Have you ever felt a burning or painful sensation while urinating when you are on your period? This feeling may often lead women to avoid going to the bathroom because it hurts to pee during periods. According to experts, a person may feel mild to severe pain during urination and reasons galore.
Dysuria or painful urination, is a condition in which an individual experiences severe pain, burning sensation and extreme discomfort while passing urine. It is more common in women than men, as the bacteria can easily enter the urethra due to its shorter length than in men.
Most women experience period pain at the beginning and the end of their menstrual cycle. Pain while urinating during your periods is not something to be ignored and needs to be addressed, says Dr Ramyasree Reddy, Fertility consultant and Gynaecologist, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai.
Connection between painful urination and periods
Painful urination during menstruation may be caused by uterine contractions or inflammation, say experts. Even though the vagina and urinary tract are connected, women often feel no pain while urinating during their menstrual cycle. The period itself does not cause urinary tract infection (UTI), but the anatomical proximity between the urethra and reproductive organs increases sensitivity during menstruation.
Poor hygiene and stress can both contribute to the development of UTIs — not changing sanitary pads, tampons and even hormonal fluctuations can create an environment that favors the growth of bacteria, says Dr Sapna Lulla, lead consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore.
The pain may be caused by holding the urine for long and less fluid intake, adds Dr Karthikeyan V S, Microsurgical Andrologist and Urologist at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai.
It can be a sign of endometriosis
Doctors say a sharp or intense pain while urinating can be a sign of UTI. However, persistent severe pain may be a sign of underlying concerns, such as endometriosis, said Dr Lulla.
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, bladder, colon or in the other parts of the pelvis. When a woman is menstruating, the size of the endometrium is also increased. Due to this, the bladder and rectum get pressurized, causing pain while passing urine, says Dr Reddy.
A woman with endometriosis may experience pain while urinating even when she is not menstruating, says Dr Reddy. “And the pain intensifies during periods because the surrounding tissue is inflamed during periods,” she says.
In a study published in the journal, it was found that endometriosis is a long-term, benign condition that affects about 10% of women. It causes cyclical pelvic pain and can lead to infertility. Other signs and symptoms may include non-cyclical chronic pelvic pain, abdominal bloating, altered bowel movements, urinary tract issues and tiredness.
Tips to prevent painful urination during periods
Along with period cramps, you may also experience painful urination during periods. However, if the pain persists, it is important to consult a health professional. Here are some tips from experts on how to avoid pain while urinating during periods.
1. Maintaining menstrual hygiene:
This includes changing your sanitary pad every 6 hours to avoid infections from bacteria that can spread to your urinary tract. If you use a menstrual cup, make sure to clean it in hot water to get rid of germs.
2.Drink lots of water:
Drinking plenty of water reduces the risk of UTIs, which are more common among women. Consuming at least 4-5 liters of water daily can reduce the risk of UTIs.
3. Practicing relaxation techniques:
According to experts, stress can cause cortisol (the hormone that plays an important role in stress response) levels to rise, which can weaken your immune system and increase your risk of UTIs and infections. Therefore, deep breathing is recommended to reduce stress.
4. Ensure good sexual hygiene:
Urinating after sexual activity can help flush out the bacteria from the urinary system. Experts, thus say that it is important to have good sexual hygiene.
Takeaways
- Painful urination during your period, mild to severe, can be caused by various factors. However, it is important to note that it should not be ignored.
- A sharp and intense shooting pain while urinating can be a sign of a urinary tract infection. On the other hand, persistent severe pain may be a sign of underlying issues such as endometriosis.
- Staying hydrated and practicing good menstrual and sexual hygiene can help prevent pain while urinating.
