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Why this strange symptom might spell double trouble
You take a bathroom break and find your urine stream has — quite unexpectedly — divided in two. It might sound like a college fraternity party trick, but a split stream is no joke.
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Several underlying problems can cause this symptom, which is much more common in men than in women, says urologist Neel Parekh, MD. If you’re suddenly having trouble aiming, read on to find out what could be going on.
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If your urine stream suddenly parts like the Red Sea, there’s no need to panic. These conditions can be treated with medications or surgery, depending on the cause, says Dr. Parekh. Still, some can be serious.
“The most worrisome thing is that the obstruction might prevent you from completely emptying your bladder,” he says. “That can cause downstream problems for the bladder and kidneys.”
If a divided pee stream returns to normal within a day or so, it was probably a temporary blockage and not cause for concern. But if you continue to see double, a urologist can help you get back in the flow.
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