Urinary Pain Relief: The Ultimate Guide for 2021
Are you currently suffering from urinary pain? This type of pain can be difficult to manage, but there are solutions. Urinary pain can have many different sources, and you should consider them to determine the best possible path to relief.
In this comprehensive guide, you’re going to learn about the sources of this pain and where you can turn for relief. We’ll cover some of the known causes of urinary pain, the available over-the-counter medications, and some steps you can take to relieve discomfort while you’re waiting for your medications.
Table of Contents
- What are the causes of urinary pain?
- What over-the-counter treatments can resolve urinary pain?
- What can I do now to resolve urinary pain?
What are the causes of urinary pain?
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Urinary pain has many different causes, and some of them may be medical emergencies. You should speak to a doctor immediately if you experience any of the following emergency side effects:
- Blood has appeared in your urine. This blood may come in different colors, including red, a lighter pink, or brown
- Your urinary pain lasts for more than 24 hours
- Additional discharges are occurring alongside urine
- Your symptoms include fever or pain around your liver and kidneys
What conditions may have urinary pain as a symptom?
The following conditions may all have urinary pain as a symptom. Below, you can learn more about each of these conditions and some of the additional symptoms that may help you determine if you need to see a doctor.
- Bladder cancer
- Chemical urethritis
- Kidney stones
- Ovarian cysts
- Prostate infection
- Sexually transmitted infection
- Side effects from medication
- Urinary tract infection
Bladder cancer
Bladder cancer is one of the most severe disorders that may have urinary pain as a symptom. Both men and women are at risk of developing this form of cancer. Therefore, fast identification and treatment are necessary to minimize the chance of dangerous outcomes.
You may be suffering from bladder cancer if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Unexplained bleeding
- Blood in the urine
- Signs of a urinary tract infection
- Pain centered around the abdomen and pelvis, including bone pain
- Diminished appetite
This condition requires an evaluation from a physician as soon as possible. It cannot be treated without medical intervention.
Chemical urethritis
Urethritis is the swelling of the urethra. This condition can cause an unpleasant burning sensation centered around the genitals. The pain can range from mild to severe, and it may last for several days. Many different irritants can cause urethritis, but it is frequently a result of chemicals.
Chemical urethritis may be brought on by exposure to soaps, lotions, and spermicides. It may be accompanied by other symptoms, including:
- Pus discharge
- Pain around the testicles
- Swelling
This condition often resolves on its own after a few days. The pain can be partially controlled with anti-inflammatory medications that can reduce swelling and sensitivity. Ibuprofen is frequently recommended.
Kidney stones
Kidney stones are deposits of minerals and salts that may form inside the kidneys for various reasons. They may be asymptomatic until they are passed into the urinary tract. When kidney stones are moving, they can cause excruciating pain.
In addition to urinary pain, the symptoms of kidney stones include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Abdominal pain in the side and back
- Blood in the urine
- Foul-smelling urine
- Frequent urination
Small kidney stones can be treated with pain relievers. However, large kidney stones may require medical intervention to remove properly.
Side effects from medication
A variety of over-the-counter and prescription medications may cause bladder irritation. As a result, they may also cause urinary pain. These medications may include heart medications, diuretics, muscle relaxants, and antidepressants.
In addition to urinary pain, side effects of medications may include symptoms of:
- Urge to urinate (even when the bladder is empty)
- Frequent urination
- Abdominal pain
To resolve these symptoms, you should speak to your doctor. In addition, you may need to use a different medication or take additional medications to control the side effects.
Ovarian cysts
Women may experience ovarian cysts that result in mild to severe urinary pain. Cysts are fluid-filled pockets that can form on either side of the uterus. Most women are at some level of risk for developing cysts.
When cysts form, they may come in many different sizes. Some are so small that they cause no pain and easily resolve on their own. However, larger cysts may not heal easily, and they may rupture as a result of irritation. These cysts can cause severe pain and may also lead to infection.
They may also cause the following symptoms:
- A feeling of heaviness in the abdomen
- Bloating
- Sudden, severe pelvic pain (serious)
Pain from mild cysts can be treated with pain relievers. However, cysts that cause severe pain or result in infection should be addressed by a physician as soon as possible.
Sexually transmitted infections (STI)
Urinary pain may be the result of a sexually transmitted infection. There are many different kinds of STIs, and as a result, many other symptoms may be involved. Urinary pain is a common symptom of all of the following STIs:
- chlamydia
- gonorrhea
- trichomoniasis
- genital herpes
The following symptoms may also be involved if you have one of these STIs:
- Unusual genital discharge
- Rashes and formations of bumps or sores near the genital area
- Pelvic pain
- Bleeding
- Pain during sexual acts
These conditions all require medical attention to treat properly, and they may develop into more serious conditions if they are not treated properly and in a timely manner.
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
A UTI is an infection that may occur anywhere throughout the urinary system. The kidneys, bladder, uterus, and urethra may all be affected by a UTI.
Men and women are both at risk of developing UTIs, but women are considered to be at a greater risk. In addition to urinary pain, UTIs may cause the following symptoms:
- Blood in the urine
- Cloudy urine
- Urine that has an unusually strong smell
- Frequent urination
- Urge to urinate
- Pelvic pain
Multiple parts of the urinary system can be affected at once. UTIs are not particularly dangerous in most areas, but they may require immediate attention from a physician to prevent severe damage if the infection reaches the kidneys.
Antibiotics are typically prescribed to treat serious UTIs. Physicians may also recommend the use of catheters to clear blockages and prevent swelling from interfering with the normal movement of the urinary system.
What over-the-counter treatments can resolve urinary pain?
A variety of over-the-counter treatments are available to treat issues that can lead to urinary pain. They can relieve pain and lower the risk of infection that may lead to more serious conditions.
Below, you’ll learn more about some of the most frequently recommended medications.
Pain relief
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is a pain reliever that is widely recommended to treat urinary pain that results from mild conditions like urethritis, mild kidney stones, and mild cysts.
It may also be prescribed to treat side effects from other medications (as long as it doesn’t interfere with them). It is not an anti-inflammatory, but it is less likely to result in high blood pressure or cause stomach bleeding than some other pain relief medications.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory pain reliever that is widely recommended to treat urinary pain. The fact that it can reduce swelling makes it effective for conditions that involve mild infections. It may be recommended to treat the pain from urinary tract infections and STIs.
Phenazopyridine hydrochloride
Phenazopyridine HCl is an over-the-counter and prescription medication that is often used to treat urinary tract infections in particular. It treats pain symptoms, including burning, and it can also decrease the urgency and frequency of urination.
What can I do now to resolve urinary pain?
While you’re waiting to pick up or order your over-the-counter medications, you may be able to relieve pain or resolve the condition sooner by taking some steps at home.
The following home treatments can help you manage pain from mild infections, including urinary tract infections and bladder infections.
Drink as much water as possible
If you are experiencing urinary pain, you may be motivated to pass urine as rarely as possible. However, plenty of water is needed to pass a UTI out of your system.
Drinking less water (and urinating less frequently) can cause urine to become more concentrated and more painful to pass. It may also cause the infection to last a longer amount of time.
Avoid chemical irritants
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If you are suffering from urethritis, it is essential that you avoid any chemicals that may have led to the original irritation. Any further exposure to the irritant may make your pain worse and prevent the body from healing the existing damage.
You should consider taking the following steps:
- Replace your soap, shampoo, or lotion with brands that are designed for sensitive skin
- Use safety gear when dealing with irritating chemicals on the job
- Experiment with different fabrics for your underwear
Not all of the chemicals that lead to urethritis are external. Food and drink with high levels of acidity can also be responsible. For example, coffee is one of the most common causes of acidic urine. It is also known to make UTIs more painful by causing bladder spasms.
Empty your bladder completely every time you urinate
When you’re experiencing urinary pain, it can be difficult to empty your bladder completely. The muscles that force the bladder to contract can cause pain when your bladder is inflamed and sensitive. The same is true if your urinary tract is infected.
However, emptying your bladder as completely as possible is a necessary step to clearing as much infected matter as possible. Failing to empty your bladder may prolong the infection and lead to a more serious infection.
Drink cranberry juice
Research into cranberry juice has shown that it has the potential to prevent serious infections in people who are prone to developing UTIs. This research has discovered that some compounds in the juice are not absorbed or destroyed by the body, but can instead remain and supplement the body’s immune responses.
This juice is particularly effective at diminishing the effects of the E. Coli bacteria by preventing it from bonding to other bacteria. E. Coli can easily cause bacterial infections and is one of the most common food-and-beverage-related causes of UTIs.
On its own, cranberry juice is not effective at treating existing UTIs. However, it can be effective at preventing them from forming.
Remember that these home treatments are not an alternative to seeking medical attention. While they are often recommended by doctors for mild symptoms, you should not determine whether your symptoms are mild or serious without talking to a doctor. Delaying medical attention may cause mild conditions to escalate into more serious ones.
Get relief from urinary discomfort
Urinary pain can be difficult for anybody to manage, but now you have some answers that may bring you relief the next time you’re dealing with these problems.
You now know some of the common causes of urinary pain. By considering the symptoms that are most associated with these conditions, you may be able to develop a better idea of what you’re facing. You also know which symptoms should lead you to seek out medical attention as soon as possible.
Additionally, you’ve learned about some of the over-the-counter medications that can help if you’re dealing with minor symptoms and conditions. Find these medications at your local pharmacy or order them online for relief.
While you’re waiting for your medications, you’ve also learned some of the ways that you can get relief right now. Take the most appropriate steps so that you can start dealing with less pain and get back to your life.
Cover photo by Juan Marin on Unsplash.
