What Causes Painful Urination?

Overview

Painful urination is medically termed Dysuria. This refers to the sharp, stabbing and burning sensation you feel while urinating. The pain could be from where you’re urinating or from inside the body- your bladder, prostate in men or on the pubic bone. 

Although it is seen more commonly in women, both men and women can experience painful urination. (Also read: Dysuria: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments)

What are the causes of painful urination?

There are several causes of dysuria, although, sometimes the doctor isn’t able to diagnose them. Most causes are highly treatable. In women, UTI is the most common cause of dysuria, while in men urethritis and certain prostate conditions are more common. Some causes of Dysuria are:

• STIs: Sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and herpes can affect the urinary tract leading to painful urination. You will notice blister-like bumps on your genitals if you have an STI. 
• Kidney stones: Sometimes, kidney stones can lodge themselves near the area where urine enters the bladder. This can lead to painful urination. (Also read: Can kidney stones cause urination problems?)
• Ovarian cysts: These cysts can develop on either one of the ovaries and sit on the bladder causing painful urination much like kidney stones. 
• Interstitial cystitis: This condition lasts for 6 weeks or more and causes chronic irritation of the bladder. 
• Chemical sensitivity: Certain chemicals, like fragrances, can irritate the body tissues causing pain while urinating. Products that can irritate are soaps, douches, scented toilet paper, vaginal lubricants, contraceptive foams, etc. 
• Vaginitis: A vaginal infection can occur due to the overgrowth of bacteria or yeast.
• Medication: Certain medications may irritate and inflame the bladder tissues. This can often cause pain when urinating. These include medicines that treat bladder cancer and many more. 
• Bladder cancer: Feeling pain when urinating does not come early in bladder cancer, however, it can happen. 

Why do women get UTIs more often than men?

In women, the bacteria that normally live in the pelvic area doesn’t have to travel as far to reach the bladder and cause infection. Women have a shorter urethra too which is much closer to the rectal opening.

When should you seek medical attention for painful urination?

Painful urination is very common and most of the time, it isn’t serious. However, if the pain persists, and worsens, it is important to contact your healthcare provider. If you experience the following symptoms in addition to dysuria, seek medical attention:

• Seek help if you experience pain and are pregnant
• The pain is accompanied by fever
• Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
• Blood in the urine
• Pain in the side or the back
• The urine is cloudy
• Foul-smelling urine

Diagnosis of painful urination

To begin with, your healthcare provider will first take your complete medical history and will ask you several questions about your current and past medical conditions and your symptoms. 

You will then be asked for a urine sample which will be analysed. The presence of white blood cells tells your provider you have inflammation in your urinary tract. 

If no sign of infection is found in your urine sample, your doctor may suggest additional tests. Your provider may also take a swab sample of the lining of your vagina or the urethra to check for signs of infection. 

Treatment for painful urination

Urinary tract infections are most commonly treated with antibiotics. If your pain is severe, you may be prescribed phenazopyridine. Some treatments for prostatitis include over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, and medications called alpha-blockers.

Ways to prevent and relieve painful urination

There are some changes you can make to your lifestyle to prevent dysuria. Some of them are:

• Drink more water- 6 to 8 glasses a day. 
• Stay clear of scented laundry detergent and toiletries. 
• Avoid certain food items and drinks such as caffeine, alcohol, spicy food, etc. 
• Sitz bath
• Including Vitamin C in your diet. 
• Wipe from front to back after bowel movements.
• Urinate before and after sexual intercourse. 
• Don’t hold your urine, take frequent bathroom breaks.

If you experience persistent pain or discomfort while urination, contact your medical practitioner. 

Takeaway

Although painful urination is quite common, it is important to contact your medical practitioner if the pain is persistent and if it worsens over time. A healthy diet rich in vitamins and fluids can help relieve pain during urination.