HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Suggest Treatment For Difficulty In Urination, Headache And Abdominal Pain

Posted on Thu, 26 Nov 2015

Question: I have had to bear down to empty my bladder for quite a while now, but it is getting increasingly harder to go unless I have had liters of water to drink. I went to a urologist before, but they couldn't find a problem. It is also not a dropped bladder. I never was pregnant. I have to bear down so much it gives me a headache, and my abdomen really hurts.

Answered by Dr. Manuel C See IV (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Might be atrophic urethritis.

Detailed Answer:
Good day and thank you for being with healthcare magic!

For a 59 year old female I would consider an atrophic urethritis. This means that the tube where urine is coming out decreased in caliber because of the lack of estrogen during menopause. This is causing you to strain during urination and causing the obstruction. Treatment could be medical (estrogen creams on the urethra) or an out patient procedure to dilate the opening using special instruments.

Other conditions that comes to mind would be pelvic organ prolapse and neurogenic bladder. This is loss of innervation of the bladder due to previous stroke or prolonged uncontrolled diabetes.

I would suggest seeking a urologist in your area to help you with your problem. Avoid straining because this would lead to hernia, hemorrhoid formation etc.

I hope I have succeeded in providing the information you were looking for. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications at: http://www.HealthcareMagic.com/doctors/dr-manuel-c-see-iv/66014 I would gladly help you. Best wishes.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Manuel C See IV (12 minutes later)

when you said to avoid straining because it might cause a hernia, what type of a hernia would that be? I had an umbilical hernia repaired in March of this year.At the moment, I can't urinate without straining. I have an appointment with a Urologist, but can't get in until Dec 31.
You also mentioned estrogen cream. I know Premarin is made in horses. Are all of the estrogen creams made in horses? I wonder because I am allergic to serums made in horses, ex. tetanus anti-toxin.

Answered by Dr. Manuel C See IV (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Try estriol cream.

Detailed Answer:
Yes. Your umbilical hernia could be due to your prolonged/repeated straining during urination.

Estrogen cream are widely available and have different brand names and manufacturers depending on the region where you reside. Estriol cream are not from horses unlike Premarin. Use it twice a day until you see your urologist.

yours truly , Manuel See IV

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Manuel C See IV (7 hours later)

Thank you very much. This is very helpful. In the past 2 weeks I have gained 10 pounds. Could this be related?

Answered by Dr. Manuel C See IV (53 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No i dont think it is related.

Detailed Answer:
You are very welcome.

The weight gain shouldn't affect your voiding symptoms but may worsen water retention. But atrophic urethritis is not affected by your weight gain.

regards,
dr. Manuel See IV

Note: Consult a Urologist online for consultation about prostate and bladder problems, sexual dysfunction, kidney stones, prostate enlargement, urinary incontinence, impotence and erectile dysfunction - Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar