Differential Diagnosis for Intermittent Penis and Unilateral Testicle Pain during Urination
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Urethritis: This condition, which is an inflammation of the urethra, can cause pain during urination (dysuria) and is often associated with discharge. The pain can radiate to the penis and testicles, making it a plausible cause for the symptoms described.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland can cause pain in the genital area, including the penis and testicles, and can also lead to painful urination.
- Epididymitis: This is an inflammation of the epididymis, a tube at the back of the testicle that stores and carries sperm. It can cause testicular pain that may radiate to the penis and can be associated with painful urination.
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): While more common in women, men can also develop UTIs, which can cause dysuria and pain in the genital area.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Testicular Torsion: Although it typically presents with sudden and severe testicular pain, it's a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Missing this diagnosis can lead to loss of the testicle.
- Epididymo-orchitis: A combination of epididymitis and orchitis (inflammation of the testis), which can be caused by bacterial or viral infections. It's crucial to diagnose and treat promptly to prevent complications.
- Kidney Stone: A stone in the urinary tract can cause severe pain (renal colic) and dysuria. While the pain typically starts in the flank, it can radiate to the groin and genital area.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Reiter's Syndrome (Reactive Arthritis): A form of arthritis that occurs as a reaction to a bacterial infection in another part of the body, often the intestines or the urinary tract. It can cause a combination of arthritis, urethritis, and conjunctivitis.
- Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP): A rare disease that involves inflammation of the blood vessels, which can cause a variety of symptoms including joint pain, abdominal pain, and kidney involvement. It can also cause testicular pain and swelling.
- Genital Herpes: A viral infection that can cause painful sores in the genital area, which might be confused with pain during urination if the sores are located near the urethral opening.