Pain or burning when urinating can be caused by a variety of conditions, one of the most common being a urinary tract infection (UTI). A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract, which includes the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys.
(Keep reading: What Affects the Kidneys?)
Most of the time, the bacteria come from the intestines and reach the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.
Urinary tract infections can affect different parts of the urinary tract and have different names depending on their location. One of the most common illnesses is cystitis, an infection of the bladder. It is characterized by pain or burning during urination, frequent urination, and the urge to urinate after finishing urination.
In some cases, symptoms may be due to urethritis (urinary tract infection). In addition to pain during urination, men may also experience abnormal discharge from the penis and pain in the genital area.
Also, pyelonephritis (a kidney infection) may occur. In addition to pain during urination, fever, side or lower back pain, and general malaise may also occur.
Other possible causes of pain or burning when urinating
- Inflammation of the urethra (urethritis) due to causes other than infection, such as an allergic reaction or irritation.
- Kidney or ureter stones: Stones in the kidneys or ureters can cause blockage and irritation.
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as gonorrhea or chlamydia.
- Vaginal irritation in women may be caused by fungal or bacterial infection.
- Male prostatitis, an inflammation of the prostate that can cause pain in the urinary tract and genital area.
It’s important to seek medical attention if you experience pain or burning when urinating, as some of these conditions can worsen if not treated properly.
In most cases, a doctor will perform examinations and, if necessary, laboratory tests to determine the cause and prescribe appropriate treatment. Apart from, Drinking plenty of fluids and urinating frequently can help reduce irritation and promote recovery.
If you experience pain or burning when urinating, be sure to take steps to relieve your symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary.
Steps to Relieve Painful Urination Symptoms
- Drink water: Drink enough water throughout the day to make sure you stay well hydrated. This dilutes the urine and reduces irritation during urination.
- Frequent urination: Try not to hold your urine for too long and go to the bathroom as soon as you feel you need to pee. This helps eliminate bacteria and other irritants in the urinary tract.
- Avoid irritants: Avoid alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods and citrus as they can worsen urinary tract irritation
- heating: You can relieve pain by applying a heating pad or hot water bottle to your abdomen or lower back. This can help relax the muscles and reduce discomfort.
- Avoid irritating products: Avoid feminine hygiene products, sprays, douches and intimate deodorants as they can further irritate the genital area.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers: If the pain is mild, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, according to the instructions on the package.
- Consult a health professional: If pain or burning when urinating persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, blood in the urine, or severe pain in your sides or lower back, you must seek medical attention. Your doctor will be able to assess your symptoms, perform examinations, and if necessary, perform laboratory tests to determine the cause and prescribe appropriate treatment.
It is important that you do not ignore urinary symptoms as they may indicate an infection or medical problem that requires attention. With prompt diagnosis and treatment, most conditions that cause pain or burning during urination can be successfully treated and improve quickly.