I have pain and burning while urinating

"Burning or pain when urinating" is a popular term used to describe a feeling of discomfort or pain during urination. The medical term that defines this symptom is stranguria. The burning sensation is usually felt at the tip of the penis, inside the vagina, or in the lower part of the abdomen. However, symptoms can also occur immediately after urination or persist regardless of the act of urinating. In women, this discomfort may increase in a sitting position.

The burning when urinating occurs due to inflammation of the urethra (the tube that carries urine out) and the bladder. Possible causes of urinary inflammation and burning include infections, irritants such as soaps, and changes in the chemical composition of the urine.

An adequate diagnostic evaluation is essential to identify the causes and establish appropriate treatment.

Causes of painful urination in women:

• Cystitis (commonly known as urinary tract infection);
• Vaginal candidiasis (thrush), which is usually harmless but can cause symptoms such as genital itching, constant burning or burning during urination, and a whitish vaginal discharge;
• Painful urination during the menstrual cycle;
• Concomitant cystitis (urinary tract infection);
• Endometriosis may be another possible cause, which may also present symptoms such as painful periods and pain during sexual activity;
• Painful urination during ovulation;
• concomitant cystitis;
• Ovulation can exacerbate the pain associated with interstitial cystitis, a chronic bladder pain syndrome.

Painful Urination During Pregnancy:

In early pregnancy, this symptom is infrequent. Afterward, you may occasionally experience transient painful urination, simply due to the growth of the uterus, which will subside without the need for further treatment. However, if urination becomes progressively painful and worsens, it may be a symptom of a urinary tract infection and requires treatment.

Causes of painful urination in men:

In young adult men, the leading causes of painful urination and burning are urethritis and prostatitis. These conditions may present symptoms such as urethral discharge, painful ejaculation, and sometimes fever. In most cases, these infections are sexually transmitted (such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, mycoplasma, or herpes).

A less common cause of burning or pain in the genital area in men is chronic or intermittent bladder catheterization in patients with urinary retention.

Causes of painful urination in children:

Pain when urinating in a child usually indicates a lower urinary tract infection. Urinary tract infections are the second most common bacterial infection in children.

Causes of painful urination without infection:

• An overfull bladder can cause transient pain during urination, often in the morning after waking up, due to muscle stretching of the bladder during contraction;
• Dehydration can make urine more concentrated and acidic and irritate the urethra;
• The use of harsh soaps, laundry detergents, and personal hygiene products;
• Some foods are more likely to irritate the bladder and urethra, such as alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, citrus fruits and fruit juices, tomato products, and artificial sweeteners;
• A hangover may be associated with burning urination;
• Febrile illnesses such as influenza and other viral infections can irritate the urethra due to dehydration and urine concentration, making urination painful;
• Chronic non-infectious urethritis (lichen sclerosus);
• During the menstrual period, painful urination is infrequent and may indicate some underlying disease, such as endometriosis;
• Immediately after sexual intercourse, painful urination could be caused by trauma, especially after prolonged intercourse;
• Painful urination could be related to kidney stones or stones in the ureter, accompanied by frequent urination and lower back pain;
• Bladder pain syndrome.

Dealing with urinary burning and pain

Here are some general tips that might help relieve discomfort:

• Drink plenty of fluids: Drinking enough water and other fluids can help dilute your urine, reducing urinary tract irritation. However, avoid drinks that can irritate the bladder, such as alcohol, caffeine, and carbonated beverages;
• Apply heat: A warm compress to the pelvic area can help reduce discomfort and pain associated with dysuria. You can use a hot water bottle or a hot compress;
• avoid irritants: avoid the use of scented soaps, harsh laundry detergents, hygiene products, and underwear, which could further irritate the urinary tract; choose delicate and fragrance-free products;
• urinates frequently: try to urinate regularly and thoroughly, avoiding holding urine for prolonged periods; this helps reduce the accumulation of bacteria in the urinary tract and prevent inflammation;
• follow proper intimate hygiene: make sure you maintain good intimate hygiene, cleaning the area gently from front to back to prevent the spread of bacteria;
• avoid irritating foods: some foods can irritate the bladder and urinary tract; therefore, it may be helpful to avoid spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomato products, and artificial sweeteners;
• follow the prescribed treatment: if a urinary tract infection or other medical conditions cause a burning sensation when urinating, it is essential to follow the treatment your doctor prescribes; this could include taking antibiotics or other specific medications.

When to see your doctor

If the burning persists, occurs recurrently, or is associated with other general symptoms such as fever, malaise, or bleeding, it is essential to consult a doctor. A medical professional will be able to evaluate your symptoms, identify the cause, give you specific guidance based on your condition, and prescribe the appropriate treatment.