Burning and Bleeding After Urination

Bleeding during urination can be a scary phenomenon and be the result of a number of conditions including trauma, inflammation, complication from systemic conditions and in case of females, as a result of menstruation or pregnancy induced complications. Burning and bleeding after urination is a more serious phenomenon and strongly suggestive of inflammation in the pathway of urine formation and passage from the kidneys to the ureter

Some of the causes of dysuria (discomfort during urination ) and hematuria (blood in urine) are −

Causes

Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections occur because of entry of bacteria in the urinary tract that attacks the mucosa lining the urinary bladder resulting in inflammation and burning while urinating. The inflammation gradually advances into the ureter and results in leakage of RBCs into the urine and subsequent burning and bleeding while urine.

urinary tract infections when be termed in the following manner

Uncomplicated

Occurs in individuals that are otherwise healthy and don't have structural or neurological urinary tract abnormalities

Complicated

Occurs in individuals previously suffering from conditions of urinary obstruction, urinary retention, neurological complications or pregnancy induced UTis

Lower UTI

Caused by infections of the bladder or urethra carrying urine out of the body

Upper UTI

Caused by infection of kidney or ureters

All of these conditions can be accompanied by or give rise to hemorrhagic cystitis or an inflammatory condition of the urinary bladder and result in burning and bleeding after urinating.

Kidney Infections

Kidney infections or Acute Pyelonephritis starts from an infection of the upper urinary tract before spreading to the bladder and the kidney. It can occur from two ways

• Through patients with ureteral obstructions

• When the infection starts from the bladder and spreads to the kidneys

• In congenital conditions of the urine flowing backward from the bladder into the

• Stones in the kidney

Other than painful and bleeding urination, chills, fever, pain in the back and cloudy, foul-smelling urine indicate symptoms of acute pyelonephritis.

In such conditions, intravenous or intramuscular antibiotics are the chief treatment options to combat the infection. It usually takes approximately two weeks to recover from a pyelonephritis condition. But it can take longer if you are of an older age or immunocompromised.

Enlarged Prostate

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or Enlarged Prostate is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that is usually the result of hormonal changes caused by aging. Chronic conditions of BPH result in obstruction of the urinary bladder and subsequent symptoms of Dysuria or painful urine with bleeding because of prostate infection as a result of the enlargement.

Urgent urination, urinary incontinence, frequent urination urges and urination requirement frequently at night are some of the other symptoms of enlarged prostate in addition to painful and bleeding urine.

Urinary-retention medications, alpha blockers to relax the bladder neck muscles, ablation and surgical interventions are the chief treatment options to destroy the excess tissue and enable you to urinate comfortably.

Sickle Cell anemia-related Complications

Sickle cell anemia is a group of disorders that cause the red blood cells that are normally round and flexible to distort into a sickle shape, this impacts the oxygen flow to the rest of the body resulting in symptoms of constant fatigue and an increased vulnerability to infectious conditions. Studies have shown that sickle cell disease patients are at a higher risk for urinary tract infection because of insufficient oxygen, abnormal urinary acidification and an inability of the body to concentrate the urine.

Dysuria and hematuria are common complications in sickle cell anemia patients because of renal papillary necrosis. Renal papillary necrosis is partial or complete destruction of Renal papillae i.e the areas where the openings of the collecting ducts enter the kidney and where urine flows into the ureters.

Medications and blood transfusions are the most common treatment for sickle cell anemia conditions out of which Penicillin is the most common antibiotic to control infectious conditions satisfactorily.

Cancerous Conditions

• Blood in the urine

• Painful urination

• Frequent urination

• Back Pain

Bladder cancer is more common among males and people of the older age group. Regular smokers and people with a family history of bladder cancer are at the most risk of developing the problem. Other than age and gender, exposure to chemicals involved in manufacture of dyes, rubber, leather and paint products and a tendency of chronic or repeated urinary infections through use of urinary catheter can exacerbate the problem.

Bladder cancer is highly treatable when diagnosed in the early stages and has a 5 year survival rate of 77-96%.

Stress and Trauma

Studies have shown that stress impacts the urinary bladder function and exacerbates symptoms of urinary bladder dysfunction resulting in conditions of bladder outlet syndrome and interstitial cystitis. While stress does not directly lead to blood in the urine, it does lead to intake of certain medications that cause hematuria and dysuria as side effects.

In a similar manner as that of stress, not all traumas cause urinary complications. Those caused by accident to the urethral structures through improper catheter placement or because of surgical procedures can result in urethritis and accompanying symptoms of burning and bleeding while urinating.

Other factors

Other factors like hypoestrogenism ( lower than normal levels of estrogen ), antibiotics like Penicillin, blood-clot medications like Aspirin and anticancer drugs like Cyclophosphamide and an ectopic pregnancy can result in symptoms of dysuria and hematuria.

Preventive Measures

Some of the preventive measures by which you can stay safe from complications causing urine induced complications are

• By staying sufficiently hydrated that will flush out toxins

• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption

• Avoid overusing medications

• Get yearly checkups done to rule out possible health issues or cancerous conditions

Home Remedies

For many people, dysuria (burning and bleaching after urination) can be a very uncomfortable but common problem. Home remedies may provide a convenient solution to the issue without having to resort to medication. One such remedy is the consumption of cranberry juice or supplements on a regular basis, which helps reduce urinary tract infections. Additionally, increasing the amount of liquids in your diet can help put out any fire burning within you. Watery fruits and vegetables as well as plain yogurt can help alleviate bladder inflammation that aggravates dysuria.

Furthermore, soaking with warm water mixed with baking soda for relieving pain and discomfort associated with it is also said to be useful. Taking precautions by wearing loose clothing and using unscented hygiene products might provide relief as well. All in all, home remedies like these that don't involve prescriptions may turn out to be effective and helpful in dealing with dysuria issues in a hassle-free manner while being pocket-friendly at the same time.

Conclusion

Bleeding in the urine is not an uncommon phenomenon and can occur from time to time due to stress or while exercising. It is when bleeding is accompanied by a burning sensation is when you should consult your urologist on an urgent basis. In addition to the pain relief and other treatment measures, home remedies in the form of warm compress, staying sufficiently hydrated, and foods like coconut water, apple cider vinegar. Amla juice, coriander and Fenugreek seeds can help you heal naturally.