If you feel pain when urinating, know that this is not normal:
possible causes include urinary tract infection and bladder stones or, in more serious cases, even cancer. Keep reading to understand what to do to avoid problems.
Pain when urinating should not be normalized in any way. In today’s text, the main causes associated with the sensation of pain, burning, and stinging during urination will be clarified.
Various factors can trigger these symptoms, from urinary tract infections to more complex conditions.
Identifying the cause is very important to ensure proper treatment as quickly as possible. Understand the possible diagnoses associated with the problem.
What can be the cause of pain when urinating in men?
Pain when urinating in men can be caused by various conditions, one of the most common being urinary tract infection which, if untreated, can also affect the kidneys.
Any persistent discomfort should be investigated: if this is your case, seek medical guidance for an accurate diagnosis and the start of appropriate treatment.
Below, we list some of the main causes that can cause pain in the urine canal. Follow along:
Urinary Tract Infection
A urinary tract infection is often one of the main diagnoses when it comes to pain when urinating.
The infection occurs due to the proliferation of bacteria or fungi in the organs of the urinary tract, mainly urethra and bladder. However, if untreated, it can lead to more serious conditions, such as pyelonephritis (kidney infection).
The bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli), originating from the intestine, are the most known for causing urinary infections, but other microorganisms can also trigger the problem.
In addition, other factors can facilitate the occurrence of urinary infections, such as:
- kidney stones;
- urinary tract obstructions;
- frequent sexual intercourse;
- diabetes;
- weakened immune system;
- prolonged use of urinary catheters.
Among the main symptoms, in addition to the burning sensation when urinating, are urinary urgency, increased urinary frequency, and pelvic pain. Treatment is generally carried out with antibiotics, which must be prescribed by a doctor and can prevent complications.
Also be alert to signs such as urine with an unpleasant odor, dark and/or with blood, back pain, and fever.
Bladder Stones
Bladder stones, in addition to irritating the area, can cause burning when urinating, especially when it is about to be expelled through the urethra.
In addition, it can also cause urinary tract infections, contributing to pain and discomfort.
Phimosis
Phimosis, excess skin covering the penis, making proper exposure of the glans difficult, can also indirectly cause urinary problems.
If phimosis is not properly treated, complications can arise. Among them are difficulty in hygiene and possible recurrent infections, in addition to urine retention in more serious cases.
Circumcised men (i.e., those who do not have phimosis) tend to not present the disease, as there is no excess skin at the tip of the penis, something that contributes to the proliferation of agents.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is quite common after the age of 50, characterized by the gradual enlargement of the prostate. The gland, which is normally small, can reach the size of a tennis ball. Unlike prostate cancer, the condition is benign.
However, as the prostate increases in size, it can compress the urethra, leading to urinary symptoms, including discomfort when urinating.
Penile Cancer
Penile cancer can also, in some cases, cause discomfort for the man when urinating, although not all patients present this symptom.
If this type of cancer is advanced, it can also involve the urethra, hindering urination.
Bladder Cancer
The tumor in the bladder can even obstruct the normal flow of urine, irritating the bladder walls. The symptoms of cancer can vary, but pain when urinating can be one of the signs.
However, this is not the most common sign: blood in the urine (hematuria) is the main alert for bladder cancer.
This type of cancer affects older men more frequently, often caused by external factors, such as smoking.
Urethritis
Urethritis is an inflammation of the urethra, the canal that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. This condition can be caused by bacterial and viral infections.
The bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, responsible for gonorrhea, and the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, which causes chlamydia, are frequent examples of infectious agents associated with urethritis. Indeed, these are two of the Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), commonly associated with urinary pain.
When the urethra is inflamed due to an infection, there is an increase in mucus production and the release of inflammatory substances. Thus, the man may have pain when urinating, due to the irritation of the urethra walls.
Urethritis also causes increased urinary frequency, urgency to urinate, abnormal urethral discharge, itching, and, in some cases, the presence of blood in the urine.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is nothing more than an inflammation of the prostate. This condition can also cause urinary discomfort due to the proximity of the prostate to the urethra and its influence on the urinary system.
The inflammation of the prostate can lead to a series of symptoms, such as pain or a burning sensation when urinating, increased urinary frequency, urinary urgency, pain in the genital area, and back or perineum pain.
Prostatitis can be diagnosed by a urologist. The treatment may involve antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and alpha-blockers, depending on the diagnosis.
Epididymitis
Epididymitis inflames a “tube” located behind the testicle. The role of this canal is mainly the transport and storage of sperm.
This condition, even if indirectly, can also cause urinary discomfort. Epididymitis can also be caused by bacterial infections, mainly originating from STIs. Symptoms also include pain and swelling in the scrotum, a sensation of testicular weight, local redness.
Cystitis
Cystitis, an inflammation of the bladder, is usually caused by a bacterial infection. Although it is more common in women, it can also affect men, especially when there are obstructions in the urinary tract, such as the presence of kidney stones.
Among the main signs of cystitis are pain or discomfort when urinating, increased urinary frequency, urgency to urinate, and a sensation of pressure in the pelvic region.
The treatment of cystitis is carried out with antibiotics, in addition to measures to relieve symptoms, such as increasing fluid intake and applying heat to the pelvic region.
What to do to prevent pain and burning when using the bathroom
As we have seen, most of the causes for discomfort and pain when urinating are related to a lack of hygiene and basic care for the health of the urinary tract organs.
To prevent pain and burning, some healthy habits can help, such as:
- Drinking plenty of water;
- Not holding in urine;
- Practicing good personal hygiene
- Urinating after sexual intercourse;
- Avoiding the use of products for the intimate area;
- Avoiding the use of tight clothing;
- Always maintaining basic precautions against STIs (use of condoms during sexual intercourse).
What to do when you feel pain when urinating?
If you suspect any of the symptoms listed above, seek medical attention immediately. Especially in the case of infections, one of the most common reasons for pain when urinating, adhering to the appropriate treatment can quickly resolve the problem.
Ignoring symptoms or delaying treatment can lead to complications and worsen the condition. If the discomfort lasts more than two days or appears regularly, seek medical help.
Recommended treatments
For each diagnosis associated with urinary discomfort, there is a specific treatment. The cases mentioned above have distinct intervention protocols, including antibiotics, specific medications, therapies, or, in more complex cases, surgical procedures.
If you experience any discomfort or persistence of symptoms, do not hesitate and seek guidance from a urologist, a specialist trained to diagnose and treat disorders of the male urinary and genital system.
Consultation with a doctor is essential to ensure an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan for your case.
Our team is ready to offer qualified assistance. Contact us and learn more! Our experience here at the EMC clinic is personalized.
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