Women and men both can experience painful urination (dysuria), but how and where it hurts can differ. The causes, diagnoses, and treatments may also be different. But whether you are a man or a woman, painful urination warrants a call to your doctor or a visit to your urgent care facility. If you are not sure why you might have pain when you urinate, here’s information you need to know…
Types of pain and what it means
Those who have painful urination usually describe it as a burning, itching, or stinging pain. You may feel pain when you start urinating or after you finish. Here are some details on what your main might indicate about your urological health.
· Pain that occurs at the start of urination typically is associated with a urinary tract infection (UTI).
· In men, pain that occurs at the end of urination may be more likely to occur with a bladder or a prostate problem.
· A feeling that the pain in “internal” suggests that there is a urinary tract infection behind the symptom.
· In women, a feeling that the pain is “external,” or around the surrounding areas of the urinary and vaginal areas may be caused by irritation or inflammation of the skin.
What can cause painful urination for women?
These are the top three reasons why you might have pain associated with urination:
· Vaginal infection
· Inflammation or irritation of the tube through which urine flows (urethra)
This can be caused by a variety of things, to include scented soaps, douches, or contraceptive sponges and spermicides that may contain substances that irritate the sensitive skin in and around your urinary tract.
For men these are the most common causes:
· Urinary tract infection
· A recent urinary procedure that might have required a catheter
· Prostate disease or problems, including cancer
Both men and women can experience painful urination if they are:
· Dehydrated
· Have kidney stones
· Have a bladder infection
· Have contracted a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
· Have recently taken or are currently being prescribed certain drugs or medications such as very strong antibiotics that go after the bad stuff, but also the good stuff, leaving you vulnerable to pain when urinating.
· Radiation therapy targeting the pelvis, which can cause inflammation of the bladder and result in painful urination
Diagnosing the cause of painful urination
If you have painful urination, you should see a doctor. Because painful urination may occur in the evenings or on weekends, your doctor’s office may be closed. If this is the case, you can go to your urgent care clinic to be seen promptly.
When are you are being seen, be sure to tell the doctor of any recent changes in diet, personal hygiene products, new activities, recent sexual relations, and changes in the color of your urine. Be sure to also bring a list of medications you are have recently taken or are currently taking now.
If you have an infection it should be treated quickly. Chances are, the pain will motivate you to seek treatment sooner than later.
Your doctor or medical professional will take a urine culture to determine if you have an infection, and if so, what type of antibiotics to prescribe.
Additional tests will be done if no infection is found, including testing for STIs.
Treatment
Antibiotics are effective against most cases of urinary tract infection. If you have frequent infections, your doctor may order other tests or give you advice on how to avoid re-infection.
If your painful urination is caused by irritation, your doctor will ask you about any substances you use on the skin in that area. By eliminating what irritates your skin, you will solve the problem.
Meanwhile, drink lots of water (avoid sugary drinks) and ask about any safe over-the-counter pain relief medications that can help until you get your prescriptions ordered and filled. Cranberry juice or take cranberry supplements are often recommended for those who are trying to overcome urinary tract infections or maintain good urinary tract health, but others find it doesn’t help if they have recurring problems.
We know pain can’t wait. That’s why Patient Care Now Urgent Care in Fairless Hills is open 8 am – 8 pm, seven days a week. Owned and operated by board-certified emergency medicine providers, we pride ourselves in providing a seamless medical experience to our patients. Call us at (267) 202-6433 for all your urgent care needs, or use our online check-in form.
