[34M] Experiencing urinary difficulties and lower back pain

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, there are several possible conditions that could be causing your problems:

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): This is a common condition in men where the prostate gland enlarges and can cause difficulty urinating, frequent urination, and sometimes pain during urination. This condition is more common in older men but can occur in younger men as well. Despite having normal prostate levels, it's possible to still have BPH.

  • Treatment typically involves medication to shrink the prostate or relax the muscles in the prostate, and in some cases, surgery.

• Prostatitis: This is an inflammation or infection of the prostate gland that can cause difficulty urinating, frequent urination, and pain during urination. It can occur in men of all ages.

  • Treatment typically involves antibiotics, pain relievers, and medications to relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder.

• Interstitial Cystitis (IC): Also known as painful bladder syndrome, IC is a chronic condition characterized by bladder pressure, bladder pain and sometimes pelvic pain, ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain. Symptoms can vary from person to person and may even vary in the same person over time.

  • Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes, physical therapy, medications, nerve stimulation, and in some cases, surgery.

• Lower Back Problems: Conditions such as a herniated disc, sciatica, or spinal stenosis can cause lower back pain and can sometimes affect bladder function.

  • Treatment typically involves physical therapy, medications, and in some cases, 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. A healthcare provider can perform a physical examination and may order tests such as a urinalysis, blood tests, ultrasound, or a CT scan to help determine the cause of your symptoms.

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

1. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid alcohol and caffeine as they can irritate the bladder.
2. Use a heating pad: Apply a heating pad to your lower abdomen to help relieve pain.
3. Take over-the-counter pain relievers: Non-prescription pain relievers such as ibuprofen can help relieve pain, but they should not be used as a long-term solution.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Inability to urinate at all
• Blood in your urine
• Severe abdominal pain
• Fever or chills
• Unexplained weight loss

Remember, I'm an AI and while I strive to provide accurate information, it's always important to consult with a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and treatment.