Painful Urination

 Causes of Painful Urination

A discomfort or pain or burning sensation during urination is often referred to as painful urination. The pain may stem from urethra, perineum, bladder. Though pain during urination is common, it can be due to a number of medical conditions.

    • Sexually Transmitted Infection

STIs affect the urinary tract and can cause burning or pain at the time of urination. Common STIs that are a cause of painful urination are- gonorrhoea, chlamydia and genital herpes.

    • Enlarged Prostate

An enlarged prostate is caused because of swelling and inflammation of the prostate gland. It can often lead to pain during urination.

    • Urinary Tract Infection

When excessive bacteria build up in the urinary tract it can cause UTI. Though UTI is common among women, men can be susceptible too.

    • Kidney Stones

Sometimes calcified deposits of natural material are formed inside the kidney, these are called kidney stones. When urine gets concentrated, the minerals crystallise and collect together to form stones. These stones then deposit near the ureter, blocking the flow of urine and causing pain.

    • Bladder Cancer

Abnormal cell development in the bladder is a cause of bladder cancer. Delayed treatment can further damage tissues and spread to other organs. A typical symptom of bladder cancer is painful urination.

    • Medications

Many medicines bring along with them certain side effects. It is important that you speak to your doctor about any such side effects and how to reduce them.

Prevention

The causes of painful urination are many, but fortunately, most of them are treatable. Sometimes simple changes in lifestyle can relieve you from the discomfort, such as:

• Avoid using scented laundry detergents and toiletries
• Make sure you use a condom when indulging in sexual intercourse
• Climate food that irritates the bladder, for instance, alcohol, caffeine, spicy food etc

If these remedies do not help and the problem persists, then you must not delay meeting a doctor. If it is a serious problem, early detection can greatly improve the chances of a complete recovery.

Blog Reviewed By: Dr N Anandan

Mail Us: drnanandan@gmail.com

Book an appointment: urologistindia.com/book-appointment

Low Testosterone Myths & Facts

Testosterone is a male sex hormone produced by the testicles that is responsible for sex drive and sperm production. It is also responsible for the development of the physical appearance, bone density, muscle mass, and deepening of the voice. It also helps maintain a normal mood. It is estimated that several million men are affected by low testosterone levels that lead them to have low energy levels, fatigue, decreased sex drive, and feelings of depression. 

Many misconceptions are surrounding the condition that needs to be debunked. This helps in bringing awareness among the population that helps them in getting appropriate, timely treatment.

The below mentioned are a few of the common myths about low testosterone levels:

MYTH #1 – Low testosterone is a normal part of aging

FACT - Testosterone levels indeed decrease with the increase in age. But the decreased levels should be in the normal range. Not all aged men will experience low testosterone levels. It is always suggested to get a blood test if noticing any symptoms concerning the condition.

MYTH#2 – The condition does not affect the younger men

FACT – Not True. The condition can develop at any age due to many reasons, such as damage to the testis or pituitary glands, chronic diseases, and cancer treatments.

MYTH#3 - Low testosterone only affects the man's libido

FACT - False. Apart from the low sex drive, many other symptoms affect the quality of life. Low energy levels, decreased bone density, weight gain, and mood swings are few among many that might hamper the daily activities.

MYTH#4 – Lifestyle changes do not affect low testosterone levels

FACT - Absolutely it does. Following a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and proper diet, help improve the level. It also helps to reduce sleep apnea, obesity, and diabetes that have a direct effect on the low testosterone.

MYTH#5 – Hormone replacement therapy is a quick fix solution to the problem

FACT - Hormone therapy might help to restore the sex drive and ease a few of the symptoms. But it is not a quick-fix solution. Men with low testosterone should always consult a doctor and stay under their supervision until the improvement in the levels is seen. Any treatment takes time to bring the desired results.

Blog Reviewed By: Dr N Anandan
Mail Us: drnanandan@gmail.com
Book an appointment: urologistindia.com/book-appointment

Get the signal & treat it right

Ureteral stones are stones that are stuck in one of the ureters. Excess concentration of minerals and salts would cause stones, and the blockage would lead to severe pain. Most of the stones are calcium-based. 

Symptoms of ureteral stone 

If the stones are tiny, then it would pass through the urinary system. Whereas, the large stones that block the ureter or any of the kidney’s drainage tubes may show certain signs such as:

• Severe pain - there would be severe, intermittent pain in the back and under the lower ribs. This would gradually spread to the lower abdomen as well
• Blood - there could be a sudden presence of blood in the urine 
• Sickness - fever and chills would be common for people with stones. This would lead to nausea and vomiting as well
• Urination - there will be a lot of struggle to urinate properly. At times there would be an urgency to urinate and becomes difficult to control 

Treatment of ureteral stone 

The most common test for ureteral stone would include ultrasound and CT scans. These tests would help to diagnose location, number, size of the stone, and degree of obstruction to the urinary tract, and status of degree function. The treatment would depend on the size, locations, and the substances from which the stones are formed. 

1. Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL) - The shock waves would travel through the skin and body tissues so that it would hit the dense stones. The stones would be broken into tiny particles and can be easily passed through the urinary system. This would be helpful only for small stones within the kidney. 

2. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) - With the help of small incisions on the back, a tunnel would be created directly into the kidney. Using nephroscope, the doctor will locate and remove the stones. For large stones, the doctor might use tools that could break these into small particles. 

3. Ureteroscopic stone removal - Using ureteroscope, the doctor will locate and remove the stone in the middle and lower ureters. The stent would be placed in the urinary system for the stone particles to pass and will be removed when the system is free of stone. 

4. Flexible ureteroscopy & laser lithotripsy - This treatment is considered suitable for stones within the interior of the kidney known as calyces and stone close to the kidney. The doctor would pass an extended thin scope through the urethral opening up to the kidney. The interior of the kidney will be examined, and the doctor would treat the stones by using laser energy delivered by a fiber. There is no incision made as an endoscope is used to perform the procedure.

It is always better to drink enough fluids daily and maintain a proper diet to avoid unnecessary health issues and other complications.

Blog Reviewed By: Dr N Anandan
Mail Us: drnanandan@gmail.com 
Book an appointment: urologistindia.com/book-appointment