A split urinary stream is when the urine flow splits and goes in two directions. A split stream of urine is usually a sign of an issue with the bladder or the urethra.
A split urine stream can also result from a condition called prostatitis. Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland in males.
A split urinary stream can occur in both men and women but most commonly occurs among men.
If you’ve noticed a split urinary stream while urinating and would like a physical examination and diagnosis from a healthcare professional, then schedule a consultation with our team at the Urology of Greater Atlanta.
Our highly skilled urologists provide accurate diagnoses, personalized treatment plans, and can answer your questions regarding prostatitis and your diet. Call us or schedule an appointment online today!
What Causes a Split Urine Stream?
There can be a few causes of a split in the urine stream. Usually, a split stream is a sign of an issue with the urethra or the bladder.
Some of the underlying conditions that cause a split urine stream also cause a high-pressure urine stream, resulting in urine spraying in two, if not several different directions.
Some of the causes of a split in the urine stream include:
- An obstruction in the urethra
- Adhesion of the urethral meatus (causes meatal urethral stenosis)
- Phimosis (a narrowing of the opening of the foreskin in the penis)
- Non-bacterial prostatitis
- Passage of kidney or bladder stones
- An enlarged prostate
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Urethral polyps
- Genital warts
- Pelvic organ prolapse (when the muscles and ligaments in a woman’s pelvis weaken)
What are the Symptoms of a Split Urine Stream?
Some of the symptoms of a split urine stream may include:
- Two streams of urine while urinating
- When urine splashes in several different directions while urinating
- Difficulty urinating
- Pain and/or burning when urinating
How is Split Stream Urination Diagnosed?
A diagnosis of a split urine stream can be made by a urologist or another qualified healthcare provider.
Your doctor can accurately diagnose a split urine stream by conducting a physical examination and asking about your medical history.
In some cases, a healthcare professional may directly observe you while urinating to diagnose a split urine stream accurately.
Treatment of Split Urine Stream in Males
To treat a split urine stream, the underlying issue causing the problem must be diagnosed and/or addressed.
If a male has a urethral obstruction or meatal stenosis, it can be treated with a meatotomy (a surgical opening of the urethral hole) to treat the split urine stream.
Males with phimosis may be prescribed steroid cream to treat a split urine stream.
Treatment of Split Urine Stream in Males
In women, most cases of a split urine stream are caused by a neurogenic bladder (damage in the nervous system that affects the bladder).
This can cause a high volume of urine that is released at a high pressure which causes a split urine stream or spraying when urinating.
Some other causes of a splitting of the urinary stream in women include genital warts, urethral polyps, bladder stones, and pelvic organ prolapse.
A healthcare professional would need to treat these conditions to treat a split urine stream in females.
Conclusion
If you have concerns regarding an irregular split urine stream or urine spraying and would like to schedule a physical exam and consultation, then make an appointment with our expert urologists at Urology of Greater Atlanta.
We have multiple locations throughout the state of Georgia. Call or book an appointment now!
