Uncommon Urologic Situation
Greetings. I'm a 31-year-old female, weighing 47 kg and standing at 5'2". Four years after experiencing pyelonephritis, I began facing difficulties when trying to urinate; I found myself straining and realizing there was still urine left in my bladder, ranging from 30 to 120 ml. I've included a uroflowmetry reading in the comments for reference. Could anyone provide insights on whether this might indicate detrusor underactivity, issues with the sphincter not relaxing, or potentially dyssynergia? I'm uncertain about which medication might be appropriate. I appreciate any assistance!
Answers (1)
12/13/2025, 4:40:35 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing significant urinary difficulties, which can be quite concerning. Given your background of pyelonephritis and the symptoms of urinary retention you are describing, there are several possible underlying issues, including detrusor underactivity, sphincter dysfunction, or dyssynergia.
Main Points:
- Understanding Your Symptoms: Symptoms like straining and the sensation of incomplete bladder emptying can indicate problems with bladder function or coordination between the bladder and sphincter muscles.
- Potential Causes: Detrusor underactivity means that your bladder muscles may not be contracting effectively. Sphincter dysfunction could mean that the muscles that control urine flow are not relaxing properly. Dyssynergia refers to a lack of coordination between these muscle groups.
- Next Steps: Focus on monitoring and understanding your symptoms better before considering medication.
Explanation:
- Detrusor Underactivity: This is when the bladder muscle (detrusor) does not contract adequately, leading to incomplete voiding.
- Sphincter Dysfunction: If the external sphincter does not relax as it should during urination, it can lead to straining and retention.
- Dyssynergia: This happens when the bladder contracts but the sphincter does not relax, resulting in urinary obstruction.
Actionable Steps:
- Keep a Urinary Diary: Document your urination frequency, urgency, volume per void, and any instances of straining or discomfort. This information is vital for understanding your symptoms better.
- Hydration and Diet: Ensure adequate fluid intake (unless contraindicated) and avoid irritants (like caffeine and alcohol) that may exacerbate your symptoms.
- Bladder Training: Try scheduled voiding to help establish a more regular pattern. Start by urinating every 2-3 hours regardless of the urge and gradually adjust based on your needs.
- Consulting with a Specialist: Although you’ve mentioned not seeking further consultations, I strongly encourage discussing your uroflowmetry results and symptoms with a urologist or a specialist in pelvic floor health for a personalized approach. They can recommend appropriate treatments and, if necessary, medications that could assist with your situation.
Overall, taking these steps will not only help you better understand your condition but also prepare you for informed discussions with healthcare providers if needed. Always prioritize your comfort and well-being. If any severe symptoms arise, such as pain or fever, seek prompt care.
Related Questions
Patient Seeks New Prescription Before Upcoming Cruise
A 62-year-old man has a long-standing relationship with his primary care physician, having been a patient for two years and undergoing yearly wellness evaluations. With a cruise scheduled for the upcoming week, he submitted a request through the doctor's portal on Monday for Scopolamine patches to prevent seasickness. However, he did not receive any response for 48 hours and subsequently made multiple phone calls on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. During these calls, the staff informed him that the medical assistant had yet to confer with the doctor regarding his request. Finally, on Friday, just 15 minutes before closing time, the office contacted him to confirm that the prescription had been sent to the pharmacy. They also mentioned that moving forward, an in-person appointment would be necessary for all new prescriptions. Is it common for clinics to mandate an office visit for any new prescriptions? While I can understand that stricter measures might be needed for controlled substances or in situations where there are health risks associated with the medication, this seems excessive in my case. Is a five-day wait period for a prescription considered reasonable? Had they notified me on Wednesday that I needed to book an appointment, I would have had time to do so or to seek assistance at an urgent care facility. As an additional note, my wife contacted her primary care provider on the same Monday and had her prescription called into the pharmacy by Tuesday. For what it’s worth, I've enjoyed several cruises in the past without issues, but I’ve noticed some discussions online warning about the possibility of rough winds and turbulent seas in the upcoming travel area.
Assessing Rodenticide Exposure and First Aid Measures
In this narrative scenario, we have a male character, A, aged 15, who has suffered a stabbing injury inflicted with a dagger coated in rat poison. The question arises regarding whether character B, a 14-year-old female, can administer crucial first aid to stabilize A until professional medical assistance can be acquired. The particular type of rat poison involved is unknown; however, it has been characterized by symptoms such as limb numbness and blurred vision. These symptoms could also indicate potential blood loss, contributing to the urgency of the situation. Currently, B and A believe that reaching a hospital is a distant possibility. However, unbeknownst to them, help might arrive sooner than anticipated. Given this, it is essential to devise a plausible method through which B could attempt to manage A's condition. B could have a background that equips her with this knowledge; this detail is flexible within the story's framework. Any suggestions on how B might effectively deal with this predicament would be greatly appreciated. Additionally, for context, this narrative takes place in the year 2007, though its significance remains uncertain.
Am I Concerned About My Toenail Surgery Recovery?
I'm a 21-year-old and English isn't my primary language, so I apologize if anything sounds off. On November 25th, I underwent a partial unguectomy to treat an ingrown toenail. So far, my healing process has been going quite smoothly. There's one stitch remaining, which my doctor assures me will dissolve on its own, and I've been given the green light to engage in most activities as I experience little to no discomfort. My only responsibility has been to clean and bandage the area every three days. However, an issue arose yesterday when someone accidentally stepped on my foot. I noticed a new area of irritated red skin, which wasn't present before (I've posted images in the comments). I've also experienced a slight increase in pain, but it's still within manageable limits. Unfortunately, my doctor won't be available until Wednesday, leading me to worry that I may have jeopardized my recovery. I would greatly appreciate any insights to help ease my concerns, as I'm feeling quite anxious about the situation.
Experiencing Pinky Twitches?
Greetings! I’ve been noticing an unusual twitching in my pinky finger that occurs in a rhythmic pattern. It seems to tighten and relax about four times in a consistent interval. I'm a 21-year-old male, standing at 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing 210 pounds. Previously, I was prescribed Adderall for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Is It Okay to Host a 50-Person Gathering After Having a Cold?
For the past week, I've been under the weather with a slight cold. Symptoms included a runny or blocked nose, chills, body soreness, and intermittent headaches. Fortunately, after taking some Sudafed and NyQuil last night, I'm feeling somewhat improved. The congestion has subsided, but I still feel a bit lethargic. My primary concern is whether I'm still contagious. I'm set to host a gathering today with around 50 young adults aged 18 to 26 in a cramped setting. Am I at risk of passing my cold on to them, or since the congestion is gone, can I assume I’m no longer contagious? I do find myself sneezing occasionally. I'm a healthy 22-year-old female.