Dysuria Defintion: All About Its Diagnosis
The best dysuria definition available is pain or burning during urination. The urethra is the urinary outlet from the body and is where the painful burning sensation is experienced. Dysuria is the most common symptom of urinary tract infections (UTI). Each year 1 in 4 women complain about dysuria. Most of those women are 25 to 54 and sexually active. The most common cause of this condition is infection, but it can also be a sign of a sexually transmitted disease. Dysuria treatment options are available to treat each diagnosis. Other dysuria causes include medications, infections, medical conditions, and even ingredients of health care products.
Dysuria and bladder stones in women are linked. Bladder stones are small clumps of minerals that form in the bladder after urine becomes too concentrated and begins to crystalize. Stagnant urine is present in patients who suffer from recurring UTIs or have an enlarged prostate. Dysuria and bladder stones do not always show signs or symptoms because they can pass on their own. Some stones can be formed along the urinary tract and then deposited in the bladder.
An examination is required to determine the timing, frequency, and location of dysuria. If the pain occurs as urine passes through the body, it could be a sign of urethritis or cystitis. Pain at the onset of urination is generally caused by an inflamed urethra and pain after urination suggests a bladder infection. Diagnosis is simple and inexpensive and can be done with urinalysis. Ruling out a UTI is the first step. If no blood or bacteria is present in the urine, a culture is required. Patients who are sexually active or have vaginal discharge can proved specimen that are evaluated using a wet mount. Vaginal pH testing is available as well. If diagnosis is not clear, more evasive testing is available.
Dysuria treatment is then chosen based on the underlying cause and healing can begin. Appropriate antibiotics are prescribed for the offending organism. Analgesics like pyridium can be prescribed to treat pain in the urinary tract. Preventative measures can be taken to fight against dysuria causes. Self medication is not recommended since the exact diagnosis cannot be reached without examination. Females can avoid douching and wearing tight clothes. It is also important for females to wipe from front to back after urination. Anyone that is sexually active should use condoms and practice monogamy.
With men, the onset of dysuria is usually indicates prostate issues. Like with females, diagnosis begins with location of pain. A urologist can examine the infection, hormones that are present, and the prostate to determine the problem. Urine samples are collected in these cases as well to rule out the presence of bacteria or a UTI. In younger males that are sexually active, urethritis is generally the cause. It is an infection acquired during sexual activity. It is important to understand the full dysuria definition to better understand causes and treatments.