You take a break to ease your bladder and find your urine stream has split in two. It might sound strange and funny, but a split urine stream is no joke.
Several problems can cause this symptom, which is much more common in men than in women. If you are facing the split issue, read on to find out what could be going on.
Causes of Split Urine Stream
- Adhesion. This is the most common cause of a split urine stream. It happens when the edges of the urethra get stuck together temporarily. The urethra is the tube, carrying urine and semen (in men) out of the body. This situation is often caused by dry ejaculate that does not fully exit the urethra, gumming up the pipes. Adhesion is not a severe condition and usually fades out within a day or so.
- Meatal stenosis. Meatal stenosis is the condition in which the opening at the tip of the penis can become partially blocked. It is often linked to circumcision and is rare in boys and men who have not been circumcised. Apart from a double urine stream, symptoms of meatal stenosis include difficulty urinating and pain or burning when you go.
- Urethral stricture. A stricture is a shrinking of the urethra. It is usually the result of an elongated inflammation or scar tissue, which is caused by an injury or sexually transmitted infection (STIs). It can also develop after having a surgical procedure. Other signs of urethral stricture include pain during urination, straining to go, and urinary tract infections.
- Phimosis. For some men, a too-tight foreskin (phimosis) can cause problems, including infections, pain, and a split stream.
- Enlarged prostate. The condition can cause many bathroom-related symptoms, including frequent urination, dribbling, straining to urinate, and a weak or divided urine stream.
If you think you might have a split urine stream that is not going on its own, it is best to consult your family doctor. To schedule an appointment with Family Diagnostic Clinic, call at 281-351-6800.