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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.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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