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Split Urine Stream: A Symptom of BPH
A split urine stream is when the flow of urine exiting the body splits and goes in two directions. It has many causes, including adhesion, urethral stricture, or meatal stenosis, but it could also be a sign of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is an enlargement of the prostate gland and it could affect men as they age. Many men who suffer from BPH may experience a split urine stream at some point during their diagnosis. While a split urine stream can be uncomfortable and embarrassing for those who suffer from it, this symptom is also very treatable.
Symptoms of Split Urine Streams
The easiest way to tell if you are suffering from a split urine stream is by noticing it while urinating. There will be two different flows of urine while going to the bathroom. You may also experience the following symptoms associated with a split urine stream:
- Two streams of urine while urinating
- Inability to contain urination
- Difficulty urinating
- Pain/burning when urinating
- Urine splashes in several different directions while urinating
Causes of Split Urine Streams
The most common cause of a split urine stream is adhesion. This condition occurs when the edges of the urethra become temporarily stuck together, causing difficulty urinating. Other causes of a split urine stream include:
- Enlarged prostate gland (BPH)
- Urethral stricture
- Meatal stenosis
- Phimosis
- Urethral polyps
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
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How Does BPH Cause Split Urine Streams?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a vascular condition that is most common in older men. As the prostate gland becomes enlarged, it could end up partially blocking the urethra. This blockage can lead to abdominal pain and pain while urinating, but it is also the reason why BPH would cause a split urine stream. When the prostate is at a normal size, it does not get in the way of the urethra and block the flow of urine, but for people who suffer from a split urine stream, the gland becomes too large for urine to flow regularly. This results in two streams of urine instead of one.
Treatment for Split Urine Streams
Treatment for a split urine stream depends on how often it occurs. If this is a problem every time you go to the bathroom and you have been diagnosed with BPH, our physicians at American Prostate Centers can help. We offer prostate artery embolization (PAE), which is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat BPH and recommend lifestyle changes.
Lifestyle Changes
Most of the time a split urine stream can be treated by making lifestyle changes and may not ever require any type of surgery. When dealing with split urine streams, it is important to make sure you are emptying your bladder as much as possible. Your physician will work with you to train your bladder to hold urine longer and use exercise to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.
PAE: Minimally Invasive Prostate Treatment
Prostate artery embolization is a minimally invasive way to treat BPH and its symptoms. Our expert prostate specialists will inject tiny particles into the arteries that supply blood to the prostate, using a catheter. This will disrupt blood flow to the prostate, causing it to shrink due to less oxygenated blood entering the gland. PAE has proven to be effective, as the average prostate size may shrink by 30% one year after treatment.
What to Expect from Prostate Artery Embolization
Frequently Asked Questions About Split Urine Stream
A split urine stream occurs when your urine flow divides into two separate streams instead of one continuous stream. It can be a temporary or persistent condition and can affect both men and women, although it’s more common in men.
Yes, a split urine stream is often normal and may happen occasionally without any underlying health issues. It may just occur due to dehydration or a full bladder. However, if you have a persistent, painful split stream accompanied by other urinary symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor to determine its BPH.
You should see a doctor if you experience a split stream accompanied by any of the following:
- Difficulty urinating
- Painful urination
- Burning sensation while urinating
- Frequent urination
- Blood in the urine
- Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection
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