You go to the restroom and all of a sudden you see that your urine stream has split in half. A split stream is not a joke, even though it could seem like a college fraternity party trick.
This symptom is significantly more frequent in males than in women, and it could be caused by a wide variety of underlying issues.
According to Medicalnewstoday, adhesion is the most common reason for a double stream. It occurs when the boundaries of the urethra touch for a split second. In males, the urethra is the tube that excretes semen together with urine from the body.
The pipes are frequently jammed in this sticky scenario by dried sperm that partially exits the urethra. A benign condition called adhesion typically goes away on its own in a day or two.
The following are the causes of your urine splitting into two, according to Mayo Clinic.
Urethral stenosis
The urethra contracts as a result of a stricture. This disorder is typically brought on by an accident or STI that results in prolonged inflammation or scar tissue. It might also become apparent following surgery or urethral catheterization. Other indications of a stricture include infections of the urinary system, discomfort during urination, and trouble peeing.
Urethral polyps
Polyps can induce split streams in both girls and women, while other disorders only affect men. Polyps are healthy, tiny growths in the urethra. Women are more likely than men to have them notwithstanding their rarity. (Due to toilet design, women could have a harder time identifying a split stream, but they might notice a messier spray.)
Phimosis
Some men may experience pain, infections, and a divided urine stream due to phimosis, or an abnormally tight foreskin.
Enlarge prostate
The prostate gland usually grows larger in males as they age. An enlarged prostate can cause a variety of urination-related symptoms, including frequent urination, discomfort urinating, dribbling, incontinence, and a weak or divided urine stream.
Metathelial stenosis
The hole at the tip of the male private organ can become partially blocked, a disease called medically as meatal stenosis. In boys and men who haven't had the procedure done, it's infrequent, and it's usually related to circumcision. A difficult time peeing, an uneven pee stream, and a pain or burning sensation are some of the signs of meatal stenosis.
What You Should Do About It
You shouldn't panic if your urine stream breaks in two like the Red Sea out of nowhere. Depending on the underlying cause, these disorders may be treated surgically or medically.
Your inability to completely empty your bladder is the blockage's most concerning feature. Later bladder and renal issues could develop.
A divided pee stream that returns to normal after a day or two is most likely only a transient obstruction and poses no health risk. A urologist can help you modify the flow if you still have a double pee stream.