Bladder discomfort causes millions of people to visit their doctors complaining of bladder pain caused by one of the bladder problems described in this article.

Pain Caused by a Bladder Infection

According to a number of medical studies, a bladder infection is one of the most common complaints primary care physicians  deal with as part of their practice.

A bladder infection is sometimes called a UTI, or urinary tract infection. The common medical name is cystitis.

It may surprise you to learn that there are normally no germs in the bladder. In certain instances though, they can get in through the penis or vagina and work their way up the urethra to the bladder.

While a UTI most often causes bladder pain, it can also migrate upward to the kidneys, causing a dangerous kidney infection.

Symptoms of a bladder infection include:

  • burning or stinging pain during urination, 
  • abdominal pain or tenderness
  • urgent need to urinate 
  • urine may be cloudy, tinged with blood, and odorous 
  • a low grade fever is probable.

Pain and other symptoms from a bladder infection usually pass in a day or two when treated with antibiotics.

When you have a bladder infection, you can also treat yourself by drinking a lot of fluids. This helps remove germs from your bladder, and retards the growth or more. 

Interstitial Cystitis (Also Known as Painful Bladder Syndrome)

Interstitial cystitis, sometimes simply called IC, is also known as painful bladder syndrome. IC is probably the result of a defect in the bladder wall .

Bladder pain from interstitial is caused by inflammation and irritation. The bladder wall stiffens because of the inflammation and the bladder can’t expand comfortably as urine flows into it. This causes the sensation of bladder pressure.

Pain in the pelvic region is another symptom. People frequently describe this feeling, which which can vary between very mild and very severe, as a burning sensation.

Anyone with interstitial cystitis will probably feel the need to urinate more frequently, or feel an urgent need to urinate. The pain is most acute when the bladder is full and eases upon urination.

Statistically, about one million Americans are probably troubled by bladder pain symptoms from IC. Women seem to be most at risk for IC, but it can also happen to men and children.

Painful bladder syndrome is normally a chronic condition that can have an adverse impact on the patient’s quality of life.

Some bladder pain syndrome sufferers may get relief using a drug  called Pentosan polysulfate sodium (which is also called Elmiron). As of this writing, Elmiron is the only oral drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treating IC, but it but it apparently doesn’t work for everyone. Some people say they’ve gotten relief from bladder pain symptoms from the antihistamine hydroxyzine (Vistaril, Atarax), and the tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline (Elavil).

For mild cases of bladder pain, you enjoy some success with pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen.

Bladder Cancer

The medical name for the most common type of bladder cancer is transitional cell carcinoma. This cancer starts deep in the tissue lining of the bladder.

Bladder pain is a typical symptom, but someone  who is suffering from bladder cancer may also experience

  • blood in the urine,
  • painful urination,
  • an urgent feeling of the need to urinate.
  • back pain.

 

A Final Thought on Bladder Pain Symptoms

You are much more likely to have a bladder infection than either of the other two conditions mentioned above because bladder infections are so common.

So, in most cases, bladder pain symptoms can be easily treated. 

Regardless, if you start having any type of bladder pain or discomfort, you should discuss your symptoms with your doctor.