5 Common Causes of Painful Urination & What You Should Do
When you’re experiencing pain, it can be challenging to talk about. Discomfort can be isolating, especially if it affects our daily activities—like using the restroom. Dysuria is a condition that affects the bladder, or surrounding areas, and causes painful urination. If you’re experiencing pain while urinating, there are treatments to relieve your discomfort.
Painful urination is more common than you may think and is actually more frequent in females than males. In this blog, Dr. Sullivan discusses the most common causes of painful urination and what to do if you’re experiencing dysuria.
Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common infections of the urinary system. The urinary tract includes your kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. A UTI can occur when outside bacteria gets into your system from a STD or STI, change in estrogen levels, or intercourse. The infection occurs once the harmful bacteria comes into contact with your urethra.
Common symptoms of UTIs include pain in your side, abdomen, or pelvis, feeling of pressure in your pelvis, painful urination, blood in the urine, increased frequency of urination, and sometimes, fever and vomiting. UTIs can be treated within one week with doctor-prescribed antibiotics, or sometimes heal on their own, depending on the severity. If your symptoms haven’t subsided within a few days, we recommend seeking medical attention, so the infection doesn’t continue to progress.
Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are typically acquired through sexual contact. The bacteria, virus, or infection created by the STD or STI is transferred from person to person through blood and bodily fluids. Once these harmful contaminants enter the body, they can affect various organs, including the cervix, urethra, rectum, throat, eyes, and others.
The most common STIs that cause painful urination include Chlamydia trachomatis, herpes, and gonorrhea. Other symptoms of STDs and STIs, besides painful urination, include sores in the mouth, genital, or rectum areas, pain during intercourse, unusual discharge or bleeding, and swollen lymph nodes. STIs and STDs with bacterial origin are easier to treat with antibiotics, while viral infection symptoms can be managed but not always treated.
If you’ve recently had a new sexual partner or if you have had unprotected sex, we recommend getting tested for STDs or STIs if you are suffering from dysuria. While it may feel intimidating, most tests are comfortable. If you are proactive in seeking treatment, you can find relief from painful urination sooner rather than later.
Vaginitis
Vaginitis is an irritation, inflammation, or infection of the vagina. Our bodies maintain a normal, healthy level of bacteria and hormones. But, if vaginal bacterial levels or hormone levels are altered by yeast infections, menopause, or bacterial vaginosis—an infection can occur. These imbalances can cause vaginitis and painful urination. For some women, certain soaps, washes, scented toilet paper, and laundry detergent, among other products, can also cause irritation that leads to vaginitis.
Common symptoms of vaginitis include painful urination, vaginal itching or irritation, change in vaginal discharge or odor, pain during intercourse, and light vaginal spotting or bleeding. If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, even if you’ve had a vaginal infection before, speak with a doctor about possible treatments. Your provider may suggest topicals, medication, or other remedies.
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control and can be physically and mentally painful. There are six types of urinary incontinence, each named by its cause. The types of incontinence are stress, urge, mixed, overflow, functional, and reflex. Typically, urge and mixed incontinence are associated with feelings of pain during urination. Often, they are caused by infections, like urinary tract infections or vaginitis, which leads to painful urination.
The symptoms of urinary incontinence vary depending on the type of urinary incontinence.
Some common symptoms include:
leaking urine when laughing, lifting heavy objects, or sneezing
uncontrollable urge to urinate
Frequent urination
Urinating more frequently, especially at night
Once your doctor diagnoses the type of incontinence, they can tailor a treatment targeted to its cause. Many people find relief with medications, specific exercises, therapies, and in some cases, surgery.
We offer a variety of treatments for painful urination and bladder control, including InterStim® therapy. This therapy regulates critical muscles involved in urination for long-term bladder control. If you think you may suffer from urinary incontinence, we recommend tracking how often you use the restroom to serve as a guide when speaking with your doctor.
What Should I Do When Urinating Is Painful?
If you are encountering pain while urinating, we recommend you seek treatment. While it can be uncomfortable to talk about, avoiding treatment may make your condition worse. A doctor can diagnose, treat, and relieve any discomfort you may experience, so you can get back to living your life to the fullest.
Dr. Sullivan and his team strive to create a relaxing, stress-free environment. If you’re interested in finding relief from dysuria, or other women’s health ailments, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Sullivan today.
Painful Urination Treatment and Beyond in Statesboro, GA
Dr. Gary B. Sullivan and his team are dedicated to helping you find relief from painful urination. Don’t live in your pain alone! Call (912) 875-0392 or contact us online to schedule your appointment today.