What's Causing My Abdominal Pain When Peeing? 14 Potential Reasons

Abdominal pain while peeing is a symptom of numerous health conditions. It could be from a urinary tract infection (UTI) or something more serious. Abdominal pain can radiate to other areas like the back and flank (sides of the torso between the ribs and hips) making it difficult to localize the pain.

1. Urinary Tract Infection

A UTI is a common bacterial infection that occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract. It typically affects the bladder but can also affect the kidneys.

While common in people of any sex, females are more likely than males to develop a UTI. This is due to a shorter urethra and the closer proximity of the urethra to the anus and vagina.

Symptoms of a UTI include:

• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Bloody urine
  
• Frequent urination
• Pain or burning while urinating

2. Prostatitis

The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland in the male reproductive system. It surrounds the urethra and has sections near the rectum and bladder.

Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland. Prostatitis may be chronic or acute. Chronic prostatitis develops slowly over time and is believed to be caused by a microorganisms other than bacteria, but the exact cause is unknown. A bacterial infection causes acute prostatitis, which occurs suddenly and is short term.

Chronic prostatitis symptoms vary from person to person but often include pain that lasts for three or more months. The pain can be felt in the following areas:

• Between the anus and scrotum
• Central, lower abdomen
• Lower back
• Penis

Acute bacterial prostatitis symptoms develop suddenly and are typically quite severe. These symptoms include:

• Chills and fever
• Lower abdomen pain
  
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain or burning while urinating
• Urinary frequency and urgency

3. Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI). It often does not cause symptoms, so someone may have it without knowing it. However, when chlamydia does cause symptoms the presentation will vary based on a person's sex.

Symptoms in women include:

• Burning when urinating
• Strong smelling, abnormal vaginal discharge

In men, symptoms may include:

• Burning when urinating
• Discharge from the penis

If the infection spreads, it can cause lower abdominal pain, fever, and nausea.

4. Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a common STI that infects 1 in 6 people in the United States. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of HSV. HSV 1 typically causes oral cold sores, whereas HSV 2 typically causes genital herpes. However, HSV 1 can cause genital herpes, and HSV 2 can cause cold sores.

Someone can be infected with HSV and not know it. When it does cause genital herpes symptoms, they may include:

• Difficulty urinating
• Fever
• Fluid-filled blisters or open, painful sores on and near the genitals

An early symptom of genital herpes in women is pressure or pain in the abdomen.

5. Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a common STI caused by a bacterial infection. It can affect the genitals, rectum, or throat. Gonorrhea may or may not cause symptoms.

Symptoms of gonorrhea in women are:

• Bleeding between periods
• Burning or pain when urinating
• Increased vaginal discharge

Symptoms of gonorrhea in men are:

• Burning when urinating
• Discharge from the penis
• Swollen and painful testicles

If gonorrhea is left untreated in women, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This can cause lower abdominal pain.

6. Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are small, solid, rocklike material formed inside of the kidney. A stone forms when there are high levels of certain minerals in the urine. When the kidney stone passes through the ureter (the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder) it can cause several symptoms. These symptoms include:

• Blood in the urine
  
• Constant urge to urinate
• Pain while urinating
• Sharp pain in the back, lower abdomen, or side

7. Urethritis

Urethritis is when the urethra becomes swollen and irritated. Bacteria or viruses can cause this condition. The symptoms differ between men and women. Below are the symptoms specific to each sex.

Urethritis symptoms in women may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Burning or pain when urinating
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Fever or chills
• Vaginal discharge

Urethritis symptoms in men may include:

• Blood in the urine
• Discharge from the penis
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Pain or burning when urinating

8. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive system, which includes the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. It is typically caused by a bacterial infection, usually an STI.

PID symptoms vary widely. They may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Discomfort or pain during sex
• Heavy, painful periods
• Pain when urinating
  

9. Epididymitis

The epididymis is a tube that connects the testicle to the vas deferens. When this tube becomes inflamed it is called epididymitis.

Epididymitis is most common in men ages 19 to 35. The STIs chlamydia and gonorrhea are the most common cause of the condition.

The symptoms include:

• Chills and fever
• Discharge from the urethra
• Heaviness or pain in the testicles
  
• Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area
• Testicle area is sensitive to pressure
  

10. Pyelonephritis

Pyelonephritis is an infection in the kidneys. It is a type of UTI that has moved up past the bladder, into the ureters, and landed in the kidneys. A bacterial or viral infection can cause pyelonephritis.

Symptoms of pyelonephritis include:

• Chills and fever
• Cloudy, foul-smelling urine
• Nausea and vomiting
• Painful, frequent urination
• Pain in the side, back, or abdomen

Pyelonephritis can lead to serious complications like sepsis (a body-wide, potentially life-threatening response to an infection) and should be treated immediately.

11. Obstructive Uropathy

Obstructive uropathy is a condition in which the urinary tract is blocked and urine cannot pass out of it. An enlarged prostate is the primary cause of urinary tract blockage but other conditions can cause it as well. It tends to occur in men over 60 years of age.

The symptoms of obstructive uropathy include:

• Abdominal pain
• Decreased force of urine flow
• Difficulty urinating
• Fever
  

12. Urethral Stricture

A urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder and out of the body.

A urethral stricture can be caused by scar tissue after surgery, swelling, infection, or an injury. When urine isn't able to exit the body easily, several symptoms can result. These symptoms include:

• Blood in the urine
• Discharge from the urethra
• Lower abdominal pain
• Urinary frequency and urgency
• Urinary retention (being unable to fully empty the bladder)

13. Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is a type of cancer where the cells in the bladder grow uncontrollably. Most bladder cancers are urothelial carcinoma, also known as transitional cell carcinoma. Bladder cancer symptoms vary from person to person and depend on the type of cancer and its stage. The symptoms include:

• Blood in the urine
• Burning or painful urination
• Frequent nighttime urinating
• Frequent urge to urinate
  

When bladder cancer has spread beyond the bladder it can cause additional symptoms like abdominal pain, inability to urinate, and lower back pain.

14. Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer where the cells that line the uterus (endometrium) grow uncontrollably. It is the most common type of female reproductive cancer in the United States and is more common in postmenopausal women (those whose menstrual cycle has ended) over the age of 60.

A few symptoms suggest someone may have endometrial cancer. They are:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Pelvic pain
• Unintentional weight loss

Other Conditions That Could Cause Abdominal Pain While Urinating

Numerous other health conditions can cause pain while urinating. Many times, it due to irritation or inflammation. Below is a list of causes:

• Atrophic vaginitis: Vaginal itching due to thinning and drying of the vaginal lining with reduction in estrogen at menopause
• Bladder spasm: The bladder muscle contracts without warning
• Interstitial cystitis: A painful bladder syndrome without a definitive cause
• Vulvovaginitis: Irritation, itching, and swelling of the vulva
  

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

Lower abdominal pain when peeing is not normal, and a healthcare provider should be contacted for an evaluation.

Other symptoms that warrant a call to a provider include:

• Back pain
• Fever
• Frequent or sense of urgency to urinate
• Painful urination
• Urethral discharge
• Vaginal discharge
  

Possible Treatment Options

Abdominal pain while peeing needs to be evaluated and treated by a healthcare provider. Do not attempt to treat abdominal pain at home without the help of a healthcare provider. Many of these conditions can develop serious complications if left untreated.

Abdominal pain while peeing will be treated based on the underlying cause. If a bacterial infection causes pain, antibiotics may be prescribed. Viral infections are not treated with antibiotics and will require supportive therapy. Antivirals may be used in case of HSV infection. Other causes, like a urethral stricture, may need surgery.

Discuss additional self-care and over-the-counter remedy options with the healthcare provider.

Summary

Abdominal pain while peeing is a symptom of many different health conditions. It's important to contact a healthcare provider if you are experiencing this symptom to get evaluated and a prompt diagnosis. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause, if it is a bacterial infection then an antibiotic will likely be prescribed.