[21F] Pregnant with severe urethral pain and yellow discharge

Patient Description

A 21-year-old female, currently 10 weeks pregnant, reports a severe burning and stabbing pain in the urethra, gradually worsening over three weeks. The pain is accompanied by a yellow discharge, dark and strong-smelling urine, and a decreased frequency of urination. The patient rates the pain as a 10 out of 10. She also experiences pain during intercourse, back and side pain, and nausea and vomiting, for which she takes Zofran 4mg every 6 hours as needed. There is no fever or chills, and the patient has a family history of urinary tract issues. She had a cyst removed a few years ago. No new medications have been started or stopped recently, and she has no known drug allergies.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Even though your recent pap smear did not indicate a UTI, the symptoms you're experiencing such as pain during urination, dark and strong-smelling urine, and lower back pain are common symptoms of a UTI. UTIs are more common in women and can occur more frequently during pregnancy due to changes in the urinary tract.

    • Treatment typically involves antibiotics to clear the infection.
  • Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI): Pain during intercourse and yellow discharge can be symptoms of an STI such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. However, you mentioned that you have not had any new sexual partners or unprotected intercourse recently.

    • Treatment involves antibiotics and both partners need to be treated to prevent reinfection.
  • Kidney Stones: Given your family history of kidney issues, kidney stones could be a possibility. These are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. Pain, strong-smelling urine, and nausea are common symptoms.

    • Treatment can range from pain management and drinking lots of water to pass the stone, to medical procedures to remove or break up larger stones.

Please note that these are potential diagnoses based on the symptoms you've provided and you should seek care from a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

What you can do

In the meantime, here are some things you can do to help manage your symptoms:

  1. Drink plenty of water: This can help dilute your urine and ensure you're urinating regularly, which can help flush bacteria out of your urinary tract.
  2. Avoid irritants: Certain products can irritate the urethra and worsen your symptoms. These include bubble baths, feminine sprays, and douches.
  3. Take over-the-counter pain relievers: Non-prescription pain relievers such as acetaminophen can help manage pain. However, you should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication, especially during pregnancy.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if:

  • Your symptoms worsen or do not improve within a few days
  • You develop a fever or chills
  • You experience severe pain, especially in your back or side below your ribs
  • You notice blood in your urine or your urine becomes cloudy

Remember, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

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11 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) during pregnancy?

Common symptoms of a UTI during pregnancy include a burning sensation during urination, frequent urge to urinate, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, pelvic pain, and sometimes fever. It's important to treat UTIs promptly during pregnancy to avoid complications.


How can kidney stones be managed during pregnancy?

Management of kidney stones during pregnancy typically involves pain management, staying hydrated to help pass the stones, and sometimes medical procedures if the stones are too large to pass naturally. It's crucial to work closely with a healthcare provider to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby.


What are the risks of untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during pregnancy?

Untreated STIs during pregnancy can lead to serious health issues for both the mother and the baby, including preterm labor, low birth weight, and transmission of the infection to the baby during childbirth. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent these complications.


Can nausea and vomiting during pregnancy be related to urinary issues?

Nausea and vomiting are common during pregnancy, often due to hormonal changes. However, they can also be exacerbated by urinary issues like infections or kidney stones, which can cause additional discomfort and stress on the body. It's important to address any underlying urinary issues to help manage these symptoms.


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