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Bladder Pain

Bladder pain in women is common and can range from mild discomfort to severe, persistent pain. It may feel like pressure, burning, cramping, or sharp pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area. The pain can be an incredibly debilitating condition.

At Greater Boston Urology, our urogynecologists and urologists can get to the source of your bladder pain and provide options for effective treatment.

Common causes

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

The most common cause. Often includes burning with urination, urgency, frequency, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine.

Interstitial Cystitis (IC)

Also called painful bladder syndrome; causes chronic bladder pressure and pain without infection.

Bladder stones

Can cause pain, difficulty urinating, or blood in the urine.

Kidney stones

May cause lower abdominal pain along with back or side pain.

Pelvic floor dysfunction

Tight or weak pelvic muscles can mimic bladder pain.

Endometriosis

When tissue similar to the uterine lining grows near the bladder.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Can cause urinary discomfort and pelvic pain.

Symptoms

Symptoms that may occur with bladder pain include a frequent urge to urinate, burning during urination, a sensation of incomplete bladder emptying, blood in the urine, pelvic pressure, and pain during intercourse.

When to seek medical care

Contact us for persistent pelvic pain, frequent urination, or symptoms that interfere with daily life, as it may indicate a chronic condition like IC/BPS. If symptoms include severe, sharp pain, fever, or blood in the urine, immediate attention is advised.

What you can do

Drink plenty of water unless otherwise directed by your provider, avoid bladder irritants such as caffeine, alcohol, and acidic foods, practice good hygiene, and empty your bladder regularly.

Let’s identify the source of your bladder pain and help you find lasting relief.

To learn more, contact a provider or one of our locations — or schedule an appointment.

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