Does it hurt to pee on your period? An ob-gyn reveals why it happens

Why does it hurt when I pee on my period? Has this question been on your mind? Burning or painful urination, known as Dysuria, during your period, is common but it can be a symptoms of something serious as well. Your hormones are busy doing many different things at that time of the month, which probably why it hurts to pee on your period. 

However, pain or burning sensations while peeing on your period can also indicate a UTI or any other infection. To know more about this, we got in touch with gynaecologist Dr Pratima Thamke.

Why does it hurt to pee on your period?

There are certain conditions and infections that can lead to painful urination during periods. Read on to know about these.

1. Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition that can cause pain and burning sensation while peeing on period. Dr Thamke says, “Painful urination, also known as (dysuria) is when there is intense pain, discomfort, or burning sensation while urinating. The discomfort will be there where urine passes out of one’s body.” She further says that if you’ve been diagnosed with endometriosis, then urination during menstruation can be painful.  

Endometriosis implants can bleed in response to those cyclical hormone changes and there is no way for the blood to come out. Thus, the scar tissue gets built up and leads to excruciating pain in the pelvic region that also covers the bladder and rectum. “Not only this, the blood present in the pelvic region has no way to escape as the misplaced blood invites irritation in the body along with endometriosis cysts. Thus, the bladder and rectum get pressurized, and one tends to encounter pain,” she explains. 

2. Urinary Tract Infection

Painful urination during menstruation can indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI). A UTI can be the result of a bacterial infection. It can also be due to inflammation of the urinary tract. Besides painful urination, other symptoms of UTI include: 

• Fever and fatigue
• Cramping or vaginal irritation
• Foul-smelling urine or frequent urination
• Painful intercourse
• Pain in lower abdomen or pelvis

3. Sexually Transmitted Infection

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 Yes, you may also experience painful urination on your period if you have acquired a sexually transmitted infection (STI). STIs can also cause symptoms such as: 

• An unusual discharge from the vagina
• Pain when you pee
• Warts and blisters around genitals
• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Itching
• Burning

When to see a doctor for painful urination?

It is very important to go to the doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms:

• Discharge from the vagina
• Blood in the urine
• Cloudy urine
• Foul-smelling urine
• Fever and inflammation,
• Pain in the back.

So if it hurts to pee on your period, and you have these other symptoms as well, it is advisable to get all your symptoms and conditions cleared by the doctor well in time.