Urination and other problems

[bob322]

Hi. I hope you can help me. I am male, 37 yrs. old. For 3 or 4 years I have dribbling urine, frequent urination, sometimes urination takes a long time to start. When I drink, sometimes I have to urinate every 15 minutes. The dribbling is everpresent.I havent noticed any burning sensation(if so, mild). No blood in urine. On occasion it's smelly urine. I am generally in good health. The only medication I have taken is Propecia(for hair loss) for the last 3 or 4 years. I drink a lot of coffee. Over the past 4 years I have developed a  red patch on one side of my urethra opening. It never goes away and is blanchable(goes away for a second if pressed on, then comes right back). Amidst this red patch are tiny red dots which are also blanchable. The entire area of this red patch is small-it covers the length of my urethra opening and goes outward about a 1/4 inch. The blanchable red dots become slightly raised. It's not itchy and doesn't hurt. No puss comes out of my urethral opening.

What can be the cause(s) of all these problems? Is my urination problem related to my skin problem? Can this skin problem ever heal.
I would be grateful if you could give me advice and suggestions.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I would ensure an infection isn't present.  A urinalysis as well as tests for gonorrhea and chlamydia to ensure this isn't the case.

If negative, I would next ensure that the prostate isn't enlarged.  Although you are young, an enlarged prostate can cause symptoms such as dribbling urine and frequent urination.  A digital rectal exam by a physician can evaluate this.  

If tests continue to be non-revealing, you can consider a cystoscopy to evaluate for any anatomical abnormalties (i.e. strictures or polyps) that may be causing your symptoms.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[Mother Margaret]

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[ozzy983]

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