What is Dysuria?
Dysuria also known as painful urination is a condition characterized by discomfort and burning in the urethra and surrounding genitals while urinating. This condition usually indicates the presence of a urinary tract infection and is more commonly seen in women than men.
Causes of Dysuria
Some of the common causes of dysuria include:
- Urinary tract infection
- Prostatitis
- Cystitis
- Obstructive uropathy
- Vaginal infection
- Genital herpes
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Urethritis
- Medications
- Gonorrhea
- Bladder stones
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Obstructive uropathy
- Bladder cancer
- Structural malformation
Related Signs and Symptoms of Dysuria
Signs and symptoms that may accompany dysuria include:
- Frequent urination
- Abnormal discharge
- Pain in the sides of the abdomen
- Loss of bladder control
- Difficulty with urination
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Urgency to urinate
- Blood in urine
- Painful intercourse
- Pelvic pain
- Vaginal bleeding
- Intense period cramps
Diagnosis of Dysuria
Your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms and based on this a physical examination will be performed. Your doctor may also recommend the following diagnostic tests:
- Urine examination: A urine sample is collected to detect the presence of blood, protein, WBC, or signs of infection in the urine.
- Urethral swab: A swab test of the urethral discharge will be performed to detect any sexually transmitted infections.
- Ultrasound: This study uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the bladder tissues.
- MRI Scan: This study uses a large magnetic field and radio waves to produce images that help in detecting damage to the soft tissues and ligaments.
- Computed Tomography (CT) scan: This scan uses multiple x-rays to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the bladder and other pelvic organs.
- Cystoscopy: A long, thin instrument with an eyepiece on one end and a tiny lens with a light on the other end is inserted into the urethra and bladder for examination.
Treatment for Dysuria
Treatment for dysuria may vary based on the root cause, this includes:
- Medications:
- Antibiotics and Antifungal:
- Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics and antifungal medications to treat bacterial and fungal infections.
- Over-the-counter medications will be prescribed to relieve painful urination.
- Anti-inflammatory medications will be given to relieve inflammation caused due to skin irritation.
- Topical ointments will be provided to avoid skin irritation.
- Lifestyle modifications:
- Drink plenty of water
- Use fragrance-free soaps to avoid a possible allergic reaction
- Urinate when there is urgency
Prevention from Dysuria
Preventive measures for dysuria include:
- Proper hygiene
- Safe sex practices
- Proper hydration
- Change urinary incontinence pads as soon as they are soiled