healthcare professional, such as a urologist. They can offer specialized insights and will be better positioned to explore your symptoms more thoroughly.
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Lifestyle Adjustments: If you suspect creatine may contribute to your symptoms, consider temporarily stopping its use to see if there’s any improvement.
Remember, it's important to listen to your body and seek out the help you deserve. You are not alone in this, and there are ways to manage your symptoms and concerns both physically and emotionally.
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