Differential Diagnosis for Terminal Dysuria in Males
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is the most common cause of terminal dysuria in males, characterized by burning pain during urination, often accompanied by other symptoms like frequent urination and cloudy urine.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland can cause dysuria, especially terminal dysuria, along with other symptoms such as pelvic pain and difficulty starting urination.
- Urethritis: Inflammation of the urethra, often due to sexually transmitted infections, can cause burning pain during urination, particularly at the end.
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): While not typically causing dysuria directly, the obstruction caused by an enlarged prostate can lead to urinary symptoms including terminal dysuria.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Kidney Stones: Although not always presenting with dysuria, the severe pain associated with kidney stones (renal colic) can sometimes be mistaken for or accompanied by dysuria. Missing this diagnosis can lead to severe complications.
- Gonorrhea or Chlamydia: These sexually transmitted infections can cause urethritis, leading to dysuria. They are crucial to diagnose and treat to prevent long-term complications and transmission.
- Tuberculosis of the Urinary Tract: A less common but serious condition that can cause chronic symptoms including dysuria. It's essential to consider in high-risk populations or those with persistent symptoms.
Rare Diagnoses
- Interstitial Cystitis: A chronic condition causing bladder pressure, bladder pain, and sometimes dysuria. It's less common and can be challenging to diagnose.
- Bladder Cancer: While rare, bladder cancer can cause a variety of urinary symptoms, including dysuria. It's more common in older adults and those with risk factors like smoking.
- Schistosomiasis: In endemic areas, this parasitic infection can cause urinary symptoms, including dysuria, due to the eggs of the parasite causing inflammation in the urinary tract.