What causes men to have bifurcated urine?

Bifurcated urination in men may be related to physiological or pathological factors. Common causes include residual urethral secretions, prostatic hyperplasia, urethral stones, urethritis, urethral stricture, etc. Bifurcated urination usually manifests as a bifurcated urinary stream or a thinning of the urine line, which can be improved by adjusting lifestyle habits, drug treatment, or surgical treatment.

1. Remaining urethral secretions

Residual urethral secretion is a common physiological cause of bifurcated urination, which is more common during the first urination in the morning. Urethral secretions that accumulate at night may cause a temporary bifurcation of the urine stream, usually without other uncomfortable symptoms. Pay attention to perineal cleaning every day and wipe the urethral opening after urination to help reduce secretion residues. If it is accompanied by urethral itching or abnormal discharge, you need to be alert to urinary tract infection.

2. Prostatic hyperplasia

Prostatic hyperplasia may compress the urethra and cause bifurcated urine flow, which is more common in middle-aged and elderly men. Patients are often accompanied by symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and increased nocturia. Tamsulosin hydrochloride sustained-release capsules, finasteride tablets and other drugs are commonly used clinically to relieve symptoms. In severe cases, transurethral resection of the prostate may be considered, and prostate-specific antigen needs to be reviewed regularly after surgery.

3. Urethral stones

Urethral stones may block the urethra and cause bifurcated urination, which often occurs during urination. Patients may experience symptoms such as painful urination and hematuria. Smaller stones can be expedited by drinking more water, while larger stones require urethroscopic lithotomy. Analysis of stone components can help prevent recurrence. Daily water intake should be maintained at more than 2,000 ml.

4. Urethritis

Mucosal swelling caused by urethritis can lead to bifurcated urination, often accompanied by a burning sensation in the urethra. Injectable ceftriaxone sodium is required for gonococcal urethritis, while azithromycin dispersible tablets can be taken orally for non-gonococcal urethritis. Sexual intercourse should be avoided during treatment, and sexual partners should be checked simultaneously. Incomplete cure may turn into chronic inflammation and increase the risk of urethral stricture.

5. Urethral stricture

Urethral stricture is mostly caused by trauma or repeated inflammation, and manifests as persistent bifurcated urination. Mild strictures may require urethral dilation, while severe strictures may require urethroplasty. A urinary catheter needs to be left in place for 2-4 weeks after surgery, and urinary flow rate examinations must be performed regularly to evaluate the efficacy. Long-term urethral stricture may lead to bladder stones or hydronephrosis, requiring close follow-up with urinary system ultrasound.

It is recommended that men avoid holding in their urine and reduce their intake of spicy food. If symptoms such as persistent bifurcated urination accompanied by painful urination and hematuria occur, you should seek medical advice from a urology department in time. Men over the age of 50 are recommended to undergo prostate examinations every year, and those with a history of urethral surgery need to have urethral patency reviewed regularly. Maintaining moderate exercise can help improve blood circulation to the prostate, but long-term cycling should avoid stressing the perineum.