Causes of Bladder Pain in Women

For some women, the bladder is always an endless source of pain. Being anatomically more prone to bacterial infections in the urinary tract also makes them more likely to experience bladder pain, inflammation or infection. Some causes of bladder pain in women include:

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

The urinary tract, which leads to the bladder, may become infected with bacteria, leading to an urinary tract infection (UTI). This may cause pain around the abdomen or the organs leading up to the bladder.

Other symptoms include a fever, a burning sensation when urinating, and increased urination.

The causes: Women commonly develop UTI's from having frequent sexual intercourse, being pregnant, having diabetes or waiting too long to urinate.

How to stop it: Antibiotics help stop the pain - and the infection - within several days. Drinking plenty of water and taking cranberry supplements also help the infection heal faster.

Interstitial Cystitis (IC)

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a painful, chronic condition that causes the bladder to become irritated and inflamed, causing significant pain. It also prevents it from expanding when it is filled with urine, causing more inflammation. Women with this condition always feel like they have to urinate, even if there is nothing to eliminate.

The causes: According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, it may be caused by a defect in the bladder lining. An increase in cells that produce histamine may also cause IC.

How to stop it: There is no cure for IC, but it is manageable. Your doctor may recommend changing your eating habits, taking medication, or undergoing procedures to stretch the bladder's wall.

Struvite Kidney Stones

Struvite kidney stones sometimes occur in women with a urinary tract infection, developing in the kidneys, bladder or ureter. If the stone becomes too big it can block off the bladder, causing excruciating pain. Other symptoms of struvite kidney stones include bloody urine, pain in the lower abdomen or back, nausea, vomiting or trouble urinating.

The causes: Accumulation of struvite crystals in the bladder bunch together, causing stones to form. Women with a history of UTI's are at a higher risk for developing these painful stones.

How to stop it: According to WebMD, over-the-counter pain medication, such as Advil, may help reduce bladder pain in women. Drinking plenty of clear liquids, taking alpha-blockers or undergoing shock wave therapy also helps break the stone apart, making it easier to pass.

Other Causes

Other causes of bladder pain in women also include vaginal infections, bladder cancer or reproductive problems, which put additional stress on the bladder's walls. As always, it's important to see your doctor if you experience significant bladder pain - left untreated, these conditions can get worse.

Sources:
American Academy of Family Physicians Staff, "What is interstitial cystitis?" (FamilyDoctor.org)
WebMD Staff, "Kidney Stones - Treatment Overview" (WebMD.com)