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Last updated: July 28, 2025View editorial policy

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Differential Diagnosis

  • Single most likely diagnosis
    • Chlamydia urethritis: This is considered the most likely diagnosis due to the patient's symptoms of dysuria, urgency, and whitish urethral discharge, despite denying any recent sexual intercourse. Chlamydia can have a prolonged incubation period, and the patient's past history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) increases the likelihood.
  • Other Likely diagnoses
    • Trichomonas urethritis: Given the patient's past history of Trichomonas urethritis, it is possible that the patient has been re-infected, especially if the patient's sexual partners were not treated.
    • Gonococcal urethritis: Although the patient denies recent sexual intercourse, gonococcal urethritis is still a possibility, especially if the patient has had unprotected sex in the past.
    • Prostatitis: The patient's symptoms of dysuria, urgency, and occasional bilateral flank pain, along with the finding of a heterogeneous prostate on TRUS, suggest that prostatitis could be a contributing factor to the patient's symptoms.
  • Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
    • Tuberculosis (TB) of the urinary tract: Although rare, TB of the urinary tract can present with similar symptoms, including dysuria, urgency, and flank pain. It is essential to consider this diagnosis, especially if the patient has a history of exposure to TB or has traveled to areas where TB is endemic.
    • Urinary tract cancer: Although unlikely in a 36-year-old male, urinary tract cancer can present with similar symptoms, including dysuria, urgency, and flank pain. It is essential to consider this diagnosis, especially if the patient has a family history of cancer or has been exposed to carcinogens.
  • Rare diagnoses
    • Urethral stricture: Although the patient had a normal cystoscopy 4 months ago, it is possible that a new stricture has formed, causing the patient's symptoms.
    • Interstitial cystitis: This condition can cause similar symptoms, including dysuria, urgency, and flank pain, although it is relatively rare in males.
    • Schistosomiasis: This parasitic infection can cause urinary tract symptoms, including dysuria, urgency, and flank pain, although it is rare in the United States.

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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