URINARY PAIN, FEMALE

Symptom Definition

  • Discomfort (pain, burning or stinging) when passing urine
  • May include urgency (can't wait) and frequency (passing small amounts) of urination.

General Information

  • Urinary Tract Infection: Urinary tract infections are the most common cause of painful urination.
  • Vaginitis: Women with vaginitis sometimes have mild pain with urination but the main symptom of vaginitis is a new or abnormal discharge from the vagina. Vaginitis is a general term that means "vaginal inflammation." Vaginitis may occur because of chemical irritation (e.g. excessive douching, or excessive use of over the counter yeast medication) or it may have an infectious cause (e.g. trichomonas, yeast).
  • Sexually Transmitted Disease: Sexually transmitted diseases (e.g. gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes) can also cause painful urination.

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WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR URINARY PAIN, FEMALE

Call 911 Now (you may need an ambulance) If:

  • Very weak (can't stand)

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If:

  • You feel weak or very sick
  • Can't pass urine or only can pass few drops
  • Blood in urine
  • Severe pain
  • Fever of 100.5 F (38.1 C) or higher
  • Shaking chills
  • Side (flank) or back pain is present
  • Abdominal pain is present
  • Have diabetes mellitus or a weakened immune system (e.g. HIV positive, cancer chemotherapy, chronic steroid treatment, splenectomy)
  • Are bedridden (e.g. nursing home patient, stroke, chronic illness, recovering from surgery)
  • Are a transplant patient (e.g. liver, heart, lung, kidney)

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If:

  • Painful urination, but none of the symptoms described above
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HOME CARE ADVICE FOR PAINFUL URINATION (pending talking with your doctor)

  1. Fluids: Drink extra fluids. Drink 8-10 glasses of liquids a day. (Reason: to produce a dilute, non-irritating urine)
  2. Cranberry Juice: Drinking cranberry juice may help in fighting urinary tract infections. Do not exceed 12 oz (Reason: too much cranberry juice can also be irritating to the bladder).
  3. Call Your Doctor If:
    • You become worse or develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
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Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Adult HouseCalls Online. Copyright © 2000-2004 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2003

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