After a car crash, speak up about pelvic or urinary symptoms
A trauma surgeon and a urologist on symptoms people are slow to bring up
Pain in the pelvis or a change in how you urinate can feel too personal to mention. It may also seem less pressing than an injury you can see. After a crash, these symptoms need attention. Tell your team what’s different, even if it’s uncomfortable to talk about. [1, 2]
A trauma surgeon checks whether the pelvis and the organs near it were hurt. When symptoms point that way, a urologist checks the bladder, the kidneys and the urethra. That’s the tube that carries urine out of the body. [1, 2]
Say exactly what's happening
Tell the team if you see blood in your urine or can’t start urinating. Also say if only a little comes out or urine leaks without warning. Mention any pain over your lower belly or pelvis. Note the first time you urinated after the crash and whether the amount seemed normal for you. Bring up any direct blow to your lower body, a seat belt mark or a known broken pelvis. These details help your doctors decide which tests you need. [1, 2]
Go back right away for these signs
After an injury, get urgent medical care for blood in the urine or for being unable to urinate. The same goes for severe or worsening pain in the pelvis or flank, the side of the body below the ribs. A swollen belly, feeling faint and passing less and less urine also need urgent care. Call emergency services for signs of shock, such as confusion, cool and clammy skin or collapse. Don’t hold off for a routine appointment just because your first ER visit seemed reassuring. [1, 2]
A urinary catheter, a thin tube that drains the bladder, may be part of your treatment or monitoring. If you go home with one, ask who will check it and how to keep the drainage bag working. Find out what to do if urine stops flowing or the tube falls out. Do not take it out or put in a new one yourself unless your team specifically trained you to do it. [1]
Find out what was checked and what's next
Ask if the team found or still suspects an injury to your bladder, urethra, kidneys or pelvic bones. Find out whether you need a urine test, imaging or a visit with a urologist. If a test came back normal, ask which new symptom would call for another exam. A written plan is extra helpful when several specialists treated your crash injuries. [1, 2]
- What is causing my pelvic or urinary symptom?
- Should I see a specialist or get a repeat test?
- If I have a catheter, who do I call after hours?
Medicines or an illness unrelated to the crash can also cause urinary symptoms. After a crash, don’t settle on a cause before you’ve been examined. The right treatment depends on what’s behind the problem. [1, 2]
Pay attention to how you urinate today
Sources and further reading
Trauma surgery and urology inform this general overview. After a crash, blood in the urine, being unable to urinate or severe pelvic pain needs a prompt medical exam.
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