Why does it hurt when I go to the toilet?

Why does it hurt when I go to the toilet?

If you're experiencing pain when you pee, it's important to figure out what's causing it. While several things could be responsible, such as UTIs and kidney stones, you should see a doctor to establish the issue and to rule out any serious conditions. They will likely order some tests to help pinpoint the cause and recommend a treatment plan. Don't ignore the pain – get it checked out as soon as possible.

Here are some causes, and tips on how you can find relief.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) 

Sexually transmitted diseases can cause a wide range of symptoms, including pain, redness and itching in the genital area, as well as painful urination. Some STDs that cause painful urination include chlamydia and gonorrhoea, both highly contagious but typically easy to treat with antibiotics. Other STDs that may be characterised by painful urination include genital herpes and trichomoniasis, both of which are usually chronic conditions that require long-term management and care. 

Ultimately, it is important to seek treatment for STDs as soon as possible in order to minimise discomfort and prevent complications. If you suspect that you may have an STD that is causing painful urination or other symptoms, get yourself a home testing kit from Easy Test Hub and consult your healthcare provider right away for further testing and treatment.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) 

UTIs are infections that can occur in any part of the urinary system, including the ureters, kidneys, urethra and bladder. A UTI is often caused by infectious bacteria that enter the body through the urethra and travel to the bladder. Common symptoms of UTIs include: 

• Burning sensation when urinating

• Strong smelling urine

• Cloudy or even bloody urine

• Back and pelvic pain

If you think you may have a UTI, it is important to see your healthcare provider so that you can be treated properly. Untreated UTIs can lead to serious kidney infections. You can protect yourself from UTIs by drinking plenty of fluids, wiping from front to back after using the toilet, urinating shortly after sex, and avoiding douching and using feminine hygiene sprays.

Kidney Stones 

Kidney stones are one of the most common causes of a painful urination. They are small, hard deposits that form in your kidneys and can travel down your urinary tract. Symptoms include severe pain in your lower abdomen or back, blood in your urine, and difficulty urinating. If you think you may have kidney stones, it's important to see a doctor right away.

Treatment for kidney stones involves drinking plenty of fluids and taking pain relievers. If the stone is too large to pass on its own, you may need surgery to remove it. For women, kidney stones can also be a sign of a urinary tract infection. 

Urethritis

Urethritis is an inflammation of the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of your body. It's usually caused by infection. There are two types of urethritis: gonococcal and nongonococcal. Gonococcal urethritis is caused by the bacteria that cause gonorrhoea. Nongonococcal urethritis is caused by other bacteria, such as Chlamydia trachomatis. Urethritis can also be caused by viruses, such as the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Urethritis can be very painful, especially when you urinate. The pain may go away on its own, but it's important to see a doctor if you have symptoms of urethritis. To protect yourself from urethritis, take these steps:

• Use a condom every time you have sex

• Don't have sex with someone who has any symptoms of an STD

• Get tested for STDs regularly, even if you don't have symptoms

• Ensure proper hygiene 

Be Proactive With Your Sexual Health

Maintaining a proactive approach to your sexual health is essential to protecting yourself against a range of potential problems and concerns. One of the most common issues that can arise is painful urination. By keeping track of any symptoms you may be experiencing and being vigilant about maintaining your health, you can protect yourself against problematic symptoms.