Painful urination (dysuria): 10 causes and treatment

Painful urination (dysuria) can happen for various reasons. Infections, kidney stones, cysts, and other conditions that affect the bladder or nearby parts of the body can make it hurt when someone pees.

Multiple potential causes for this symptom exist, and many of them are treatable.

People with dysuria should make their doctor aware of any other symptoms that they are experiencing. If these relate to the painful urination, it can help doctors make a diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment.

Many different conditions can cause painful urination. Most of these causes are highly treatable.

Below are 10 possible causes of painful urination, along with other symptoms that may occur alongside it.

1. Urinary tract infection

A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when excess bacteria build up somewhere in the urinary tract. This part of the body runs from the kidneys to the bladder to the urethra, which carries urine toward the outside of the body.

Additional symptoms

A person with a UTI may experience other symptoms, such as:

• needing to urinate frequently
• passing cloudy or blood-tinged urine
• fever
• foul-smelling urine
• pain in the side and back

2. Sexually transmitted infection

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes, can all affect the urinary tract and lead to pain when urinating.

Additional symptoms

Symptoms may vary according to the type of STI. For example, herpes typically causes blister-like lesions on the genitals.

3. Prostate infection

A short-term bacterial infection can result in a prostate infection or prostatitis. Chronic inflammation from another condition, such as an STI, can also cause prostatitis.

Additional symptoms

A prostate infection may also cause:

• difficulty urinating
• pain in the bladder, testicles, and penis
• difficulty ejaculating and painful ejaculation
• needing to urinate frequently, especially at night

4.

Kidney stones

Kidney stones are collections of materials, such as calcium or uric acid, that build up and form hardened stones in and around the kidneys.

Sometimes, the kidney stones will lodge themselves near the area where urine enters the bladder. This can cause painful urination.

Additional symptoms

In addition to dysuria, kidney stones can cause the following symptoms:

• pain in the side and back
• pink- or brown-tinted urine
• cloudy urine
• nausea
• vomiting
• pain that changes in intensity
• fever
• chills
• urinating only small amounts frequently

5. Ovarian cysts

Much like kidney stones, ovarian cysts are an example of how something outside the bladder can press on it and cause painful urination.

Ovarian cysts can develop on one or both ovaries, which sit on either side of the bladder.

Additional symptoms

People with ovarian cysts may experience:

• unusual vaginal bleeding
• pelvic pain
• difficulty recognizing that the bladder is empty after urinating
• painful periods
• breast tenderness
• a dull ache in the lower back

6.

Interstitial cystitis

Also known as bladder pain syndrome, interstitial cystitis is a condition that causes chronic irritation of the bladder lasting 6 weeks or more without an underlying infection.

Additional symptoms

Interstitial cystitis may also cause the symptoms below:

• pressure in the bladder area
• pain during intercourse
• pain in the vulva or vagina
• pain in the scrotum
• urinating frequently but producing little urine

7. Chemical sensitivity

Sometimes, chemicals that are external to the body, such as fragrances, can irritate bodily tissues. When a person urinates, this irritation may be more noticeable, and pain may occur.

Products that can cause chemical sensitivity include:

• douches
• soaps
• scented toilet paper
• vaginal lubricants
• contraceptive foams

Additional symptoms

People who react to chemical products may notice:

• swelling
• redness
• itching
• irritation of the skin on or around the genitals

8.

Vaginal infection or irritation

Also known as vaginitis or vaginosis, a vaginal infection can occur due to the overgrowth of bacteria or yeast.

An STI called trichomoniasis can also cause a vaginal infection.

Additional symptoms

The following symptoms may occur alongside painful urination:

• foul-smelling or unusual vaginal discharge
• vaginal irritation
• pain during intercourse
• vaginal bleeding, which is usually mild

9. Medication

Some medications, including those that doctors prescribe to treat bladder cancer, may irritate and inflame the bladder tissues. This can often cause pain when urinating.

If a person has started a new medication and begins to feel pain when urinating, they should call their doctor and ask if the symptom may be a side effect of the drug. They should not stop taking the medication on their own without asking a doctor first.

Additional symptoms

Additional symptoms vary based on the type of medication.

10. Bladder cancer

Bladder cancer occurs when cancer cells start to develop in the bladder.

Feeling pain when urinating is not typically an early symptom of this condition. Instead, a person usually notices blood in their urine.

Additional symptoms

Other possible symptoms of bladder cancer include:

• frequent urination
• having difficulty urinating or passing a weak urine stream
• lower back pain
• appetite loss
• weight loss
• fatigue
• foot swelling
• bone pain

Differences in males and females

Males and females can both experience pain when urinating, and the causes may be anatomy-dependent.

For example, females have shorter urethras than males. As a result, bacteria can often enter the bladder more easily, which can lead to UTIs.

A person can talk to their doctor about their risks for painful urination based on their sex as well as their medical history.

Everyone may experience painful urination from time to time.

A person should see their doctor if the pain is consistent, and they are also experiencing the following symptoms:

• blood in the urine, which will usually appear pink, brown, or red
• pain in the side or back
• pain that lasts longer than 24 hours
• unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
• fever

If an adult has a fever that is higher than 103°F, they should seek emergency medical attention.

A person should not ignore pain when urinating. A doctor can often help identify treatments that will reduce pain.

Painful urination is a common symptom with many causes, several of which are related to bacterial infection.

People who feel ill should see their doctor before an infection has time to get worse and cause additional symptoms.

Dysuria: What You Should Know About Burning or Stinging with Urination

Am Fam Physician. 2015;92(9):online

See related article on dysuria

What is dysuria?

Dysuria (dis-YUR-ee-uh) means pain with urination.

What causes it?

The most common causes of dysuria are infections, such as bladder infections or urinary tract infections (UTIs). In women, vaginal infections are a common cause. In men, prostate infections can cause it. In both men and women, sexually transmitted infections can cause it. Sometimes using soaps, spermicides, or lotions can cause irritation and pain. Some skin problems can cause dysuria. There are many other less common causes.

What are the symptoms of a UTI?

When you have a UTI, the lining of the bladder and urethra (yuh-RE-thra) become red and irritated. This can cause pain in your stomach and pelvic area. You may feel the need to empty your bladder more often. You may try to urinate but only produce a few drops or feel some burning as your urine comes out. You may lose control of your urine sometimes. Your urine may smell bad or look cloudy.

Sometimes UTIs spread to the kidneys. Kidney infections may cause fever, chills, sweats, and back pain. These infections need to be treated quickly because they can spread into the bloodstream and make you very sick.

What should I do if I have dysuria?

Men who have dysuria should see their doctor. Women who have fever, back pain, vaginal discharge, or irritation or sores in the vaginal area should see their doctor. Women with mild dysuria can first try drinking extra water to flush the urinary system. Taking an anti-inflammatory medicine like ibuprofen or naproxen may help. There are also medicines just for bladder pain (some brand names: Azo and Uristat). Women should see their doctor if dysuria continues, if symptoms are severe, or if fever or other symptoms of a more serious infection develop. Sometimes women can be diagnosed and treated without going to the doctor’s office.

What will my doctor do?

Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms to find out the possible cause of dysuria. If you have an infection, your doctor will give you a prescription for an antibiotic. For many patients, a physical examination may be needed. Often, a urine test will be done in the office or sent to a lab.

Sometimes other tests are needed if the cause is not clear or if there are signs of more serious illness. These may include blood tests, imaging studies, and tests on samples from the urethra or from vaginal discharge in women. Some patients may need to see a bladder and kidney specialist (urologist) or gynecologist.

Where can I get more information?

AAFP’s Patient Education Resource

• https://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infections.html

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

• http://kidney. niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/interstitialcystitis/

Urology Care Foundation

• http://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/urinary-tract-infections-in-adults

Burning during urination in women: causes, diagnosis and treatment.

Burning during urination in women can be caused by various reasons, the result of treatment and the patient’s well-being depend on the correct diagnosis and experience of the doctor. Our clinic employs experienced urologists and diagnosticians. They will help to get rid of unpleasant symptoms.

Burning and frequent urination in women requires immediate treatment. Self-medication in this case is unacceptable. Incorrectly selected drugs can disrupt the microflora, develop into a chronic form of the disease, and cause complications.

Only a urologist knows how to treat burning sensation when urinating in women, so consult a doctor. Thanks to diagnostic methods, the doctor will identify the causes of the disease and select an individual treatment regimen.

Causes of burning and rapid excretion of urine:

• dysfunction of the nervous system – neuralgia, stress, emotional overload;
• cystitis;
• bacterial inflammation, venereal diseases;
• high levels of urate and oxalate in the urine leads to irritation of the urethra;
• chemical or mechanical damage to the ureter;
• bladder compression occurs in pregnant women;
• injuries of the urethra, ureter and vagina.

Injury to the urethra causes:

• wrong diet;
• use of synthetic underwear;
• improper use of pads and tampons;
• microtrauma after intimacy with a sexual partner;
• birth injuries;
• mechanical and chemical damage;
• frequent washing of the genitals;
• use of allergenic intimate hygiene products;
• age-related changes in menopause associated with hormonal imbalance;
• drug reaction
• movement of stones and sand along the ureter.

These causes can be conditionally divided into two groups – infectious and non-infectious. To clarify the diagnosis and treatment with drugs, it is necessary to conduct a qualitative diagnosis.

Which infections can cause itching and burning

Painful urination and burning in the ureter and urethra in women can be caused by an infection and require immediate treatment.

Diseases that are infectious in nature:

• inflammation of the bladder or cystitis;
• inflammation of the urinary tract or urethritis;
• ICD;
• chlamydia;
• vaginal thrush caused by the development of colonies of the fungus of the genus Candida;
• bacterial vaginosis;
• trichomoniasis caused by Trichomonas vaginalis;
• gonococcal infection;
• genital herpes.

The female body has structural features of the genitourinary system that contribute to the development of infection with bacteria and fungi. In the inguinal region of a woman are the urethra, vagina and anus. In terms of protection against infection, the urethra is the most unprotected organ of the genitourinary system. The urethra is a short and wide canal. For obvious reasons, it can be a convenient entry gate for infectious pathogens.

During sexual intercourse, it is important to follow the basic rules of hygiene and protection of your body. If a man and a woman practice anal sex, then after the act of sexual intimacy, both partners should undergo hygiene procedures.

Non-infectious factors that cause burning during urination.

Burning during urination in women may have causes not related to the activity of infectious pathogens and treatment will be aimed at eliminating the cause.

These include:

• hypothermia;
• malfunction of the nervous and immune systems;
• insertion of a catheter or ureteroscopy;
• injury to the organs of the genitourinary system.

Symptoms indicating the development of pathology

Unpleasant symptoms tend to appear quickly and disappear as soon as the cause is eliminated.

But, if a woman has pain in the urethra and bladder for several days, frequent urination, burning and fever are added, conduct an examination and treatment with a doctor

In pregnant women, frequent urination may occur due to the pressure of the growing fetus on the bladder. If the number of trips to the toilet exceeds 10 times a day, consult your doctor.

Pay attention to these symptoms:

• chills;
• fever;
• headache;
• body aches;
• increasing itching and burning.

How diseases manifest. Features and Specifications:

• In women, cystitis is manifested by frequent urge to go to the toilet with an interval of half an hour, burning and cutting after urination and requires immediate treatment.
• Urethritis in women is manifested by itching after urination, pain in the lower abdomen and discharge from the urethra of green or white-yellow color.
• Pyelonephritis is manifested by pulling pains in the lumbar region, radiating to the perineum and legs.
• ICD is manifested by subfebrile temperature, back pain, frequent urination.
• With chlamydia, a woman has a fever, urination is disturbed, abundant vaginal discharge appears.
• Sexually transmitted diseases can be identified by the nature of vaginal discharge, itching, burning and dryness, and an unpleasant odor.
• If a woman stings when urinating, the temperature rises, vulvar edema, vesicular rashes and erosions appear – this is a sign of herpes. It requires immediate general and local treatment.

Diagnostic methods for the treatment of burning during urination

Urinalysis determines inflammation:

• If white blood cells and protein are found, the doctor suspects inflammation in the bladder and urethra. A large amount of protein in the urine indicates inflammation in the kidneys.
• Red blood cells and salt crystals in the urine indicate the development of KSD.
• A good analysis against the background of burning gives reason to suspect problems with the functioning of the nervous system.

Diagnostic methods:

• Ultrasound and X-ray of the kidneys;
• Bladder MRI;
• LHC culture from the urethra;
• Cystoscopy.

How and where to treat burning sensation after urination in women

At the first sign of burning during urination in women, medication should be started. This will help avoid complications and ease discomfort. You should take no-shpu to relieve spasm and drink spazmolgon. Salty, spicy, acidic foods and alcohol must be excluded from the diet.

You should not self-medicate, you can only be treated by a doctor.

He will select medications that eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of the disease:

• for inflammation – antibiotic;
• allergy and itching – antihistamines;
• neurology – sedatives;
• severe burning – diuretics;
• diet and consumption of mineral water depending on the acid-base environment of urine, with ICD.

Proper treatment can cure the most complex forms of the disease. However, one should not rely only on medicine. As soon as the area of ​​the urethra begins to itch, there is a burning sensation and pain – immediately consult a doctor.

Experienced urologists work in our clinic. Diagnostic equipment from European manufacturers is the best in the region. We are ready to accept, listen and help.

We are waiting for you in our center!

Pain during urination in men (stinging, burning)

Pain during urination in men is a symptom that should not be ignored. It can indicate various diseases of the genitourinary system.

If you feel discomfort, make an appointment at the Promedica clinic in Belgorod as soon as possible. We guarantee you an attentive attitude even to the most delicate problem.

Our medical center is staffed by qualified urologists with extensive clinical experience. Compliance with their recommendations will help to avoid complications, get rid of discomfort and improve the quality of your own life.

What causes pain when urinating in men?

The most common causes of discomfort doctors of the center “Promedica” include inflammation of the urinary canal. Due to the anatomical features, it is he who is affected in the first place. Unlike the female, the male urethra is longer and more sinuous. Therefore, initially pathogens are often localized here. Also, discomfort occurs when the bladder, kidneys, prostate (prostate) are affected.

Due to the anatomical features of the urethra, pain during urination may occur in the presence of pathologies of the penis. Therefore, before treatment, it is important to clarify the exact clinical picture.

Diseases in which there is pain during urination in men

• Urethritis – inflammation of the urethra. It is manifested by severe and cutting pain. If the symptoms are ignored, the inflammatory process affects the bladder, kidneys and organs of the reproductive system.

• Prostatitis. In this disease, the inflammatory process affects the prostate gland. In the risk group, men are not only older than 45 years old, but also those who lead a sedentary lifestyle. Pathology manifests itself as a strong and frequent urge to urinate, constant discomfort in the urethra, penis, rectum, as well as problems with potency. With the development of the disease, blood in the urine can be detected, as well as increased discomfort when changing body position or walking.

• Prostate adenoma is a disease caused by hormonal disorders. It is also manifested by frequent nocturnal urination in men, pain in the perineum, the appearance of discharge and rashes in the glans penis.

• Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder of an acute or chronic nature. Symptoms of pathology are similar to manifestations of urethritis, while darkening of urine may be observed. Often there is a pulling severe pain in the lower abdomen, there may be an increase in the urge to urinate.

• Urolithiasis is a disease that occurs as a result of a violation of metabolic processes in the body. It provokes the formation of solid formations in the kidneys. When they move through the departments of the urinary system, trauma and retention of urine occur. Pain can be felt in the lower back, in the abdomen. You may feel a burning sensation, as well as an increased urge to urinate, some of which will be false. With the development of pathology, intoxication occurs with an increase in temperature, a change in the color of urine or its transparency.

• Phimosis is a disease in which there is a narrowing of the foreskin. It makes it difficult to open the head and complicates the maintenance of personal hygiene. Its violation provokes an inflammatory process, in which there is pain during erection and urination.

• Vesiculitis – inflammation of the seminal vesicles, which occurs with pain during urination.

• Orchiepididymitis – inflammation of the testicles and their appendages. One of its symptoms is painful urination.

• Balanoposthitis is a disease in which the foreskin and head of the penis become inflamed. One of its symptoms is pain when urinating in men.

• Sexually transmitted diseases: gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, urogenital chlamydia. With unprotected contacts, the risk of infection of the organs of the urogenital tract is high. For each pathology, the symptoms are specific, but almost always there are burning sensations, itching. They are accompanied by difficulty and pain when going to the toilet.

Features of pain during urination in men

When contacting the doctors of the Promedica Center, it is important to be as frank as possible. This will help to collect a detailed and complete anamnesis. The urologist will reveal the exact localization of pain, its nature: sharp, growing, aching. It is also of great importance at what point the pain appears: after urination, at the initial stage or in the middle of the process of emptying the bladder.

It is important to observe your own body and note other sensations against which pain appears:

Sometimes you may need to consult with other specialists when developing your treatment plan. In our clinic you can make an appointment for:

How will you be diagnosed?

At the appointment, the doctor of the “Promedica” center will take an anamnesis and conduct a rectal examination. This manipulation is required to clarify the condition of the prostate. You can also be assigned a comprehensive examination, which includes methods of instrumental and laboratory diagnostics:

Treatment of diseases that are manifested by pain during urination in men

Methods and protocol of therapy depends on diagnostic data. It may include surgical procedures, physical therapy, antibiotics, hormonal and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Where to go with pain when urinating?

Do not strive to endure discomfort or hope for miraculous self-healing.