Dysuria is a term that describes pain or discomfort when urinating.
The pain associated with dysuria can originate in the perineum (the area between a person’s genitalia and the anus), the urethra (a tube that carries urine outside the body), or the bladder.
Painful urination is a very common condition in men and women but is more common in women. The pain or stinging that occurs can come from various sources and can indicate multiple underlying medical conditions.
Some of those conditions include prostatitis (the inflammation of the prostate gland), sexually transmitted diseases and infections, a urinary tract infection, a bladder infection, yeast infections, bladder pain syndrome, interstitial cystitis, bladder cancer, and more.
If you are experiencing painful urination and would like to know if you have dysuria or other chronic pelvic pain conditions, schedule a consultation and physical exam with one of our urologists at the Urology of Greater Atlanta.
Our highly skilled urologists provide accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans. Call us or schedule an appointment online today!
What Are the Causes of Painful Urination (Dysuria)?
Multiple medical conditions can cause pain when urinating.
Some of the health conditions that can cause dysuria include:
- A urinary tract infection (UTI)
- A vaginal infection
- Sexually transmitted diseases (chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes)
- Prostatitis
- Nonbacterial prostatitis
- Cystitis
- Urethritis
- Obstructive uropathy
- Epididymitis
- Kidney stones
- Medications (such as antibiotics or those used for cancer treatment)
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Hygiene products (certain soaps and lotions)
- A tumor in the urinary tract
- Irritation from sexual activity, bicycling, or horseback riding
What Are the Symptoms of Dysuria?
Some of the common signs and lower urinary tract symptoms associated with dysuria include:
- Painful urination that lasts longer than one day
- Fever
- Blood in the urine (red or dark-brown urine)
- Discharge from the vagina or penis
- Abdominal pain
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty emptying your bladder completely
When to See a Doctor
If you experience painful urination along with fever, recurrent urinary tract infections, abdominal pain while pregnant, or if the pain is long-lasting, it is essential to contact and see your healthcare provider.
How Is Dysuria Diagnosed?
A physician may diagnose the underlying cause of your painful urination by performing a physical examination and asking about your symptoms.
Your healthcare provider may also perform specific diagnostic tests, including the following:
- Urine sample: A urine sample is taken and sent to a lab to determine whether you have an infection.
- Cystoscopy: Your doctor will use a small thin instrument called a cystoscope to look inside the urethra and bladder for any physical issues.
- Cystometry (Urodynamics): A physician will measure the pressure within your bladder. This test is performed to understand muscular or nerve problems in your bladder and see how well it is working.
- Neurological tests: These tests are performed to see whether there is a nerve problem preventing the bladder from functioning.
- Imaging tests: An MRI or a CT scan may be used to take a picture of the bladder and the surrounding organs to check their functionality.
What Are the Treatment Options for Dysuria?
To successfully treat painful urination, a doctor must first treat the underlying cause of your dysuria.
After diagnosing the cause of your painful urination, your doctor might use the following treatment methods:
- Antibiotics
- Medication to improve bladder function
- Botox injections into the bladder to relax the muscle
- Implanting a nerve stimulator under the skin to improve muscle control.
Conclusion
If you experience painful urination and want to know the underlying issue, schedule a physical exam and consultation with our expert urologists at Urology of Greater Atlanta. We have multiple locations throughout the state of Georgia.
Call or book an appointment now!
