Bladder Pain: Possible Causes and When to See a Doctor

Pain in the bladder area is a symptom that occurs predominantly in women and less often in men. It may be caused by inflammation of the lower urinary tract and by bladder pain syndrome. Distinguishing between these conditions determines the scope of examination.

Can the bladder hurt: what it feels like

The bladder can be a source of pain. In bladder pain syndrome, also called interstitial cystitis, the pain is localized in the lower abdomen or in the back area. The discomfort intensifies as the bladder fills after drinking and may decrease after urination. Symptoms are fluctuating in nature: periods of exacerbation alternate with improvement.

Symptoms: pain, spasm, stinging, burning

Typical manifestations include pain and stinging during urination, burning, frequent urges with a small amount of urine, and a feeling of incomplete emptying. In bladder pain syndrome, there is a sensation that you need to urinate even when the bladder is empty; during the day, urination is frequent and in small portions, nighttime awakenings to urinate and leakage when delaying a trip to the toilet are possible. In women, sexual intercourse (penetration) may be painful; in men, erection may be painful.

Why the bladder hurts in women

Inflammation of the lower urinary tract occurs predominantly in women: 60% of women older than adolescence have experienced such symptoms at least once. This is explained by the greater width and shorter length of the female urethra. Bladder pain syndrome is also more common in women and usually affects people aged 40 and older. In women, symptoms may worsen during menstruation. Pain (stinging, burning) at the end of urination and aching pain in the lower abdomen in women are considered characteristic symptoms of cystitis.

Bladder pain in men

In men, inflammation of the lower urinary tract occurs 8 times less often than in women. Secondary inflammation may develop against the background of diseases of the bladder or nearby organs, including prostate adenoma and cancer, and urethral stricture. Discomfort is sometimes felt in the rectum area.

Diagnosis: what the doctor checks

There is no single test for diagnosing bladder pain syndrome. The doctor prescribes several examinations to rule out other causes, primarily urinary tract infection. Possible scope:

• blood test;
• urine test;
• physical examination of the pelvis and genital organs; in women, it may include an internal vaginal examination;
• ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs;
• cystoscopy — examination of the bladder with a thin tube with a camera, as well as measurement of bladder pressure with a catheter.

In chronic inflammation, urine culture, cystoscopy after the acute process subsides, and functional studies of the lower urinary tract are used; for women — a gynecological examination.

When to see a doctor urgently

A routine visit is needed if pain in the bladder, lower abdomen, or back does not go away or returns, and also if urination has become noticeably more frequent than usual. See a doctor the same day if blood appears in the urine (bright pink, red, or dark brown) or if pain in the bladder, lower abdomen, or back is combined with a very high temperature, a feeling of heat, or chills — these may be signs of infection.

Bladder pain by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103/112 — for a life-threatening condition.

This material is for reference purposes and does not replace consultation with a doctor.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer