After the filtration of blood by the kidneys and the subsequent formation of urine from the waste products, urine often moves to the bladder where it is stored temporarily before the brain sends signals to the sphincter muscle to contract and allow for the exit of urine from the body through the urethra.
This process, therefore, ensures that a toxic buildup of harmful substances in the body is prevented. However, sometimes, certain things may interfere with the urinary tract and the process of urination as described above may be affected as a result. Many of the factors that affect a smooth urination exercise usually have underlying causes.
One of such factors is known as split urine stream, which simply refers to a situation whereby when an individual urinates, the urine splits into different directions instead of going in a straight line. A split urine stream is a condition that occurs in both men and women of any age but is often more pronounced and common in men.
A split urine stream should not be discarded as a minor condition as it could sometimes be an indication of a serious medical challenge that needs to be promptly addressed. So for those with split urine stream, it is worth stating that it could be caused by a number of factors and a few of them are described below:
1. Adhesion
This is usually the most common cause of split urine stream and those whose split urine stream is caused by adhesion can breathe easy as it is not a serious causal factor. It occurs when the edges of the urethra are temporarily stuck together by the gumming together of the tubes of the urethra, especially when a person experiences dry ejaculate.
2. Urethral stricture
This is a much more serious cause of split urine stream and it is said to occur when the urethra becomes narrow because of long-term inflammation or scar tissue. Long-term inflammation or scar tissue often arise as a result of certain injuries or sexually transmitted infections.
3. Meatal stenosis
Sometimes, the tip of a male’s private part could become blocked, and when such occurs, meatal stenosis is said to occur. An individual with meatal stenosis could also experience other symptoms such as difficulty urinating, pain or burning sensation when urinating.
4. Enlarged prostate
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, otherwise known as prostate enlargement is one of the most common conditions that affect men and it could sometimes announce its presence in the body of an individual through a split urine stream. Other symptoms of an enlarged prostate include frequent urination, straining to urinate, dribbling, and urinary incontinence.
5. Urethral polyps
While the four previous causes of a split urine stream mentioned above are exclusive to men, urethra polyps are often the major cause of split urine stream in women. Women who experience split urine stream as a result of urethra polyps could also experience other symptoms such as hematuria and urinary obstruction or a lump on the vulva.
Seeing as split urine stream could be a sign of a more serious underlying health issue, it is recommended that those with symptoms of split urine stream visit hospitals where tests would be carried out to ascertain the cause of the condition. But apart from that, diet could also help play crucial roles in keeping the urinary tract healthy.
A few of the foods whose increased consumption can help keep the bladder, an important part of the urinary system healthy include pears, bananas, potatoes, green beans, nuts, eggs, bread, whole grains such as rice and oats, and lean protein such as low-fat beef, pork, chicken, turkey and fish.