I hate to be a worrier but...

[DocsNemesis]

I have to wonder about something. My ds is 8, never had any UTIs or other infections *down there* and with the exception of an injury a year or so ago (crushed himself on a cart getting in, silly boy), its never been swollen or anything. He's had zero issues.

Well, since he's so old now, I obviously havent been watching him use the restroom for a LONG time, but a few weeks ago he came in to go while I was taking a bath and I noticed he seems to strain a LOT to get urine to come out and it dribbles a lot. I've been listening since then and watched a couple more times just by chance (we only have one bathroom and he isnt exactly shy lol) and its been like this everytime I've seen. I have NO CLUE how long its been like this, I know it wasnt when he was potty training at 3 years old but by 4 I wasnt going with him to the bathroom anymore so it could've started at any point after that.

Also, he isnt retractable yet, but he can pull it back somewhat and expose a small amount of the glans and the urethra. So, it seems to me that it wouldnt be a foreskin issue if there IS an issue, but the urethra itself? I dont know, I just wanted to see if anyone else has seen this and if they think its a bad thing. His ped is great and I dont have to worry about her recommending circ or retracting him or anything, but I try to avoid the docs unless we really NEED to go (sick kids get my kids sick and I dont like that!). What do you guys think?

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

I agree that it dosnt sound like a foreskin issue. If he can expose the tip of the glans and urethra then the foreskin isnt tight enough to cause trouble urinating. I honestly dont know what would be causing him to have to strain though. I hope someone else comes on with thoughts on that.

[Fellow Traveler]

I am not sure if this would get awkward at 8 but have you asked him if he is having problems?

[laidbackmomto2]

:

My son is 8 as well and I know he wouldn't have a problem discussing his penis with me (or any biological function such as urinating, for that matter). He recently had a bout of irritation (possibly yeast) on the tip of his foreskin (I think it was from the chlorine at the pool when he was taking lessons). I treated with clotrimizole and hydrocortizone and it cleared up. He didn't have a problem with me applying the cream 2x a day. I think if you don't have a problem with discussing it, neither will he.

As to what it may be,

Let us know what he says.

Cindy

Lindsey (96/02/26)
Jason (00/06/08)

[littlemizflava]

if he pee's in a jar you can see if it is clear or cloudy, if there is floating things in it. giving him things that are for the health of the blater

Symptoms of Bladder Infections In Older Children:
Flank or lower back pain (with a kidney infection).
Frequent urination.
Inability to produce more than a small amount of urine at a time.
Incontinence
Pain in the abdomen or pelvic area.
Painful urination.
Urine that is cloudy or has an unusual smell.

Using Herbs & Supplements
Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) contain substances that kill bacteria and make your bladder wall so slippery that any escaping bacteria can't latch on and thrive there. Unsweetened cranberry juice (or concentrate) is the most effective form. (The sugar or corn syrup in cranberry cocktail-type juices and cran-apple juices can feed the infection.)
Drink freely, at least a glass a day, up to a quart/liter a day for acute infections unless your urine's pH is already low.
Uva UrsiDetoxifies the bladder to help resolve bladder infections.
Yarrow is a urinary disinfectant with a powerful antibacterial action and an astringent effect. Combines well with uva ursi.
Echinacea is useful to boost the immune system, promote healing and reduce inflammation.
Garlic has antiseptic and antibiotic properties that help boost the immune system. Try eating or juicing 2 or 3 fresh, raw cloves daily.
info from www.naturalfamilyinfo.com

[BamaDude]

One other small possibility: Like me at that age, he hates having to stop whatever he's doing to go pee, and thus strains to get it over with as quickly as possible.

I remember that no sooner than I had really gotten into something (playing with Legos/teaching the dog a new trick/reaching a higher branch while climbing a tree/finding a new brood of tadpoles to watch), I'd have to stop and go to the bathroom.

Being an eight-year-old boy is a full time job, and there's no extra time in the day for unscheduled bathroom breaks.

[DocsNemesis]

He doesnt have a UTI, I already know this (I'm a MA, I know the symptoms, he definately doesnt have one). He said it doesnt hurt or anything, its just hard to get the pee out. He sounds almost constapated when he's doing it, its wierd.

I wonder, if he really was constipated, could that affect the flow? He takes meds and I'm pretty sure one of the possible side effects is constipation. Again, I dont pay attention to his poo habits and he doesnt either, so I really dont know.

[Fyrestorm]

I know that it's exceedingly rare in intact boys, but this sounds similar to my DH and he has meatal stenosis.

[DocsNemesis]

yeah, I'm going to go ahead and take him in when I can (I dont have a car during the days and we live too far from the peds to take a bus). In the meantime I'm going to try and get him to eat some stuff to help with constaption. I still dont know for sure if he is but I think he may be and it cant hurt to see what happens with that It'd be nice if that was the whole problem, lol.