Dysuria is pain and discomfort when urinating, which can be accompanied by back pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. It may be a sign of urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases, and kidney stones. Learn more about this condition and discover the available treatments.
Dysuria (pain or discomfort when urinating) can be a sign that something is wrong in your urinary system. More than a simple inconvenience, dysuria may be related to serious problems such as infections, inflammation, or even sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
In addition to affecting quality of life and male sexual health, dysuria can lead to serious complications if not treated in time. In the following text, you will understand the main causes, symptoms, and how to prevent and treat this problem, contributing to your overall health and well-being.
Causes of Dysuria
Dysuria indicates that the urinary system is not functioning well and may be linked to other health issues, such as:
- Urinary tract infection (UTI): in men, a urinary tract infection is more common when there are problems in the urinary system or prostate issues that affect urinary flow.
- Urethritis: infection in the urethra (the passage channel for urine) caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, or irritation by chemical products.
- Cystitis: infection or inflammation of the bladder, generally caused by the bacterium Escherichia coli.
- Kidney stones: popularly called “kidney stones,” these are uric acid or calcium crystals that can migrate near the bladder.
- Prostatitis: inflammation of the prostate resulting from bacterial or viral infections, pelvic injuries, or autoimmune diseases.
- Epididymitis: inflammation of the epididymis, a duct in the male reproductive system.
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs): gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital herpes, and syphilis can affect the urinary system.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of dysuria include pain when urinating, burning, stabbing sensations, and itching in the urethra, as well as pain and discomfort in the genital region. Babies and young children may become irritable.
Because this discomfort may be connected to other health problems, dysuria also presents symptoms related to the underlying cause. See below:
- Urinary tract infections: increased urinary frequency, back pain, fever, foul-smelling urine, and blood in the urine.
- Kidney stones: back pain, urinating many times a day in small amounts, changes in urine color, cloudy urine, nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills.
- Prostatitis: pain and burning when urinating, urgency to urinate (especially at night), lower back pain, fever with chills, penile pain or testicular pain, pain during erection or ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, blood in the urine or semen.
- Epididymitis: often caused by STDs such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. Symptoms include pain during sexual intercourse, testicular pain, and pain in the scrotum and pelvis, discharge from the penis, blood in the semen, and fever with chills.
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs): itching, burning, discharge, blisters, and sores, depending on the disease.
Specific Symptoms in Men
Urination-related symptoms are more frequent in young women. In men, the most susceptible age range is from 40 to 60 years old.
According to this article, dysuria in men causes pain and burning in the distal urethra, the final part of the urethra. This discomfort is felt during urination and disappears afterward.
The same study further explains that pain at the beginning of urination may indicate urethral inflammation, while intense pain at the end of urination may point to inflammation in the bladder.
How Does Dysuria Affect Men’s Health?
Dysuria alone can cause anxiety by affecting sleep quality, which in turn leads to extreme fatigue. In addition, many people in this condition avoid social activities such as gatherings and trips due to discomfort during urination.
In men, dysuria also impacts sexuality. This happens especially if the associated causes are prostatitis or urethritis, because pain during or after ejaculation and erectile difficulties are common in these cases.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of dysuria is made by a urologist. During the consultation, the doctor asks the patient about any history of urinary symptoms and sexual habits. Physical exams may include abdominal and external genital evaluations.
The doctor may also order urine tests, urine culture, kidney and urinary tract ultrasound, cystoscopy, and culture tests of genital secretions if applicable.
Treatments for Dysuria
The treatment for dysuria varies according to its cause. Antibiotics, antifungals, or antivirals may be prescribed. The duration of medication use also varies and must be followed strictly to avoid relapse and worsening of the condition.
Surgery may be indicated if dysuria results from large kidney stones or in cases of prostate cancer or bladder cancer.
Practical Actions to Prevent Dysuria
Knowing what dysuria is also means knowing how to avoid it. Check out our tips:
- Drink water daily to dilute the urine and help keep the urethra clear, which prevents urinary infections.
- Avoid beverages and foods that irritate the urinary tract, such as coffee, carbonated drinks, alcohol, and spicy foods.
- Clean the penis daily in the shower with water and neutral soap.
- Use condoms, urinate, and shower after sexual activity.
- Do not hold urine for long periods to avoid overloading the bladder and preventing bacterial growth.
- Engage in regular physical activity to strengthen pelvic muscles.
When to Seek Medical Help
It is essential to consult a urologist when you notice any of these symptoms:
- Painful urination.
- Burning sensation when urinating.
- Frequent urge to go to the bathroom.
- Change in urine color.
- Blood in the urine.
Dysuria is generally treatable but, if ignored, can be associated with serious complications such as kidney problems. Taking care of urinary health is crucial to reducing complications and promoting overall well-being.
Therefore, if you experience symptoms like painful urination, burning, or changes in your urine, seek a urologist immediately. And for more male intimate health tips, follow Dr. Paulo on Instagram and TikTok, and stay informed!
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- What Is Ejaculation? Answers to Your Main Questions
- Consequences of Male Sexual Abstinence and the Problems It Can Cause
- 10 Tips for Penis Care to Maintain Health and Prevent Infections and Diseases
- See What Causes Erectile Dysfunction and Available Treatments
- Prostate Surgery: What to Expect, Risks, and Recovery
- Gut Health and Sexual Function: The Connection
