Contributed by Healthians Team
Bladder pain is a chronic, painful bladder condition in human beings. But first, let us understand what is the bladder? bladder or urinary bladder is a hollow muscular organ, a balloon-shaped muscle located in the lower abdomen that stores urine from the kidney before disposal by urination. Urine enters the bladder through the ureters and exits from the urethra. When the bladder fills with urine, the muscular walls of the bladder get relaxed and expand. When the bladder empties after urination, the muscular walls of the bladder contract and squeeze out the urine through the urethra.
There are various bladder problems causing pain and it can affect both men and women. In this article, we will explore different causes of bladder pain.
Causes of bladder pain
Bladder pain is a serious illness that requires immediate investigation because it may have various causes but the most common causes of bladder pain are bladder cancer, painful bladder syndrome, and urinary tract infection.
Bladder Cancer
Cancer can occur anywhere in the human body, including the urinary bladder. The cells of the bladder start growing uncontrollably and cause bladder cancer. There are several types of bladder cancer but the most common type of cancer that occurs in the lining of the bladder is known as urothelial carcinoma.
Symptoms of Bladder cancer
- Painless blood while urinating
- Urinating more often
- Pain or burning when urinating
- The urgency to urinate when your bladder isn’t full
- Trouble urinating
- Weak urine system
- Inability to urinate
- Bone pain
- Lower back pain on one side
- Abdominal or pelvic pain
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue or weakness
UTI or Urinary tract infection
Urinary tract infection is an infection that occurs due to microbes that enter the bladder through the urethra. Generally, UTI or urinary tract infection is caused by bacteria but sometimes it is also caused by fungi and viruses. A UTI can occur anywhere in the urinary tract. Both men and women can be affected by UTI but it is more common in women. UTI is a serious illness causing serious complications if left untreated.
Symptoms of UTI
- Burning with urination
- Increased frequency of urine without passing much urine
- Bloody urine
- Cloudy urine
- Urine color changes to cocoa or tea color
- Pelvic pain in women
- Rectal pain in men
- Lower back pain
- Lower abdominal pain
Interstitial cystitis
Interstitial cystitis or bladder pain syndrome is a chronic condition that leads to pelvic pain, bladder pressure, and bladder pain. The pain is mild as well as severe in different conditions causing the bladder to become inflamed and irritated. The muscular walls of the bladder become stiff making it hard for walls to expand when the bladder is filled with urine. Women are more affected by interstitial cystitis than men. The exact reason behind it is still unknown but some studies show that it can occur due to spinal cord injury, defect in the bladder lining, and an injured bladder.
Symptoms of interstitial cystitis
- Painful intercourse
- Pain between the scrotum and the anus
- Pain between the vagina and the anus
- Abdominal pain
- Pelvic pain
- Pain with the need to urinate
- Frequent urination
- Strong urge to urinate
Bladder pain: the bottom line
Whenever you feel bladder pain, it’s imperative that you talk to your doctor. Consulting with the doctor may help you to know the exact cause and reduce the serious complications. Taking proper precautions such as relaxation techniques, a balanced diet, gentle exercise, loose clothing, and a heating pad will play a major role to manage pain.
