If You Have A Different Condition
Conditions that affect the bladder or prostate can also lead to other urinary symptoms, such as painful urination or blood in the urine. Pelvic floor dysfunction can cause painful urination too.
Both early and late stages of ovarian cancer can cause urinary urgency.
People with diabetes may find that their urine looks cloudy or smells sweet.
In diabetes insipidus, the urine is typically clear and odorless.
A doctor will perform tests to determine whats causing you to urinate frequently. Theyll ask you some questions, such as:
- When did your symptoms begin?
- What other symptoms are you experiencing?
- Do you have any unexpected leaking of urine? If so, in what situations?
Theyll most likely ask you for a urine sample to check for:
Your doctor will also conduct an exam of your abdomen. They will likely perform other physical exams, such as:
Other tests that can be useful include:
- Bladder scan. This is an ultrasound done on your bladder after youve urinated to see how much urine is left behind.
- Cystoscopy. Using a lighted instrument, the doctor can take a closer look inside the bladder as well as take tissue samples if necessary. Learn more about cytoscopy.
- Additional urinary testing. This involves a variety of tests that look to see how well your urinary system is working. Examples include urodynamic testing and uroflowmetry.
If a bacterial infection is at fault, theyll prescribe antibiotics to get rid of it.
What Is Frequent Urination
Frequent urination is the need to urinate more than you normally would. The urge can strike suddenly and cause you to lose control of your bladder. It can feel uncomfortable, like your bladder is extremely full.
Frequent urination is the primary symptom of the condition overactive bladder , and the terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Urinary tract infections are another common cause of frequent urination.
According to the Urology Care Foundation, frequent urination is when you need to go at least 8 times in a 24-hour period.
The key to treating frequent urination is addressing the underlying cause.
What Is Burning Urine
- Urinary burning is pain that is felt when urine is expelled from the bladder. Burning, painful urination, also known as dysuria.
- Symptoms can be constant or variable and can improve or worsen depending on the function and movement of the body.
- The pain can be described as a raw sensation or a stinging sensation and can range in intensity from mild to severe.
- Painful or difficult urination, a feeling of the constant need to urinate, or blood in the urine can accompany Urinary burning.
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Preventing Frequent Or Painful Urination
Whenever possible, physicians treat frequent or painful urination by determining what underlying problem is causing the symptoms, and treating that problem. For example:
- If diabetes is the cause of a persons frequent urination, the physician will work with the patient to control blood sugar to minimize the urinary issue.
- If a mans frequent urination is due to benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostatitis, the physician will treat that issue to relieve urinary symptoms.
- For women who have painful or frequent urination due to urinary tract infections, the physician will prescribe antibiotics or suggest other treatments to eliminate the infection.
Sometimes, behavioral treatments may also help alleviate symptoms of painful or frequent urination. These are activities the patient can do to minimize or eliminate symptoms for conditions such as OAB. Behavioral treatments might include:
Symptoms: How Often Is Frequent
Frequent urination is defined as urinating more often than what you consider normal. Urination may occur in small or large amounts. The Cleveland Clinic defines frequent urination as urinating more than 4 to 8 times per day for healthy people who are not pregnant.
Additional symptoms of a potential medical problem may include:
Talk to your doctor if the cause of frequent urination cant be explained by increased fluid intake, especially caffeine or alcohol.
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Consuming Alcohol Caffeine Or Other Diuretics
A diuretic is something that makes you urinate more frequently than normal. Youre probably familiar with common diuretics like alcohol and caffeine . Artificial sweeteners can also act as diuretics. So can acidic foods and drinks, like those that contain citrus fruits or tomatoes.
If you consume any of these regularly, youll likely make more trips to the bathroom. In addition, frequent urination can be a side effect of taking certain medications to treat other conditions like those to control high blood pressure.
Irritation In Vaginal Tissues
Sometimes we ignore this and dont think about it. When you feel a burning sensation with urination, you immediately think its an infection or a kidney problem. But you should keep in mind that there are many things we use for our intimate hygiene that can cause allergic reactions, as well as irritation.
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Is That Burning Sensation A Urinary Tract Infection
Reviewed By:
Melindia Mann, M.S.N, C.N.M., W.H.N.P.-B.C.
Chances are, it has happened to you: You go to the bathroom and feel a burning sensation when you urinate. That feeling is a telltale symptom of a urinary tract infection , and its one that most women are familiar with. UTIs are incredibly common. In fact, the risk of a woman contracting one in her lifetime ranges from 40% to more than 50%.
UTIs are inconvenient and can make a woman feel miserable from the pelvic pain, frequent urination and that burning feeling. Prompt treatment is key to relieving these symptoms and preventing possible complications, such as kidney infection.
Melindia Mann, a womens health nurse practitioner who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of UTIs at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, talks about the common causes of urinary tract infections, how to prevent them and when to see a doctor or practitioner.
Bladder Cancer And Radiation Treatment
While urine containing blood is a more common symptom of bladder cancer, some women with this condition also feel the need to urinate more often. If a tumor is present in the bladder, it takes up space that could otherwise be filled with urine, thereby leading to an increased need to pee frequently. Not only can cancer cause more frequent urination, but the treatments for cancer can cause this as well. For example, radiation is often used to treat cancer and can cause the side effect of frequent urination. This is especially true if the radiation therapy is targeted at the pelvic area.
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Causes Of Painful Urination
Several kinds of infection or inflammation can cause painful urination. These include:
- Urethritis and prostatitis. These two inflammatory conditions are the most frequent causes of painful urination in men.
- Vaginal infection, such as a yeast infection. Women who have a vaginal infection may notice vaginal odor, discharge and painful urination.
- Sexually transmitted infections. STIs such as chlamydia, genital herpes and gonorrhea can cause painful urination.
- Can be caused by:
- Irritation of the urethra from sexual activity or activities like bicycling or horseback riding.
- Irritation from douches, spermicides, bubble baths, soap or toilet paper with fragrance.
- Side effects of certain medications, supplements and treatments.
- Stones in the urinary tract.
- Vaginal changes related to menopause .
- Tumor in the urinary tract.
The Most Common Causes Of Painful Urination In Men
Our bodies have many ways to let us know that something is wrong, from fevers and chills to aches and pains. Even the waste we excrete provides information about whether our digestive tracks are functioning at their optimal levels. Painful or burning urination are typical signs that something in the urinary track is not functioning properly. The most common causes of painful urination in men are:
Urinary Tract Infection
This common infection is caused by an excess buildup of bacteria along the urinary tract. While women are 50% more likely to experience a UTI than men, they can still experience this condition. The most common symptoms of a urinary tract infection include a strong, frequent urge to use the bathroom and a burning or painful sensation when urinating. Fortunately, this infection can typically be cured within 2 to 3 days with the proper treatment.
Prostate Infection
A prostate infection is also called acute prostatitis and has symptoms similar to a UTI. Approximately 50% of men will experience a prostate infection in their lifetime and it is commonly caused by the same type of bacteria that causes as UTI or by sexually transmitted infections. Treatment with antibiotics usually provides relief and cure.
Sexually Transmitted Infection
Kidney Stones
Bladder Cancer
Chemical Sensitivity
Medications
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What Are The Causes Of Dysuria
There are many causes of dysuria. Also know that doctors cant always identify the cause.
WOMEN: Painful urination for women can be the result of:
- Bladder infection .
- Urinary tract infection.
- Endometritis and other causes outside the urinary tract, including diverticulosis and diverticulitis.
- Inflammation of the bladder or urethra . Inflammation is usually caused by an infection.
The inflammation may also be caused by sexual intercourse, douches, soaps, scented toilet paper, contraceptive sponges or spermicides.
Normal female anatomy
MEN: Painful urination for men may be the result of:
- Urinary tract infection and other infections outside the urinary tract, including diverticulosis and diverticulitis.
- Prostate disease.
Normal male anatomy
Painful urination for men and women may be the result of a sexually transmitted infections or the side effect of medications. Chemotherapy cancer drugs or radiation treatments to the pelvic area may inflame the bladder and cause painful urination.
A Urinary Tract Infection
Most women have at least one urinary tract infection at some point in their lives. UTIs happen when bacteria or something else infects parts of your urinary system, which includes your bladder, urethra and kidneys. Besides frequent urination, signs of a UTI include fever, a burning feeling when you pee, discolored urine and constantly feeling like you need to pee . You may also feel bladder pressure or discomfort in your back or around your pelvis.
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Urinary Tract Infection Diagnosis
If you think you might have a UTI, dont worry. Diagnosing one requires a simple urinalysis. You urinate into a cup, and your clinician examines the urine for signs of infection. The standard course of treatment is three to five days of antibiotics.
In some cases, especially if your infections keep coming back, your practitioner may order a urine culture, a specific test for UTIs. A culture identifies the bacteria causing your infection so your clinician can choose the most effective antibiotic to treat it. The results of a urine culture are typically not available for two to four days.
What Is Interstitial Cystitis/bladder Pain Syndrome
Interstitial cystitis /bladder pain syndrome is a chronic bladder health issue. It is a feeling of pain and pressure in the bladder area. Along with this pain are lower urinary tract symptoms which have lasted for more than 6 weeks, without having an infection or other clear causes.
Symptoms range from mild to severe. For some patients the symptoms may come and go, and for others they don’t go away. IC/BPS is not an infection, but it may feel like a bladder infection. Women with IC/BPS may feel pain when having sex. The more severe cases of IC/BPS can affect your life and your loved ones. Some people with IC/BPS have other health issues such as irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and other pain syndromes.
The bladder and kidneys are part of the urinary system, the organs in our bodies that make, store, and pass urine. You have 2 kidneys that make urine. Then urine is stored in the bladder. The muscles in the lower part of your abdomen hold your bladder in place.
How the Urinary System Works
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Painful Urination In Men’s Health
Painful urination is relatively common among men. But it must be addressed immediately to prevent symptoms from worsening.
At Complete Care Medical, we’re dedicated to helping improve and maintain men’s health. That’s why we offer patients great medications and medical supplies. Contact us today if you want our help to maintain your health!
Other Symptoms To Watch Out For That Are Similar To Frequent Urination
If your frequent urination is accompanied by other symptoms, youll want to make an appointment or go to urgent care as soon as you can to get started on a treatment plan and make sure you arent experiencing a more serious condition. Some of these symptoms include:
- Painful urination
- Feeling like you still have to pee even after peeing
- Smelly or cloudy urine
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Urinary Tract Kidney And Bladder Infections
One of the most common causes of frequent urination is a urinary tract infection, or UTI. More than half of women experience one or more UTIs in their lifetimes, many of which occur by a woman’s early 20s. UTIs are commonly caused by bacteria getting into the urinary tract from sexual intercourse or improper wiping while using the toilet. However, the frequent burning urination associated with a UTI can also occur during pregnancy, in women with immune system disorders, and from simply holding the bladder for a prolonged period of time. A specific type of UTI is a kidney infection that develops in the bladder or urethra and moves to the kidneys. If you are taking antibiotics for a UTI but your symptoms are not improving, you may have a kidney infection. Accompanying symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and blood in the urine. Most bladder infections are caused by bacteria, and these are a type of UTI. Bacteria can enter the bladder through stool and from other areas of skin through the urethra. Because women’s urethras are shorter than men’s, females are more prone to bladder infections and experience frequent urination.
What Causes Burning Urination
There are a multitude of different reasons to have burning pain when urinating. The following are some of the most common causes:
Urinary tract infection : The most common explanation for dysuria and its caused by bacterial infections of the urinary tract. Bacteria often attaches to the inner lining of the urethra and can spread rapidly to the other urinary structures if not promptly treated. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection often include pain on urination, changes in urine color, and increased frequency of urination.
Sexually transmitted infections : These may include genital herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. These sexually transmitted infections are also caused by bacteria and may present alongside vaginal discharge, genital sores, and itchiness of the groin area.
Vaginal yeast infection: A common infection occurring in women also known as thrush. It may cause a burning sensation when urinating as well as itchiness and redness around the vaginal area.
Urethral stricture: This condition commonly affects men and occurs when the urethra narrows due to tissue inflammation or the presence of scar tissue. Because urine is unable to pass freely, it causes undue tissue irritation, leading to a burning sensation.
Bacterial vaginosis: Known for the fishy odor it can produce, this bacterial infection primarily affects women.
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Whats The Difference Between Frequent Urination And Incontinence
While theyre often mentioned together, frequent urination isnt the same as incontinence, which is involuntary urination that can result in leaking. But frequent urination can be just as inconvenient to your day-to-day life. In addition to disrupting your routines and activities, constant trips to the bathroom can also feel distressing, especially if youre not sure of the cause.
How To Prevent Urinary Tract Infections
UTIs are unpleasant enough that most women will try anything to avoid getting one. Mann discusses some simple lifestyle changes that might help you prevent UTIs. These steps help reduce the chance of bacteria entering the urinary tract, which is the main cause of UTIs. Make sure to:
- Empty your bladder more often: Dont hold it when you feel the urge to go. Mann says that you should empty your bladder at least every four hours during the day. And urinating immediately after intercourse can help wash bacteria away from the urethral opening.
- Drink more water: Studies have shown people who drink more water are less likely to have recurrent urinary tract infections. Mann suggests that you drink at least 2 liters of water daily.
- Try a different birth control: If you have repeated urinary tract infections, you may want to avoid using a diaphragm and spermicide, including spermicidal condoms. Talk to your doctor or clinician about other birth control options that can lower your risk for UTIs.
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Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: A Problem With Muscles
When the muscles of the pelvic floor arent working properly, it can cause pain, discomfort and other symptoms in the pelvic organs and nearby locations like the lower back. Relaxation of the pelvic muscles can cause symptoms such as urinary or fecal incontinence. But recent research reveals that, in many cases, the cause of wide-ranging pelvic pain and discomfort is actually caused by excessive tightness in the pelvic muscles, causing knots to form in muscle tissues.
These knots, called trigger points, can form in any muscle tissue, and they can often be easily felt in places like the neck or shoulders. In the pelvis and other areas, these points cause pain and irritation in surrounding nerves and tissues. Standard medical approaches to treating pelvic floor dysfunctions include medication such as muscle relaxants, exercises such as yoga, pelvic floor physical therapy, and even surgery. But these techniques arent always effective and symptoms can return.
Our patients often try and make lifestyle or dietary changes hoping to address the problem. Removing items like alcohol, caffeine or gluten may help alleviate but often is not addressing the underlying muscular issues. Items like alcohol or caffeine can often lead to conditions like interstitial cystitis, which then can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction. So removing them may help address one concern but not the other.