[44M] Experiencing urinary retention, pain during urination, and systemic symptoms

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, the most likely causes of your symptoms could be:

• 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 in men. Symptoms can include a persistent urge to urinate, burning sensation during urination, passing frequent, small amounts of urine, urine that appears cloudy, urine that appears red or bright pink (a sign of blood in the urine), strong-smelling urine, pelvic pain (in women), and rectal pain (in men).

  • Treatment typically involves antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection. Drinking plenty of water may help to dilute your urine and help flush out bacteria.

• Kidney Stones: These are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. Kidney stones have many causes and can affect any part of your urinary tract. Passing kidney stones can be quite painful, but the stones usually cause no permanent damage.

  • Treatment can include pain relievers and drinking lots of water to help pass the stone. Medical procedures may be required to remove or break up larger stones.

• Prostatitis: This is swelling and inflammation of the prostate gland, a walnut-sized gland situated directly below the bladder in men. Prostatitis often causes painful or difficult urination. Other symptoms may include pain in the groin, pelvic area or genitals, and sometimes flu-like symptoms.

  • Treatment often involves a course of antibiotics.

What you can do

You should seek immediate medical attention. 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 that you're urinating regularly, which can help flush bacteria out of your urinary system.
2. Avoid drinks that may irritate your bladder: Avoid coffee, alcohol, and soft drinks containing citrus juices and caffeine until your infection has cleared. They can irritate your bladder and tend to aggravate your frequent or urgent need to urinate.
3. Use a heating pad: Apply a heating pad to your abdomen to minimize bladder pressure or discomfort.

What you should look out for

If you notice any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:

• Severe abdominal or lower back pain
• Blood in your urine
• Persistent or high fever
• Vomiting or high levels of discomfort
• Symptoms that worsen or do not improve with treatment

Please remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care.