What is the cause of dysuria (painful urination) for 2 days at the end of urination in a 40-year-old married male with a single sexual partner, who recently swam in a dam in Australia two weeks ago, with no genital findings or maternal symptoms?

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Last updated: March 8, 2025 • View editorial policy

Differential Diagnosis

  • Single most likely diagnosis + Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): The patient's symptoms of dysuria (pain at the end of urination) are classic for a UTI, which is a common condition, especially in women. The fact that the patient is 40 years old and has been married with a single partner for a long time reduces the likelihood of a sexually transmitted infection (STI), making UTI a more probable diagnosis.
  • Other Likely diagnoses + Prostatitis: Although the patient is a woman, prostatitis is not exclusive to men, and some women have a Skene's gland that can become inflamed, leading to similar symptoms. + Interstitial Cystitis: This condition is characterized by chronic pain in the bladder and pelvic region, and could be considered given the patient's symptoms of pain at the end of urination. + Urethral Syndrome: This condition is characterized by symptoms of dysuria, frequency, and urgency, without evidence of a UTI, and could be a possible diagnosis.
  • Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.) + Kidney Stone: Although the patient does not have the classic symptoms of a kidney stone (severe pain, nausea, vomiting), it is essential to consider this diagnosis, as a kidney stone can cause severe pain and potentially life-threatening complications if left untreated. + Septicemia: If the patient's symptoms are due to an infection, there is a risk of septicemia, which can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.
  • Rare diagnoses + Schistosomiasis: Given the patient's recent travel history to Australia, where they swam in a dam, it is possible that they were exposed to Schistosoma parasites, which can cause urinary symptoms. + Tuberculosis (TB) of the Urinary Tract: Although rare, TB can affect the urinary tract and cause symptoms similar to those experienced by the patient.

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