Causes of Painful Urination
Many people take going to the bathroom for granted until there is a problem with it, such as painful urination. When urinating becomes difficult, it can usually be resolved with a quick trip to see a urologist. Painful urination is more common in older men than younger, but it can still be a problem for anyone.
If you feel pain, even if the cause ends up being minor, you should see a doctor. Urination can become painful for many reasons, but a doctor can help you find a proper diagnosis and an appropriate treatment to resolve it.
Common Causes
The following can cause painful urination:
- bladder or kidney stones
- cystitis or a bladder infection
- sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea, chlamydia, or herpes
- kidney infections
- prostatitis
- narrowing of the urethra
- diabetes
- certain cancers
- some types of medication
Additionally, any irritation or inflammation in the urinary tract can cause a man to suffer pain while urinating – including from harsh soaps and other chemical products, which should not be used anywhere near the genitalia.
Symptoms Requiring Immediate Care
Painful urination in younger men is typically caused by an STD like chlamydia. In older men, usually it’s a bladder or prostate infection. If pain occurs at the start of urination it is usually indicative of a urinary tract infection, while pain following urination is a sign of a problem in the bladder or prostate.
If you experience pain while urinating, seek medical attention right away – because if the problem worsens to a point where urinating is impossible, the resulting retention of urine can lead to serious infection.
Additional symptoms – like more frequent urination, a change in urine flow, itching or swelling, pain during sexual activity, blood in the urine or semen, and fevers – should prompt you to seek medical care quickly.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Painful Urination
A urologist diagnoses and treats illnesses of the urinary tract of the male reproductive system. Your primary care physician may refer you to a urologist if problems are suspected anywhere in the male anatomy, including the bladder, urethra, prostate, seminal vesicles, testes, and other organs.
If painful urination is caused by infection, it usually can be cleared up with a simple course of antibiotic medication. Drinking more water can also help flush the system. However, if you’re susceptible to frequent infection, catheters can provide relief and the ability to urinate.
In the case of kidney stones, your urologist may turn to diagnostic imaging to verify their presence. The doctor may prescribe medication to help pass the stone if it’s small, but larger stones may require other measures, like sound waves or surgery.
Men’s Health Treatments in North Carolina
If you suffer from any symptoms, it is necessary to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Board-certified Dr. Richard Natale of Carolina Urology Partners specializes in men’s health issues and can help diagnose and treat you.
Call our office in Concord, North Carolina, at (704) 786-5131 or request an appointment online.
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