What does pain when urinating mean?
The nature and timing of the pain indicate where the source is. Burning at the beginning of urination is most often associated with the urethra, pain at the end and heaviness above the pubis - with the bladder. If a burning sensation is felt externally, when urine comes into contact with irritated skin and mucous membranes, the cause is often vulvovaginitis. Pain in the perineum in men indicates the prostate. These details should be told to your doctor.
- At the beginning of urination - urethritis
- At the end of urination - cystitis
- External burning - vulvovaginitis
- With pain in the perineum - prostatitis
- With pain in the side and temperature - pyelonephritis
- Acute pain radiating to the groin – ureteral stone
Possible reasons
In women, the most common cause is acute cystitis associated with intestinal bacteria, which, due to the short urethra, easily enter the bladder. In young men, burning is more often caused by sexually transmitted infections, in older men - by prostatitis and infection due to adenoma. There are also non-infectious causes: irritation with flavored products, spermicides, chemotherapy and radiation therapy of the pelvic organs.
- Cystitis and pyelonephritis
- Urethritis, including chlamydial and gonorrheal
- Vaginitis: candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis
- Prostatitis
- Urolithiasis
- Genital herpes, irritation with hygiene products
Associated symptoms
Cystitis is characterized by frequent urge with small portions of urine, a feeling of incomplete emptying and cloudy urine without high temperature. Discharge from the urethra in men or changes in vaginal discharge in women indicate a sexually transmitted infection or vaginitis. High fever, chills, and lower back pain mean that the infection has spread to the kidneys. The appearance of blood in the urine requires examination even after the pain has disappeared.
- Frequent and urgent urges
- Cloudy urine with a strong odor
- Discharge from the urethra or vagina
- Itching in the genital area
- Blood in urine
- Fever, lower back pain
What examinations are needed
The minimum examination is a general analysis of the middle portion of urine. For repeated episodes, in men, pregnant women, and in case of ineffective treatment, urine culture is performed to determine sensitivity to antibiotics. In cases of discharge and in sexually active patients, smears are taken for chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas, and mycoplasma using the PCR method. Women undergo a gynecological examination. Ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder is prescribed for suspected stones, pyelonephritis and frequent relapses; for men - ultrasound of the prostate.
- General urine test
- Urine culture with antibiotic sensitivity
- PCR smears for sexually transmitted infections
- Gynecological examination and smear
- Ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder
- Ultrasound of the prostate in men
What to do and treatment
For uncomplicated cystitis in a non-pregnant woman, the doctor prescribes a short course of antibiotics. For sexually transmitted infections, both partners are treated and abstain from sexual activity until the end of treatment. Vaginitis is treated with antifungal or antibacterial agents, depending on the pathogen. To relieve pain, you can use painkillers as recommended by your doctor, drink enough fluids, and avoid the urge. You should not take antibiotics on your own or warm up your lower abdomen when you have a fever. With frequent relapses, the urologist selects prevention.
- Antibiotic - only as prescribed by a doctor
- Treatment of both partners for sexually transmitted infections
- Sufficient drinking regime
- Avoiding scented intimate hygiene products
- Urination after intercourse
- Monitoring analysis during relapses