Differential Diagnosis for Male Pain with Urination
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is a common cause of painful urination in men, especially if they have a history of UTIs or have recently had a urinary procedure. Bacterial infections are the most common cause, with E. coli being the predominant pathogen.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland can cause pain during urination, along with other symptoms like pelvic pain and difficulty starting urination. It can be acute or chronic.
- Urethritis: Inflammation of the urethra, often due to infection, can cause painful urination. This condition is more common in men who are sexually active.
- Kidney Stones: While not always painful during urination, kidney stones can cause severe pain if they obstruct the urinary tract, leading to painful urination among other symptoms.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Gonorrhea or Chlamydia: These sexually transmitted infections can cause painful urination in men and, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications like infertility and epididymitis.
- Tuberculosis of the Urinary Tract: Although rare, TB can infect the urinary system, causing chronic pain and other symptoms. It's crucial to consider in high-risk populations or areas with high TB prevalence.
- Cancer of the Urinary Tract: While less common, cancers of the bladder, prostate, or kidney can cause painful urination among other symptoms. Early detection is critical for effective treatment.
Rare Diagnoses
- Interstitial Cystitis: A chronic condition causing bladder pressure, bladder pain, and sometimes pelvic pain. The symptoms can worsen as the bladder fills and may improve with urination.
- Schistosomiasis: A parasitic infection that can involve the urinary tract, causing symptoms like painful urination. It's more common in travelers to or residents of certain tropical and subtropical regions.
- Sjögren's Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that can affect the glands that produce tears and saliva, but can also cause interstitial cystitis-like symptoms, including painful urination.