Ever been in that awkward situation where, after a trip to the loo, it feels like the discomfort just won’t quit? You’re done, but your body’s still sending signals that something’s not right. Let’s cut through the stigma and get to the bottom of this all-too-common issue of post-urination pain.
During her high school days, Andisiwe Ndabeni, based in Philippi, Cape Town, began experiencing pain after urinating. She recalls that after a few days of enduring this, she visited the clinic, where she was asked if she drank enough water.
“I was also tested for STIs, even though I wasn’t sexually active.”
Andisiwe Ndabeni
“I was told I need to drink at least eight glasses of water a day and was given weekly vitamin B complex tablets,” she says.
Ndabeni suspects the issue was due to not drinking enough water and eating spicy and salty foods. After experiencing similar symptoms later on, she noticed that when she drinks enough water, the pain goes away on its own.
Finding relief
Ongezwa Lokwe from the West Coast in the Western Cape shares that she once experienced a yeast infection, which she was advised might be caused by using scented products. The main symptom was pain after urination.
“I heard on social media that drinking cranberry juice could help with the pain related to urination, but it never worked.”
Ongezwa Lokwe
After visiting the clinic and undergoing examinations, she was found to have no sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The nurse recommended switching to non-scented products and avoiding soap or any other substances inside the vagina, using them only externally.
Lokwe mentions that since she started using non-scented items, she has not experienced the issue again.
Exploring potential causes
According to Dr Sibu Lubelwana, a gynaecologist based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal who practices at Busamed Hillcrest Private Hospital and Cato Ridge Private Hospital and is the founder of Softlanding for Women, inflammation of the urethra, which can cause pain, is often due to infections or irritation.
She explains that STIs can cause inflammation in the mucosal layer of the vagina, leading to irritation and pain when passing urine.
“Infections in the bladder or urethra can cause pain or a burning sensation during and after urination.”
Lubelwana explains that postvoiding pain may be caused by various conditions affecting the genital tract. It’s important to explore and exclude STIs as they may have long-term consequences and can be easily treated.
Other equally important causes may include vulvodynia, a chronic pain caused by inflammation or irritation of the vulva, which can also lead to pain during urination, she says.
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Water is good for your health
Lubelwana explains that when you’re dehydrated, your urine becomes more concentrated, which can irritate the bladder and urethra, potentially leading to a burning sensation or discomfort during and after urination.
“Dehydration may reduce the frequency of urination, which can allow bacteria to accumulate in the urinary tract, increasing the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).”
She also notes that proper hydration supports the mucosal lining of the bladder and urinary tract. Therefore, dehydration can lead to dryness and exacerbate irritation, contributing to discomfort.
“The daily water intake can vary based on age, gender, climate, activity level, and individual health conditions.”
However, she advises aiming for at least eight cups of water per day as a baseline, adjusting higher depending on individual needs, especially factors like exercise, heat exposure, and health status.
Prevent pain this way
Lubelwana further notes that certain foods and beverages can trigger symptoms of post-urination pain, particularly in individuals with conditions like interstitial cystitis or bladder irritation.
She says other ways to prevent pain or infections include:
- Maintain good genital hygiene. Always wipe from front to back.
- Do not hold in urine, as that increases the risk of infection.
- Stay hydrated.
- Avoid scented soaps or any scented vaginal products that can change vaginal pH.
- Avoid irritants: Reduce or eliminate caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks. Limit spicy foods and foods high in artificial sweeteners.
- Reduce acidic foods: Citrus fruits (like oranges, and grapefruits) and tomatoes can increase acidity, potentially irritating the bladder.
- Keep a food diary to track which foods or drinks trigger symptoms.
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