Frequent urination, painful trips to the toilet, aching or sharp pain at the end of urination or throughout it signal a disease of the urinary system.
These symptoms occur in all ages and in both sexes, and are more common in women. This is due to the structural features of these organs.
Inflammatory processes in the urinary organs
Such inflammation most often has an infectious nature. Unpleasant sensations arise due to swelling of the mucous membrane and irritation by urinary current. The course of the acute disease is accompanied by sharp pain at the end of urination, accompanied by a burning sensation. When the disease develops into a chronic form, the discomfort becomes nagging and aching.
Painful symptoms occur in the lower urinary tract with the following diseases:
- cystitis . With this disease, the mucous membrane of the bladder becomes inflamed. Causes cystitis streptococcus, as well as infections that are sexually transmitted. The disease is more common in women;
- urethritis . Inflammation of the urethra occurs. The disease is caused by the same pathogens as cystitis, but it is more common in men.
Special food
In the case of a disease that is associated with problems removing urine from the body, an important point is to follow the correct diet during and after therapy. Returning to your usual diet should be done in stages.
All spicy, smoked, salted and fried foods are included in the black list.
It is worth remembering that pain after urination in women is mainly caused by serious pathologies, and this cannot be ignored, that is, at the first symptoms it is necessary to seek qualified medical help.
Mechanical irritation of the mucous membrane
The mucous membrane is exposed to mechanical stress during urolithiasis. Stones or sand pass through the urinary tract and, injuring its surface, cause pain. Severe and paroxysmal pain may appear before urination, sometimes accompanied by bleeding.
Taking painkillers for urolithiasis is useless.
Tumor processes
Tumors on the bladder grow from its membranes, and they block the outflow of fluid from it.
To empty itself, the organ pushes out its contents when it contracts, and that’s when pain occurs.
Adenoma is a benign tumor of the prostate gland.
It interferes with the flow of urine from the bladder. The mechanism of prostatitis has the same effect, but the pain can also be localized in the lower abdomen.
Pain when urinating in women
Why does a woman feel uncomfortable urinating? The reason lies in the following processes:
- inflammation in the bladder . Women suffer from cystitis more often than men; their urethra is wide, and bacteria enter it more easily. Hypothermia, which occurs as a result of wearing skirts, also contributes to infection;
- menstruation _ Women who use tampons may experience discomfort;
- sexually transmitted infections : chlamydia, trichomoniasis, genital herpes;
- premenstrual syndrome . Disruptions in hormonal balance can negatively affect the functioning of the urine excretory organs;
- back pain . With osteochondrosis, the nerve endings that are responsible for the activity of the bladder can be pinched.
Treatment of such a condition should begin with an accurate diagnosis. Self-medication is dangerous, since the course of the disease will become chronic, and this will adversely affect the condition of the entire body. When the cause of the disease is sexually transmitted infections, conventional medications will not help.
If a woman has been diagnosed with urethritis or cystitis, then she is prescribed antibacterial drugs, nitrofurans, and drinking plenty of fluids.
It is important to maintain personal and intimate hygiene to prevent further entry of bacteria.
When diagnosing urolithiasis, treatment will take longer. Drugs are prescribed to help dissolve the stones so that they can pass naturally.
For sexually transmitted infections, treatment is prescribed to both partners. It consists of a course of antibiotic therapy, which can only be prescribed by a doctor.
Painful urination in men
If a man experiences discomfort when urinating, this is a signal of serious problems:
- urethritis or prostatitis . Very common diseases among representatives of the stronger sex, resulting from infection with reduced immunity or hypothermia, or lack of personal hygiene. Bad habits and stress also contribute to the development of inflammation;
- infections transmitted through sexual contact . At risk are those men who do not use condoms and often change sexual partners, as well as representatives of sexual minorities:
- various tumors . They can be benign or malignant. Neoplasms block the lumen of the urethra or ureter. At risk are men who smoke a lot or work in hazardous industries;
- urolithiasis disease . When the stones move, the man experiences pain when urine comes out.
Ignoring symptoms can lead to the most tragic consequences, such as infertility, even death.
Urological diseases
Frequent urination and pulling sensations in the lower abdomen appear due to most urological diseases.
The most common is cystitis (inflammation of the bladder tissue), the causes of which are often common hypothermia and the entry of infectious pathogens into the body against the background of decreased immunity.
Pus in urine
With this disorder, the urine takes on a cloudy appearance; particularly dangerous symptoms are the presence of pus or blood in the urine. The urge to urinate becomes painful and very frequent, up to 10 times per hour.
Inflammation of the urethra is called urethritis, it can occur due to infection and due to chemical or mechanical damage to the mucous tissues.
The symptoms are similar to cystitis: urination occurs with discomfort or severe pain, aching pain, sometimes blood and pus in the urine.
The cause of frequent urination and pain in the lower abdomen may be inflammation of the kidneys (pyelonephritis) caused by various bacteria.
This pathology is accompanied by febrile temperature, poor appetite, severe chills and muscle aches, and frequent urge to empty the bladder.
Pyelonephritis
After some time, the symptoms are accompanied by pain in the lumbar region. And also dangerous symptoms are signs of blood and pus in the urine.
Sometimes the lower abdomen pulls as a result of the passage of stones or sand through the ducts of the genitourinary system. Urolithiasis leads to an increase in fluid, so the body tries to get rid of the stones as quickly as possible.
They can be deposited in the kidneys and then pass through the ureters, or form directly in the urethra.
Urinary disorders in pregnant women and children
“I often go to the toilet too little,” “it hurts to go to the toilet” - discomfort in pregnant women during urination is due to the fact that the uterus grows and puts pressure on the bladder. There may be incomplete emptying of the bladder or a weak stream when fluid is released. If it is painful to have a bowel movement after childbirth, the reason lies in the rupture of the urethra.
Painful sensations sometimes occur due to hormonal imbalance throughout the body, as well as due to the occurrence of diseases:
- cystitis. If the urine exit channel from the organ is disrupted, it remains partially in it, and this contributes to the spread of infection;
- candidiasis. Disruption of normal microflora leads to itching and pain;
- STI. Such diseases can lie dormant for some time and appear after a woman becomes pregnant.
Diseases of the urinary organs in children are very dangerous, severe, accompanied by severe pain and fever, sometimes vomiting.
Discomfort when urinating is a reason for concern and a visit to the doctor!
Why does my lower abdomen hurt?
Due to menstrual cramps
This is one of the most common causes of regular discomfort in the lower abdomen in women. The uterus contracts to expel the unfertilized egg and endometrium, and this sometimes results in pain that resembles mild cramping.
What to do about it
Most often, menstrual pain does not require treatment, you can simply endure it. If you don't feel like it, take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or paracetamol.
And consult a gynecologist if ailments during menstruation are poisoning your life. The doctor will prescribe a more effective remedy or suitable hormonal contraceptives.
Due to endometriosis and other diseases of the uterus, ovarian cysts
Also a common purely female problem. With such diseases, nagging discomfort in the pelvic area is not necessarily associated with menstruation: they can appear at any time of the cycle.
Menstruation with such disorders lengthens and becomes more painful.
What to do about it
If you suspect diseases of the reproductive system, be sure to consult a gynecologist. Surgery may be needed.
Due to ectopic pregnancy
During an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg implants and begins to grow not in the uterus, as it should normally be, but in the fallopian tube, cervix or ovary. This does not lead to anything good: sooner or later, the growing embryo breaks the walls of the organ to which it is attached.
The result is massive and deadly internal bleeding.
What to do about it
At the first suspicion of pregnancy, be sure to consult a gynecologist. Especially if, as the period increases, you feel more and more clearly a nagging pain in the lower abdomen.
Due to increased gas formation
When bacteria in the small intestine break down incoming and partially processed food, they release carbon dioxide and other gases. If there is too much gas, pressure in the intestines increases. Parts of the small intestine dilate, pressing on nerve endings in the abdominal cavity, causing bloating and pain, sometimes severe.
What to do about it
As a rule, the body copes with such situations on its own: excess gases exit through the anus. If your stomach bloats regularly after eating, you should reconsider your diet and give up foods that lead to increased bacterial activity.
It is also useful to consult with a gastroenterologist - perhaps he will prescribe you prebiotics and recommend other ways to cope with the problem.
Due to stones or kidney disease
Pyelonephritis, urolithiasis or other kidney disorders cause sudden, excruciating pain in the lower abdomen, closer to the lower back. This pain waxes and wanes.
What to do
If you suspect something wrong with your kidneys, go to a nephrologist as soon as possible. The doctor will make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the necessary medications. In some cases, you may be hospitalized for surgery.
Due to urinary tract and bladder infections
Most often, such disorders make themselves felt by problems when urinating: burning sensation, cutting pain, frequent urge to go to the toilet.
What to do about it
Most of these infections are caused by bacteria. If left unchecked, they multiply and this can lead to irreversible damage to the bladder.
Immediately see a urologist or nephrologist!
Due to muscle pain
Perhaps you just tried too hard to pump up your lower abs. Or they overextended their abdominal muscles by singing along to their favorite band at a concert too actively. Myalgia (as muscle pain is called) can also be caused by other reasons that cannot always be determined.
What to do about it
If muscle pain appears after physical activity, you can simply endure it. But if you have unpleasant sensations, and you can’t think about their causes, go to the therapist: suddenly it’s about muscle inflammation.
Due to appendicitis
A ruptured appendix begins with a nagging pain in the navel or right lower abdomen, sometimes radiating to the thigh. If, with such symptoms, your temperature rises, your appetite disappears, nausea and bloating appear, the diagnosis of “appendicitis” becomes more and more real.
What to do about it
Appendicitis is a surgical emergency: surgery is required to remove the damaged organ. Otherwise, there is a high risk of peritonitis with a fatal outcome. Therefore, if you suspect a ruptured appendix, consult a surgeon or, depending on the severity of your symptoms, call an ambulance.
Due to inflammatory bowel disease
A variety of factors can lead to inflammation of the intestinal mucosa:
- bacterial or viral infections (swallowed lake water or ate an expired product);
- food and alcohol poisoning;
- the influence of parasites - the same helminth worms;
- antibiotic abuse;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract - gastritis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, hepatitis.
As a rule, inflammatory bowel lesions are accompanied by diarrhea or constipation, bloating, nausea, and fever.
What to do about it
Contact a therapist or gastroenterologist. The doctor will make an accurate diagnosis, treatment will depend on this. In some cases, it is enough to just lie down and follow the drinking regime.
Others will require antibiotics and other medications.
Due to bowel cancer
This deadly disease hardly makes itself felt in the initial stages. It is manifested only by some discomfort, slight pain in the abdominal area, and symptoms - often not very pronounced - of digestive disorders.
Diagnosis and treatment
To begin with, the doctor finds out at what point during urine excretion a person experiences pain: during the entire process, at the beginning, or at the end. It also finds out whether there is pain in the lower abdomen, whether enough fluid is secreted, how often you want to go to the toilet, whether there is a burning sensation and itching in the urethral area.
During the examination, the doctor pays attention to the condition of the genitals, the presence of redness, as well as the general condition of the patient, the presence or absence of temperature. The prostate gland is examined using the digital rectal method.
The examination involves:
- general blood test, the level of leukocytes and ESR increases significantly;
- urine analysis, protein, bacteriuria is detected;
- biochemical blood test;
- urine culture, this analysis identifies the pathogen and determines the sensitivity of antibiotics to them;
- urine analysis for nitrite content;
- ultrasound examination of organs;
- cystoscopy.
A course of treatment is prescribed only after a comprehensive study. The patient is prescribed antibiotics, as well as medications for normal bowel function. Nonsteroidal drugs reduce inflammation and pain. Upon completion of drug treatment, vitamins and physiotherapy are prescribed. After relief of the condition, physiotherapy and vitamin therapy are prescribed.
Throughout the course of therapy, it is important to take plenty of fluids, especially cranberry juice or rose hip decoction. These berries have a diuretic effect and minimize the use of diuretics.
What tests should I take for pain after using the toilet, both small and large?
Additionally, women may be prescribed:
- analysis of microflora for dysbacteriosis;
- cytology;
- biopsy;
- Ultrasound of the genitourinary organs;
- bacterial culture of urine;
- PCR diagnostics.
If you experience pain after going to the toilet, by and large, your doctor may prescribe:
- general blood analysis;
- examination of stool for the presence of blood;
- general stool analysis;
- blood test for liver and kidney tests;
- biopsy.
general urine analysis; general blood analysis; special urine analysis according to Nichiporenko.
analysis of microflora for dysbacteriosis; cytology; biopsy; Ultrasound of the genitourinary organs; bacterial culture of urine; PCR diagnostics.
general blood analysis; examination of stool for the presence of blood; general stool analysis; blood test for liver and kidney tests; biopsy.
Prevention
Measures to prevent diseases of the urinary organs:
- maintaining personal hygiene;
- minimize the intake of spicy and salty foods;
- it is necessary to urinate in a timely manner;
- You should not abuse alcohol, it is advisable to quit smoking;
- avoid sexual contact during treatment.
An important point in preventing genitourinary tract infections is drinking enough water.
You need to be careful when drinking raw water, even in cases of hygiene procedures, because it is in it that bacteria are activated. It is better to drink purified water, and some doctors even advise washing yourself with boiled water.
