Burning and pain during urination in women and men

A healthy person does not experience discomfort when urinating. But for some people, this process is accompanied by severe pain and burning.

There are two types of urination disorders diagnosed by these symptoms:

• Urethritis, in which pain during urination is caused by infectious agents (bacteria or microscopic fungi);

• Dysuria, in which these same symptoms are caused by compression or blockage of the urethra by a hematoma, tumor, or stone.

They affect both men and women at different ages.

Features of pain syndrome during urination

Women

The reasons leading to painful urination in women are varied. You can suspect a particular disease by the symptoms that manifest the disease, namely, by how the process of emptying the bladder occurs. Features to pay attention to:

• Urethritis – pain and burning appear immediately after the start of urination.

• Cystitis – pain and pain occur at the end of the act.

• Mixed infection with lesions of the urethra, kidneys, bladder: pain occurs throughout the entire process of urination.

• Urolithiasis – blood is visible in the urine, it appears after a painful attack in the lumbar region.

• Tumors of the urinary system – hematuria in combination with painful urination.

• Vulvitis or vaginitis – pain when trying to empty the bladder and burning in the vagina.

• Atrophy of the mucous membranes against the background of hormonal imbalance: pain during urination and discomfort during intercourse.

In men

If a man experiences pain when he first urinates, this may indicate an infection in the urethra – urethritis.

When she worries after emptying the bladder, it makes sense to examine the prostate for prostatitis.

When should i see a doctor?

Contacting a specialist should not be postponed if the following symptoms appear:

• Unpleasant sensations of pain, cramps and burning that accompany the process of urination;

• The presence of atypical discharge from the vagina of a woman and from the penis of a man;

• Duration of symptoms more than 2 days;

• Pain in the lower abdomen, perineum, lower back;

• Weakness, fever, deterioration in performance.

In case of pain, cramps, burning sensation confined to the genital area during urination in men and women, it is necessary to visit the following specialists:

• Urologist;

• venereologist;

• Gynecologist;

• Dermatovenereologist;

• Andrologist;

• Pediatrician (if the child has problems with urination).

Noninfectious causes common to men and women

The causes of pain and burning during emptying of the bladder can also be non-infectious in nature:

• Severe hypothermia of the body. This reason, in addition to discomfort, can also provoke the formation of kidney stones.

• Urolithiasis – urolithiasis disease. With it, there is a constant feeling of overcrowding of the bladder.

• Movement of sand through the urethra can injure the epithelium lining this channel and cause pain.

• Injuries urethra may be accompanied by pain, burning and cutting with each visit to the toilet.

• Renal colic occurs when the outflow of urine from the kidneys is impaired as a result of blocking the urinary tract with a stone, a conglomerate of urinary salts, a blood clot or mucus, etc. It can occur against the background of urolithiasis.

• Blockage of the ureter. In this situation, salts, stones, blood clots will pass through the urinary canal and cause pain.

• Tumors in the genitourinary system can obstruct the outflow of urine and cause severe pain.

• Benign and malignant tumors and other formations in the organs adjacent to the genitourinary system. There are cases when tumors of the rectum compress the urethra, causing discomfort.

• Gout. In this disease, the urine contains a large number of uric acid crystals. Their movement along the urethra causes pain.

• Chemical agents cosmetics and contraceptives. Fragrances, dyes, stabilizers contained in soaps, shower gels, condoms can cause an allergic reaction and lead to pain when urinating.

• Damage to the epithelium of the urethra by chemical agents. Occurs with an abundance of oxalates in the urine (with gout), glucose (diabetes mellitus), toxic substances (after immoderate use of drugs, consumption of spicy food and alcohol).

• Surgical intervention. The presence of a catheter can provoke pain and burning during urination.

• Pubic lice can also cause discomfort when urinating.

Pain can be caused by any infection.

The process of inflammation in the urethra occurs when the most favorable conditions for the pathogenic microorganisms present there are formed. The most common causes of most urethritis are caused by sexually transmitted infections. In turn, infectious urethritis is divided into: specific, caused by pathogens such as gonococci, trichomonas, ureaplasmas, chlamydia, mycoplasmas, etc.; and non-specific, caused by microorganisms that are part of the normal microflora of the oral cavity, vagina and rectum – staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, streptococcus, etc.

Conditionally pathogenic microflora can sharply increase its growth due to a decrease in the body’s immune status. This can happen with a sharp and frequent hypothermia, the presence of stress, with a lack of rest and sleep, insufficient and malnutrition, exacerbation of chronic diseases. 

Causes of pain and burning during urination in women

• Infectious diseases of the vagina. Colpitis, candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginitis can be accompanied by infection in the urethra, which will cause pain and burning sensation every time you go to the toilet. A woman should definitely pay attention to unnatural discharge with an unpleasant odor.

• Cystitis. Women suffer from cystitis more often due to the individual characteristics of the anatomical structure. Such as the length and width of the urethra, through which microbes from the rectum easily enter the bladder and provoke an inflammatory reaction. However, a woman may experience symptoms of cystitis in other diseases of the urinary and reproductive systems. In addition to pain, a woman experiences frequent urge to urinate and a constant feeling of full bladder.

• Endo- and myometritis. The term endometritis refers to inflammation of the endometrium, the top layer of mucous tissue that lines the inside of the uterus. It can occur in both acute and chronic forms. Endomiometritis is characterized by inflammation of the deeper tissues of the uterus. These diseases also cause pain when urinating.

• Vaginal and intestinal candidiasis. Burning occurs as a result of the abundant growth of fungi of the genus Candida. In the people, this disease is called thrush for the characteristic milky-white discharge.

• Inflammation of the kidneys (pyelonephritis). Inflammation of the kidneys causes not only discomfort during urination, but also pain in the lower back and perineum.

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The most common cause of painful urethritis. The most common sexually transmitted diseases are chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, ureaplasmosis, trichomoniasis, herpes, and mycoplasmosis.

• Exacerbations after past infections. Influenza, SARS, purulent tonsillitis, sinusitis and other diseases can seriously undermine the body’s immunity and provoke problems with urination.

• Inflammatory processes in the intestines. due to its proximity, inflammation can also affect the genitourinary system.

Causes of pain and burning during urination in men

These unpleasant symptoms for men can be caused by a traumatic injury to the perineum or occur after intercourse. However, they can also occur due to natural causes, for example, after eating spicy and spicy foods. But the most common causes are bacterial and fungal infections.

• Prostatitis. When the prostate is inflamed, it can also affect the urogenital canal. In addition to pain when emptying the bladder, men also experience pain in the scrotum, perineum, lumbar and sacral spine.

• Atrophy of the prostate. It occurs in men with an overactive sex life, which leads to the depletion of the prostate gland. Usually this gland provides a disinfecting effect in the urogenital canal. However, if this does not happen, dangerous bacteria or fungi can multiply unhindered and cause inflammation.

• BPH. It is defined as a benign neoplasm of the prostate gland. Difficulty passing urine, causes pain.

• Urogenital tuberculosis. This disease may not manifest itself for a long time, but is characterized only by pain and a periodic decrease in potency. In Russia, this disease is considered difficult to diagnose, despite the fact that the number of patients remains large. Difficulties are caused by the lack of qualified personnel, equipment and materials.

A serious problem is that with a sluggish course of the disease, urine tests for infection are often unreliable. In the absence of the necessary experience and practice, a specialist often prescribes an inferior diagnosis and incorrectly determines further treatment. For example, short-term treatment with antibiotics, which does not give the desired effect.

Venereal infectious diseases, sexually transmitted diseases

• Urogenital chlamydia. Recently, this disease has become widespread. The difficulty lies in the untimely manifestation of signs of infection, since it has been latent for a long time. The patient notices the disease when it manifests itself in an acute form. In this case, the patient suffers from unpleasant glassy discharge from the genitals, fever, weakness, traces of blood in the semen and urine, pain and burning when urine passes through the urethra.

• Urea— and mycoplasmosis. Asymptomatic latent and at the same time dangerous infections. Unpleasant sensations occur only in the acute phase of the course of the disease.

• Trichomonosis (trichomoniasis). The disease is caused by parasitism in the urethra, prostate gland and seminal vesicles of microscopic protozoa – Trichomonas. In addition to pain and burning, there are purulent and foamy discharges, elongated blood conglomerates in the urine and semen. Leads to a breakdown of the entire genitourinary system.

• gonococcal infection. Gonorrhea disrupts the normal process of urination, accompanying it with pain and burning. When gonococci cause an acute development of infection, the urethra swells strongly, and a greenish-yellow discharge occurs from the penis. The disease can become chronic.

• Oncological diseases prostate, kidneys, bladder, intestines. Neoplasms located near the urethra can compress and pinch the urethra, causing the above discomfort.

Why do we experience pain when urinating?

As mentioned above, the causes of painful emptying of the bladder can be infectious (urethritis) and non-infectious nature (dysuria).

Burning when urinating occurs when the cell layer of the walls of the urethra, or urethra, is damaged and destroyed. The reason for this is almost always the activity of pathogenic microorganisms. They destroy the cells lining the urethra from the inside and release toxic products of their vital activity. That is why the inflammatory process is accompanied by unpleasant secretions. Since the integrity of the epithelium is broken, the nerve endings under it are exposed.

Pain when urinating in children

Urination in children occurs much more often than in adults. This is due to the fact that their bladders are smaller, but their water intake is higher relative to their body weight. In addition, children are unable to hold back for a long time if they want to go to the toilet, as this skill develops over time.

Sometimes children experience pain when urinating. Here, inflammation of the urinary tract, which girls are more likely to suffer than boys, can also be the cause. The fact is that in early childhood, children do not carefully observe personal hygiene. Some boys may have a congenital disorder of the outflow of urine. Sometimes small children can insert foreign objects into the urinary canal on their own, scratching the urethra and causing pain.

Also, pain and burning during going to the toilet in children can be associated with excessive consumption of products that irritate the urethra: Coca-Cola, chocolate, chips.

What is dangerous inflammation of the urethra for men and women?

The danger is due to the anatomical features of the sexes. In both sexes, the urethra (or urethra), which carries urine from a full bladder outward, is of different lengths. In women, it is shorter and wider in diameter, therefore, when inflammation occurs, it is quickly transferred to the organs lying above – the bladder, ureters, kidneys.

The urethra in men, on the contrary, is very long, but narrow, the ducts of the prostate gland, which have an antiseptic effect, flow into it. Therefore, men are less likely to suffer from urethritis. But, if a man does get sick, then the inflammatory process primarily affects the prostate (prostatitis), then goes to the epididymis (epididymitis), and reaches the seminal vesicles (vesiculitis). Thus, an infectious lesion of the urogenital canal of men completely affects the reproductive organs.

Diagnosis in the event of urination disorders

Usually, after visiting a specialist, the patient is prescribed the following examinations and tests:

• General blood analysis;

• Cytoscopy;

• Sowing a smear of the contents of the cervical canal;

• General urine analysis;

• Bacteriological examination of urine;

• Urine analysis by the Nechyporenko method;

• Uroflowmetry (determination of the rate of urine output);

• Ultrasound of all organs located in the pelvic area:

• Analysis for all STIs (sexually transmitted infections) by ELISA and PCR;

• If necessary, the study of the lower back and sacrum by MRI.

After a thorough examination, the specialist prescribes treatment. Usually, treatment consists of taking appropriate antibiotic agents, selected taking into account the specifics of the pathogen. In addition, immunotherapy will be prescribed to restore and activate the protective functions of the body. If necessary, local treatment will be carried out – the introduction of drugs directly into the affected organ.

If the cause of discomfort during urination is not of an infectious nature, then treatment depends on establishing the cause of the discomfort. Surgery is possible if there are injuries, tumors, large kidney stones.

In addition to treatment, the patient will be recommended a lifestyle that promotes a speedy recovery. This is a plentiful drink to increase the volume of urine, a complete or partial rejection of spicy and spicy foods, fast food, alcohol, avoidance of severe cooling and overheating (for example, in a bath). Sexual abstinence will also be recommended until recovery.

Treatment of pain and burning during urination

It is impossible to ignore the discomfort that occurs during urination, as over time they will gain intensity. Treatment depends on the cause of the pain. If an infection has become a triggering factor, broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs are prescribed. When conducting a test to determine the sensitivity of the infectious flora, it is possible to select a targeted therapy.

Treatment in women

When cystitis is confirmed, women are prescribed the following drugs:

• Monural. An effective antibiotic that is active against most infectious agents that can provoke the development of cystitis in women. The drug has 3 forms of release: suspension, granules, powder. They take the drug once, which allows you to get rid of acute cystitis, since the drug is not prescribed in the chronic form of the disease.

• Nolicin. Broad-spectrum antibiotic from the group of fluoroquinolones II generation. It is used to kill bacteria resistant to other antibacterial drugs. Nolicin is indicated for cystitis and other infectious diseases of the urinary system, accompanied by pain and burning during urination.

• Nitroxoline. A combined preparation that destroys not only the microbial flora, but also fungi of the Candida genus. Indicated for use in various infections of the urinary system.

• Furagin. A broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent from the group of nitrofurans. It is highly effective, as the microbial flora slowly develops resistance to it.

• Nevigramon. This urological antiseptic is based on nalidixic acid, which is active against bacteria that affect the kidneys, ureters and bladder.

• Rulid. A broad-spectrum antibiotic from the macrolide group. The drug can be used to treat cystitis.

• Furadonin. The drug can be used both for the treatment and for the prevention of cystitis.

If painful urination is a consequence of urolithiasis (kidney stones), the patient is shown taking drugs that relieve spasm and pain. A prerequisite is the observance of the diet and drinking regimen. The patient should drink at least 1,5-2 liters of water per day. Such volumes allow you to qualitatively wash the bladder, helping to remove pathogenic flora from it and speedy recovery.

In order to reduce discomfort, women are prescribed a gel for the intimate area with chamomile extract, tea tree oil, lactic acid and panthenol. It contributes to the speedy regeneration of tissues, the destruction of pathogenic flora, and the removal of inflammation. The use of the gel can reduce the intensity of symptoms and bring recovery closer.

Treatment in men

Therapy for painful urination in men should be etiotropic, that is, directed at the cause that provoked this symptom. The basis of treatment are such groups of drugs as:

• Antibiotics. They are prescribed to destroy the microbial flora, with bacterial inflammation. Without them, the treatment of most sexually transmitted diseases is not complete.

• Uroantiseptics. They are aimed at disinfecting the urinary system, are active against pathogenic flora: viruses, bacteria and fungi.

• Anti-inflammatory drugs. They are used to reduce tissue swelling, relieve inflammation and make the patient feel better.

• Antispasmodics. Their action is aimed at relieving tension from the smooth muscles lining the organs of the urinary system. Taking medications can relieve a person from excruciating pain.

The list of drugs for each group is extensive. Only a doctor can choose a specific drug.

Folk remedies and herbal preparations

Infections and other pathologies of the urinary system that provoke pain during urination can be treated not only with pharmaceuticals, but also with herbal preparations.

Herbal preparations

• Cyston. Combined preparation based on an aqueous extract of medicinal plants. It is prescribed for urolithiasis, to gradually reduce stones in size and relieve inflammation from the organs of the urinary system. The drug prevents an increase in the number of microbial flora and contributes to the death of bacteria. Its reception enhances the effect of antibiotic treatment.

• Lingonberry leaves. A decoction based on them contributes to the disinfection of the organs of the urinary system and the rapid removal of inflammation. This is possible due to the presence of phenol glycosides in their composition.

• Cranberry juice. Its benefits for cystitis have been proven by scientists. Cranberry acts as a natural antibiotic that is unable to harm human health. Morse can be used for both therapeutic and prophylactic purposes, with acute and chronic cystitis. Fruit drinks do not have to be cooked on their own, highly concentrated cranberry extract Monurel is sold ready-made.

• Sunflower root. This is one of the most effective remedies for the treatment of urolithiasis provoked by phosphate, urate and oxalate stones. However, calculi formed by proteins or magnesium are not sensitive to therapy with sunflower roots.

Top 7 Best Diuretic Herbs for Urinary Problems

• Erva Woolly. Due to the diuretic effect, excess uric acid, urea, chlorides are excreted from the body. Its reception stabilizes the water-salt balance, helps to relieve inflammation from the urinary system.

• Bearberry. The herb has a complex effect on the body: it destroys the microbial flora, sterilizes urine, strengthens the walls of nephrocytes, and has a diuretic effect. This is possible due to the rich composition, which includes arbutin, gallic acid methyl ester, hydroquinone. The herb is indicated for use in urolithiasis.

• Horsetail. This herb is a powerful diuretic. In addition to the diuretic effect, it has antioxidant and antibiotic properties. Treatment with horsetail should not last longer than 6 weeks. Exceeding the specified periods can cause the development of seizures and result in a deficiency of potassium in the body.

• Orthosiphon. The herb is brewed and drunk like a medicinal tea. It is indicated for use in various diseases of the urinary system, as it has a diuretic and antispasmodic effect, affecting smooth muscles.

• Juniper. The intake of berries stimulates the formation of urine, so they are used as an aid in the treatment of diseases of the urinary system.

• St. John’s wort. The herb has a diuretic effect, relieves inflammation, acts as an astringent. It can be used to treat infectious and non-infectious diseases of the urinary system.

To what doctors to address?

Pain when emptying the bladder is a reason to contact a therapist. If, within his competence, he cannot find out the cause of this pathological symptom, the patient will be referred to a narrow specialist. It could be:

• Gynecologist. His visit is a must for every woman suffering from painful urination. Examination of the female reproductive system allows you to find out the causes and provocateurs of the development of the disease.

• Urologist. Male patients are sent to him, but women often become his patients, especially when it comes to urolithiasis.

• Venereologist. It is possible that painful urination is associated with STDs. It is the venereologist who will help to deal with this.

[Video] Dermatovenereologist, urologist Lenkin Sergey Gennadievich will tell you in more detail what to do with pain and burning during urination in women: