Painful urination is the burning sensation, discomfort, or pain that is experienced when someone urinates. It is often caused when urine, which has an acidic PH, gets in contact with sores of the urinary tract. It can start slowly and aggravate into a serious health condition.

There are many health conditions that can cause painful urination, including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). If you are experiencing pain or burning when you pee, it is important to see your doctor as soon as possible.

In this article, we will discuss some of the most common STDs that can cause painful urination. We shall also delve deeper to make you understand some of the non-sexual causes of a painful urination.

What causes pain when urinating?

There are many things that can lead to discomfort below the belt. However, the accusing finger always points at arguably one of the main causes - std infection. It's important to note that even kidney stones can cause painful urination.

Let's discuss some of the STDS that cause painful urination

Stds that cause painful urination

  • Chlamydia

It affects both men and women, and the symptoms can appear within 1 - 3 weeks of the infection. It causes swelling of the urinary tract which leads to pain while urinating. Women experience pain while urinating and might even see abnormal vaginal discharge.

Men experience the same burning sensation while urinating and might also suffer from swollen testicles. It can also lead to pain in the rectum.

  • Gonorrhea

Like Chlamydia, the sister STI infection also causes inflammation in the urinary tract. When urine passes through an already inflamed urinary tract, it irritates the area causing pain and a burning sensation.

Other than painful urination, some of the common symptoms of gonorrhea in women are; bleeding between periods, pain during sex, pain in the pelvic area, and abnormal vaginal discharge.

Men could experience symptoms such as frequent urination, yellow or white discharge from the penis and swelling of the testicles.

Trichomoniasis

It presents itself as an asymptomatic condition for men. The only diagnostic sign is a pain when urinating. However, in women, it could present symptoms such as foul-smelling vaginal discharge, pain when urinating, and itching in the genital area.

  • Genital herpes

Pain when urinating is quite synonymous with genital herpes. The pain as result of a burning sensation is experienced when urine passes through the 'open wounds' called herpes sores.

Genital herpes can also cause swelling in the urinary tract which can block the urethra leading to a burning sensation when you pass urine.

  • Mycoplasma genitalium

It's one of the lesser-known STIs but very dangerous. It is caused by a parasite that attacks the epithelial cells leading to swelling in the urethra and pain when urinating.

  • Urea plasma

Like mycoplasma genitalium, this stI can cause painful discharge, frequent urge to urinate, and a burning sensation

What are other causes of painful urination (Non - STD causes)

There are instances where laboratory tests might rule out the presence of STI infection. Under these circumstances, some other health conditions might be the culprit of a painful urination. Below are some of these other non-STD-related causes of painful urination.

  • Obstructive uropathy

This condition occurs when there is blockage or obstruction in the bladder, urethra, or ureter forcing urine to flow back to the kidneys. It is a very rare condition but its always advisable to seek medical attention.

  • Kidney stones

It can be difficult and painful urinating when you have kidney stones. These are a collection of hardened materials, mostly minerals, and salts, that stick together in the urine. They can cause pain when passing through the urinary tract.

  • Prostatitis

This is simply an inflammation of the prostate glands. It can be caused by bacteria that can spread from other parts of the urinary tract. Prostatitis is one of the leading causes of painful urination, itching, and burning sensation

  • Cystitis

A condition that occurs when there's inflammation in the linings of the bladder. It is also called painful bladder syndrome. One of the major symptoms of cystitis is pain while urinating and a burning sensation.

  • Urethritis

This is the inflammation of the urethra and is often caused by a bacterial infection. It can lead to painful urination and an increased urge to urinate.

  • Urinary Tract infection

This is the most common culprit for painful urination. It occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract and multiply. in most instances, this bacteria can be sexually transmitted but that doesn't happen on all occasions, therefore, UTIs are not classified as STIs.

It is most common in women than in men because the urethra is shorter in most people with a vagina. The shorter the distance from the urethra to the bladder, the faster the bacteria can travel to the bladder causing the infection.

Medications

The body responds differently to certain types of medications. Some medications such as cancer treatment drugs or antibiotics can have side effects such as painful urination. It is advisable to speak to your physician before taking any medications or drugs.

Hygiene Products

Some soaps or detergents that we use to clean the sensitive areas can react with our bodies and cause irritation. Cleaning the genitals can also lead to allergic reactions.

What are the treatment options for painful urination?

The first step in treating painful urination is determining its cause. A test run on urine and blood will help to determine the exact cause of painful urination.

After diagnosis and based on the result, your physician might prescribe you antibiotics to treat bacterial infections, UTIs, and some STIs.

If the cause of your painful urination was a bacterial infection, you can expect to feel better much faster. Stick to the medications as given by your doctor.

Painful urination caused by more serious STIs such as Gonorpoea might take some time to treat. Doctors recommend taking drugs for longer, up to 3 months.

How can I prevent painful urination?

Staying off the path of anything that can cause discomfort, pain or irritation is the wish of anyone. Here are some of the ways to prevent painful urination.

Use Condoms for sexual activity

Although not 100% safe, using condoms is scientifically proven to help in the prevention of STIs. According to research, condoms will protect you to 90%.

However, condoms do not provide protection from STIs that can also be transmitted through skin-to-skin contacts such as genital warts and herpes.

It's important to undergo std testing before having unprotected sexual intercourse. Frequent std testing is also recommended for sexually active individuals.

  • Change in diet

Food substances that are rich in vitamin C such as vegetables and fruits are ideal if you want to stay out of infection of the urinary tract.

Vitamin C increases the acidity of the urine, providing a hostile ground for the breeding of the bacteria.

Fruits such as grapefruit, lemon, oranges, and kiwifruit will provide your body with the right amount of vitamin C in a single serving.

  • Stay hydrated

taking enough fluids will ensure you frequently urinate. A healthy urination pattern will flush out bacteria in the urinary tract system.

On the contrary, staying dehydrated provides a breeding ground for bacteria to grow in your urinary tract causing infections.

You can easily check if your body is hydrated or not by looking at the color of your urine. Colorless urine is an indication that you are taking enough. However, if your urine is yellowish, that's a sign it is concentrated with other metabolic wastes because you don't take enough fluids to dissolve the mineral salts and other wastes.

  • Avoid scented detergents or toiletries

These scented detergents react differently on different people. Some of them can also alter the PH of the urinary tract creating an ample breeding ground for bacteria.

When to see a doctor when you experience painful urination

As discussed above, some painful urination can go away after a few days of increasing fluid intake, changing diet, or detergents. However,  if you notice any of the situations below, it is important to see a doctor without hesitation:

  • When there is discharge from the vagina or penis. Whether it is a smelly discharge or pus, you need to seek medical attention.
  • When you start to experience fever as a result of the painful urination
  • When you start producing blood-stained urine or your urine has an abnormal smell
  • If you experience abnormal pain
  • If you notice kidney stones in your urine
  • Any pregnant woman should seek medical attention without any severe signs.

Private STD testing with Your Sexual Health Professional

Since most people normally treat sexual health as private, the first step when you notice anything abnormal in your genital area is to contact your gynecologist or sexual health physician.

Your doctor will recommend a couple of tests to be done to ensure treatment is given for the right ailment.

STD testing labs such as std labs are also great if you'd like to be diagnosed without any hassles.

Contributor: admin