[29F] Experiencing intermittent urinary retention

Patient Description

A 29-year-old female presents with a 3-4 week history of intermittent urinary retention characterized by an urge to urinate with little to no urine output and a slow interrupted stream when urination is possible. The patient reports the condition occurs randomly and has not identified any relieving factors. There is an associated fever and back pain, but no abdominal pain, dysuria, hematuria, or severe leg weakness. The patient has a medical history of endometriosis diagnosed in 2017, depression and arthritis diagnosed in 2023, and is currently taking Zoloft, Prilosec, Reglan, Pepcid, Tamiflu, Theraflu, and Mucinex. The patient has a known allergy to sulfa-based medications.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, the following conditions could be possible:

  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is an infection in any part of your urinary system — your kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria, but some are caused by viruses and fungi. UTIs are more common in women than men. They can occur at any age but are more common in people who are sexually active, pregnant, or menopausal. You mentioned having a fever, which is a common symptom of a UTI.

    • Treatment typically involves antibiotics to clear the infection. Drinking plenty of water can help to flush bacteria out of your system.

  • Bladder Stones: These are hard masses of minerals in your bladder. They form when the minerals in concentrated urine crystallize and form stones. This often happens when you can't completely empty your bladder. Symptoms can range from severe abdominal pain to blood in your urine.

    • Treatment usually involves either drinking lots of water to pass the stone or a procedure to break up or remove the stone.

  • Neurogenic Bladder: This is a condition in which a person lacks bladder control due to a brain, spinal cord or nerve condition. Symptoms can include urinary incontinence or an inability to urinate.

    • Treatment often involves medications, pelvic floor exercises, or potentially surgery.

What you can do

Given the duration and severity of your symptoms, it's important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. Here are some steps you can take:

  1. Make an appointment with your primary care doctor or a urologist. They can perform tests to determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment.
  2. In the meantime, try to drink plenty of water to help flush your system and potentially alleviate your symptoms.
  3. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods, which can irritate your bladder.

What you should look out for

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:

  • Severe abdominal or back pain
  • Blood in your urine
  • Fever with chills
  • Nausea and vomiting

Remember, I'm an AI and not a doctor. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

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11 mo ago

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People Also Ask

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

Common symptoms of a UTI include a strong, persistent urge to urinate, a burning sensation when urinating, passing frequent, small amounts of urine, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and pelvic pain. Fever may also occur if the infection has reached the kidneys.

How are bladder stones diagnosed and treated?

Bladder stones are typically diagnosed through imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasounds, or CT scans. Treatment may involve drinking plenty of water to help pass the stones naturally, or medical procedures to break up or remove the stones if they are too large to pass on their own.

What is a neurogenic bladder and what causes it?

A neurogenic bladder is a condition where there is a lack of bladder control due to nerve damage from conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, or nerves. Causes can include spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, or other neurological disorders.

Can endometriosis affect urinary function?

Endometriosis can affect urinary function if the endometrial tissue grows on or near the bladder or urinary tract, potentially causing symptoms like urinary frequency, urgency, or pain during urination. It's important to discuss these symptoms with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and management.

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