Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Go to an emergency department if no urine can be passed despite a strong need to urinate, especially with increasing lower abdominal pain or swelling.
Heavy bleeding, severe weakness, confusion, or serious illness after a procedure also requires emergency assessment.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek prompt same-day medical advice for fever with urinary symptoms, increasing pain, pus, worsening swelling, or possible urinary tract infection.
After a procedure, contact the surgical team about bleeding that does not settle, spreading redness, or pain that is getting worse rather than improving.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment if you or your child has:
A persistently thin, spraying, or upward-pointing urine stream
Pain or burning during urination
Repeated straining or unusually long trips to the toilet
Blood spotting at the urinary opening
Symptoms that return after treatment
Pale, tight, cracked, or inflamed skin around the opening
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Meatal stenosis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.