Dysuria

Medical Topic of the Day:  Reader Linda wants to know why it burns when she pees.  So today we are talking about dysuria or discomfort when you pee.

Off the Top of My Head:  Dysuria is a common symptom and I have seen it caused from urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and STD's.  As to the actual mechanism for how it causes discomfort I would guess swelling due to infection but I don't know.  Let's find out.

My Research Today:  Usually burning or stinging in nature, dysuria is any discomfort experienced in the action of urination.  The root cause is inflammation and/or pressure of your urethra by one or more reasons.  There are four most common ailments that cause dysuria:

It probably shouldn't do that.

1)  Urinary Tract Infections.  Usually bacterial in nature, UTI's are much more common in women.  Bacteria introduced to the opening of the urethra tracks into the bladder causing an infection and associated swelling.  Frequent sexual intercourse or poor hygiene can increase chances of a UTI as well as individual physiology in regards to anatomical arrangement.

2)  Kidney Infections:  Also called pyelonephritis, kidney infections are caused mainly by advanced UTI's or kidney stones.  The infections are more serious with stones that obstruct your ureter or renal ducts as the infection has no natural outlet and can track into your blood stream causing sepsis.

3)  Urethritis:  This is swelling of your ureter typically caused by any one or an assortment of STD's including chlamydia and gonorrhea.  Urethritis can also be less commonly caused by irritants like spermicides or bubble baths.

No, that happens WAY later but you should always be suspicious.

4)  Vaginitis:  Guys don't have to worry about this one cause you need a vagina.  Vaginitis is vaginal swelling caused by infection or irritation.  Anything from douches to STD's can cause vaginitits but yeast infections are probably the most common reason.

So to answer your question, Linda, it burns when you pee because you are probably gross.

No wonder, Linda.

Have a good night everyone, and remember, if you want to ask a question just send an email!

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