Differential Diagnosis for a 25-year-old Female with Dysuria and Frequent Urination
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is the most common cause of dysuria and frequent urination in young women. The symptoms presented, such as dysuria (painful urination) and frequent urination, are classic for a UTI, especially given the acute onset.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Vaginitis: Infections like bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, or trichomoniasis can cause dysuria, especially if the infection causes inflammation that affects the urethra.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Certain STIs, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, can cause symptoms of dysuria and frequent urination in women.
- Interstitial Cystitis: A condition that causes bladder pressure, bladder pain, and sometimes pelvic pain. The symptoms can worsen as the bladder fills and may improve with urination.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pyelonephritis: An infection of the kidney, which can present with symptoms similar to a UTI but also includes flank pain, fever, and possibly nausea and vomiting. Missing this diagnosis could lead to severe kidney damage.
- Kidney Stones: While less common in young women, kidney stones can cause severe pain and symptoms of dysuria and frequent urination. The pain can be severe and may radiate from the flank to the groin.
- Septic Abortion or Ectopic Pregnancy: In a pregnant woman, these conditions can present with abdominal pain and possibly symptoms of a UTI. They are medical emergencies.
Rare Diagnoses
- Tuberculosis of the Urinary Tract: A rare condition in many parts of the world, which can cause chronic symptoms of dysuria, frequent urination, and possibly hematuria (blood in the urine).
- Bladder Cancer: Extremely rare in young women, but could present with symptoms of dysuria, frequent urination, and possibly hematuria.
- Schistosomiasis: In endemic areas, this parasitic infection can cause urinary symptoms including dysuria and frequent urination, especially if the bladder is involved.