2 minutes read2 minutes readAny sexually active person may contract an STI or sexually transmitted infection. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, and it happens to many people. If you are experiencing itching, burning, or pain when you pee, you should get tested for an STI, UTI, or see your local doctor to find out what is causing your discomfort. Here are some reasons why you may be experiencing pain when you wee and what you should do.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
In the United Kingdom, STIs are a common problem among all sexually active individuals. Itching and burning when you pee are typical symptoms of many STIs. Chlamydia, the most common STI in the UK, can easily be treated by a doctor. In addition, many sexual health clinics offer STI, Chlamydia and UCEM tests that check for urinary tract infections.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
A UTI is caused by bacteria entering your urethra and traveling to your bladder. Your urinary tract becomes irritated and inflamed from the bacteria, which causes discomfort. When you contract a UTI, you may experience burning when you wee, the constant need to wee, and discolored pee ranging from pink or brown to cloudy. UTIs are a common infection and shouldn’t raise significant concerns unless left untreated. If you do not begin antibiotics immediately, UTIs can lead to more dangerous kidney and bladder infections that may be life-threatening.
An easy way to prevent UTIs is to go to the bathroom immediately before and after sex. You can also facilitate conversations with your partners to be sure you both maintain good hygiene and do regular STI screenings. When diagnosed with a UTI, drink plenty of water to flush out the infection and take a wee whenever you feel you must. Get plenty of rest!
Kidney or Bladder Infection
If you believe you have something more severe than a UTI, you must get screened immediately for a kidney or bladder infection. Symptoms include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and dark pee that’s bloody or cloudy. Your abdomen and lower back may also swell or be painful to the touch.
Kidney and bladder infections are more serious than UTIs and require antibiotics to fight the infection. Be sure to drink much more water than usual, use the loo when you must, and be gentle with yourself. To prevent infections, pee before and after sex.
Yeast Infection
If you are experiencing severe itching, painful urination, redness, a fishy vaginal odour, and a thick discharge, you may have a yeast infection. If you have a vagina, yeast infections can also be painful when you have sex. These infections occur when your vagina builds up too much of a particular fungus called candida. Over-the-counter medications are often enough to combat yeast infections but always consult your doctor.
Get Tested Today
It is responsible and essential to stay up to date on your sexual and reproductive health. If there is a burning feeling when you wee, visit your doctor or sexual health clinic to be screened by your doctor. Most tests do not require invasive procedures and only need a urine sample.
To find your closest Better2Know sexual health clinic in the UK, click here.
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