Two streams of urine? and prostate cancer
Go Ask Alice!: Two streams of urine?
Quote:
Dear Alice,
I am a 19 year old male. Over the past three years whenever I urinate, my urine stream splits in two (one continuous stream and one stream which is basically drops of urine.) Is there something wrong??? I also have another question. My grandfather has prostate cancer. I was just wondering when I should begin checks for this type of cancer.
Thanks for your time,
Am I normal?
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Two questions — how interesting. To start, there are many reasons why you are noticing two streams of urine, so it might be helpful start by ruling-out two rare, but possible, causes. Both are known as congenital abnormalities, otherwise known as birth defects.
In one possible case, a passage developed between your urethra (tube that carries urine from bladder to opening at then end of penile shaft) and the penile skin. This birth defect is called congenital urethral fistula. And, during urination, two streams of urine can be seen—one stream comes from the urethral opening, and the other comes from the abnormal passage between the urethra and penile skin (this is called the fistula). Another possibility is that you have a birth defect known as urethral duplication. Men with this condition may have two urethras, with one or two openings (for outflow of urine), or two urethras with one joined opening. Men with two openings may notice two streams of urine and it's common for one opening to become infected and clogged, requiring medical attention.
Additionally, it is possible for a growth to occur at the opening of the urethra, or even inside the urethra and divide the urine stream. If this is the problem it can range from a harmless source to viral causes that require treatment.
Speaking of treatment… only your primary health care provider can evaluate your urinary situation to tell you exactly why you've got a split stream. Your provider may diagnose a treatable condition. There's also a chance that s/he will tell you it's a harmless quirk. Maintaining a good, communicative relationship with your health care provider is a great idea.
Looking at your second question about the right time to begin screening for prostate cancer, for the average guy, without a family history of prostate issues, doctors recommend beginning screening around age 50. For people, like you, with some family history, it's a good idea to begin screening around age 40. Also, doctors recommend that African American men, with or without family history, begin screening around age 40 because African American men have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer than Caucasian men. Keep in mind that only 2% of prostate cancer cases occur in men under age 56. So, you've got quite some time until you get into the "risky" ages for prostate cancer. Still, keep in mind that new research and guidelines are frequently rolled out and your health care provider will let you know if, and when, you should be screened.