Dysuria

Excerpt

Dysuria is the sensation of pain and/or burning, stinging, or itching of the urethra or urethral meatus associated with urination. It is a prevalent urinary symptom experienced by most people at least once in their lifetime. Dysuria typically occurs when urine comes in contact with the inflamed or irritated urethral mucosal lining. This is exacerbated by and associated with detrusor muscle contraction and urethral peristalsis, which stimulates the submucosal pain receptors, resulting in pain or a burning sensation during urination.

True dysuria requires differentiation from other symptoms, which can also occur due to pelvic discomfort from various bladder conditions such as interstitial cystitis, prostatitis, and suprapubic or retropubic pain. This distressing condition can be caused by multiple underlying factors, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder inflammation, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or even more serious conditions like kidney stones. Understanding dysuria's broad differential is critical in further management. Clinicians should recognize that further evaluation is warranted when dysuria is present. This will lead to improved recognition of potential abnormalities, which, in turn, will dictate treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes.