Painful Urination: Discomfort During Urgency and Its Causes

There is pain in the urethra when there is a need to urinate, but it does not occur after urination or when there is no urge to urinate?

I have recently noticed that whenever I feel the urge to urinate, there is a painful sensation in my urethra.
However, this discomfort does not occur after I urinate or when I do not feel the urge to go.
I am someone who has difficulty urinating, and I wonder if sometimes holding it in could be the cause of this issue.
I hope the doctor can help me understand what might be going on, and I would like to know if I need to seek medical attention for this problem.

Zi Xuan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/02/16

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Hello, you may be experiencing urethritis or cystitis.
It is recommended to first check a urinalysis and urine culture.
If you feel uncomfortable, seek medical treatment.
If you are feeling okay, you can drink cranberry juice, about 500cc daily, which may also have therapeutic effects.
If you have any further questions, feel free to ask, and we can discuss and research together.
Please note that online responses should only serve as a reference; if necessary, you should visit a medical facility.
This message is from Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai, Director of the Urology Department at Taitung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2016/02/16

More Info

Experiencing painful urination, especially when feeling the urge to urinate, can be concerning and uncomfortable. The symptoms you describe, where pain is felt in the urethra only during the urge to urinate and not afterward, can be indicative of several underlying issues.
One common cause of this type of pain is urethritis, which is inflammation of the urethra. This condition can be caused by infections, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, or non-infectious factors like irritation from soaps, lotions, or other chemicals. Another possibility is cystitis, which is inflammation of the bladder, often due to a urinary tract infection (UTI). Infections can lead to increased urgency and discomfort during urination.

Additionally, if you have a habit of holding in your urine, this could contribute to discomfort. When you delay urination, the bladder can become overly full, leading to increased pressure and discomfort upon finally relieving yourself. This can also lead to bladder irritation over time.

Given your symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention. A healthcare provider can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include a urinalysis to check for signs of infection, blood, or other abnormalities in your urine. They may also ask about your medical history, any recent sexual activity, and other symptoms you may be experiencing.

If an infection is diagnosed, treatment typically involves antibiotics. However, if the pain is due to non-infectious causes, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as avoiding irritants, drinking plenty of fluids, and not holding in urine for extended periods.

In summary, while occasional discomfort during urination can be common, persistent or severe symptoms warrant a medical evaluation to rule out infections or other underlying conditions. Early diagnosis and treatment can help alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. Please do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options. Your health and comfort are important, and addressing these symptoms promptly is the best course of action.

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