Dysuria: Causes and Treatment

Published at 16 October 2024

Dysuria is caused by urinary tract infections, vaginal infections, sexually transmitted diseases (STD), and other health problems. Get a comprehensive understanding of the causes of dysuria and the treatment.

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Urinary tract infection is one of the most common causes of dysuria. This infection usually originates in the bladder and, if not treated properly, may spread to the kidneys. (1)(2)

Associated symptoms: In addition to dysuria, a urinary tract infection can be associated with other symptoms such as: flank pain, fevere, foul-smelling urine, turbid urine, hematuria, urinary urgency, and other symptoms. (2)

Treatment: Urinary tract infections are treated with antibiotics, and the doctor directs you to the appropriate antibiotic based on the results of the urine culture. (3)

Vaginitis

Vaginal infections are one of the causes of dysuria in women. (5) This infection is usually caused by certain types of fungi or bacteria. (3)

Associated symptoms: Vaginitis may be associated with other symptoms, such as: vaginal itching and irritation, pain during intercourse, spotting or light vaginal bleeding, and changes in the color and smell of vaginal secretions. (6)

Treatment: Treated with antifungals for fungal infections or antibiotics for bacterial infections, which are available in the form of pills, creams, gels, or vaginal suppositories. (3)

Sexually transmitted disease (STD)

Sexually transmitted diseases are also causes of dysuria. This infection is caused by certain types of bacteria and viruses, such as: chlamydia, gonorrhea, and genital herpes. (2)

Associated symptoms: Burning urine may be associated with additional symptoms such as: itching, abnormal secretions, and sores in the genital areas. (2)

Treatment: Sexually transmitted diseases are treated with antibiotics or antivirals, which are available in the form of pills or injections, and treatment is determined based on the severity of the condition. (7)

Prostatitis

Prostatitis is one of the causes of dysuria in men. It can be caused by a bacterial infection, direct injury, muscle strain, or the presence of stones in the prostate gland, etc. (8)

Associated symptoms: It may be associated with other symptoms such as: an urgent and frequent need to urinate, especially at night, cutting or dripping urine, hematuria, and a feeling of pain in the abdomen or groin area. (9)

Treatment: Prostatitis cases are treated with antibiotics in the case of bacterial infections, and analgesics, and prostate massage using a special technique can be used to relieve pressure in other cases. (8)

Other reasons

There are other factors that may lead to inflammation or irritation of the urinary tract and genital organs, leading to a dysuria: (2)

Vaginal sensitivity and irritation due to the use of scented soap, shower gel, paper tissues, or vaginal washes.
Inflammation and irritation of the ureter due to sexual intercourse.
Vaginal changes resulting from approaching menopause.
Practice certain sports, such as horse riding or cycling.
Formation of stones in the urinary tract.
A side effect of using some medications or nutritional supplements.
Interstitial cystitis: It is a chronic inflammation and irritation of the lining epithelium, which takes the form of painful ulcers and cracks that bleed when the bladder fills with urine.
Urinary tract tumors.

Dysuria is a symptom that always requires visiting a doctor, to discover the cause and obtain appropriate treatment. Book your appointment now in the Urology Department at Al-Ahli Hospital. We provide you with specialized and distinguished services at the hands of the most skilled urologists and with the latest medical devices and technologies.