What is a sign of potential urethral injury?

A sign of potential urethral injury is gross hematuria, which is the presence of visible blood in the urine. This symptom often indicates that there may be damage to the urinary tract, including the urethra, especially in the context of trauma or injury. In cases of significant blunt or penetrating trauma to the pelvis or perineum, it is not uncommon for such injuries to occur alongside other damages.

While loss of bowel control, pain during urination, and lower abdominal pain may indicate other conditions or injuries, they are not specific indicators of urethral injury. Loss of bowel control typically suggests a problem with the lower gastrointestinal tract or neurological issues, whereas pain during urination could be due to urinary tract infection or other irritations. Lower abdominal pain can arise from numerous causes, including injuries to pelvic organs or the gastrointestinal tract, but it does not specifically point toward a urethral problem. Thus, when evaluating for urethral injury, gross hematuria serves as a more direct and significant sign.