What Causes Painful Burning with a Urinary Tract Infection?

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common bacterial infections with painful symptoms. UTIs are so common that most people will experience them at least once in their lifetime. These infections are not serious but if left untreated, they can develop into serious infections that cause irreparable damage to the kidneys. One of the first signs of a UTI is a burning sensation while urinating, but there are other signs, including blood in the urine or lower back cramping.

Urinary Tract Infection

A UTI is an inflammation of your body's urine producing system, including your kidneys, bladder and urethra. UTIs typically affect your bladder or your urethra but can also spread to the kidneys if left untreated. As a rule, the higher up the infection has traveled, the more serious it has become. Your physician will usually treat your UTI with a round of antibiotics and instruct you to drink lots of water in order to flush out your system.

Causes

UTIs occur when bacteria finds its way from the intestinal tract into the urinary system. Once inside, the bacteria begin to multiply, causing pain and irritation. There are several ways for the bacteria to get inside your urinary tract. You can get a UTI through regular sexual intercourse because the urethra is so close to the anal area. Pregnant women are especially prone to UTIs because an enlarged uterus blocking urinary passage could prevent urine from being emptied from the bladder. The urine sits in the bladder, providing a breeding ground for bacteria and infection.

Dysuria

The first sign of a UTI is often dysuria, a painful burning sensation when urinating. The burning comes from an irritated urethra, the tube through which urine passes through the body. Dysuria is not limited to UTIs though and having that burning while urinating does not necessarily mean you have one. Dysuria could be a sign of a more serious disease, such as a sexually transmitted disease or bladder tumors. If urinating is painful for you, consult a physician for a proper diagnosis.

Other Symptoms

Painful urination is not the only sign of a UTI. Other symptoms include an increased need to urinate or a sudden difficulty urinating. You may also experience intense cramps in your lower back or lower abdomen. Bloody, cloudy or odorous urine also indicates that something may be wrong. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your physician immediately for a diagnosis.

Prevention

You can avoid UTIs or speed up recovery by drinking lots of water. You can also fight off all types of infections by taking a daily multivitamin that contains vitamin C and zinc. Cranberries and other foods with high concentrations of antioxidants also prevent bacteria from attaching to the walls of the bladder and urethra. The bacteria are then flushed out of the urinary system with lots of fluids.

Always wipe front to back after a bowel movement to prevent bacteria from finding its way into your urinary tract. Clean your genitals thoroughly with warm water and mild soap at least once a day and after sexual intercourse. Also, urinate as soon as you feel the need in order to avoid a buildup of urine in your bladder.

References

• Urinary Tract Problems
• Urethra