Painful urination

Painful urination is so common, it has its own fancy medical name: dysuria. That unforgettable burning and stinging when you pee can happen to anyone, anytime. Common culprits include bacterial infections in the vagina or urinary tract (UTIs) or sexually transmitted infections. Inflammation or irritation—caused by everything from kidney stones and sex to scented soaps and bubble baths—can also cause painful urination, as can immune system suppression or prostate issues. So, how to treat this painful condition? Depends on how bad it feels. If you have a mild UTI, try drinking lots of water. One study found that women who drank 48 ounces (6 cups) more than usual kept recurrent UTIs at bay. You can also sip unsweetened cranberry juice (or try cranberry tablets!), a natural remedy that’s refreshing but as yet unproven. There are other natural ways to manage your UTI—or at least the symptoms. Uva ursi and pau d'arco are both antimicrobials that can help fight an infection. Corn silk and marshmallow may soothe inflammation. Using these herbs in a "yoni" or vaginal steam sounds kind of out there, but some women—reportedly including Gwyneth Paltrow and Chrissy Teigen—swear by it. If you're in lots of pain and have other symptoms, like fever, blood in your urine, or difficulty peeing, definitely see a practitioner. The same goes for painful urination that won’t go away. Your practitioner can run tests to find out what's causing the problem and get you on the road to recovery. If you have a bladder infection caused by bacteria, your practitioner will likely prescribe antibiotics. Also, if you’re having lots of UTIs, you’re likely often uncomfortable, and it may even be hard on your sex life/intimacy. Painful urination is a common problem, so don’t feel bad! Even when it seems hard to treat, we promise, help is out there. Ask your WanaFam how they handle this problem—they’re there to listen and share.