Diagnosis

As already mentioned, micturition pain can be triggered by a number of causes. The quality and exact location of the pain cannot always be used to differentiate between the possible causes. For this reason, special examination methods help to find the cause.

Direct examination of the urine is probably the most important measure in the diagnostic process when such symptoms occur.This method can be used to detect possible pathogens, such as bacteria or fungi, in urine. The urine sample is easy to take and does not take much time. A thin measuring stick with different fields is dipped into the urine for a short time (so-called U-Stix).

After a few seconds, a change in color of the individual fields can be detected and compared with a table. In this way, for example, the pH value of the urine can be determined. Metabolic products of typical intestinal bacteria (nitrite) can also be detected in this way.

In addition, the Urine Stix allows the detection of smallest amounts of red and/or white blood cells in the sample material. However, this examination method is not sufficient if sexually transmitted pathogens are suspected. In these cases, a blood sample and a smear must also be taken and examined in the laboratory.

From the blood sample a so-called blood culture can be prepared for the cultivation of possible pathogens. In addition to the examination measures already described, the preparation of an ultrasound examination of the urinary tract and the bladder can provide information about the underlying disease if there is pain when urinating. In addition, in some cases a cystoscopy or an X-ray after the administration of contrast medium may be necessary.

In men, it is also advisable to consider a palpation of the prostate by the treating doctor. In this examination, the doctor inserts a finger into the anal region and attempts to palpate the prostate gland a little above the rectum. Furthermore, the patient’s blood should be examined for special protein levels and so-called prostate-specific antigens (PSAs).