Pain on urination is not always caused by a UTI. While the conditions described below are rare, your doctor may want to make sure they are not the problem before treating you for a repeat UTI.

Interstitial Cystitis

A condition caused by scarring or ulcers in the bladder lining is called interstitial cystitis. When the bladder fills, the sore areas are coated with urine. Over the course of several years, these sores cause the bladder lining to disintegrate and finally, to stop functioning altogether. Researchers are looking for ways to treat this painful and frustrating condition. Many people find that a drug called Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate sodium) provides at least some relief from the pain. Other methods currently being used are inserting dimethyl sulfoxide (Rimso 50) into the bladder through a catheter, or physically stretching the bladder under anesthesia.

Bladder Cancer

This rare condition causing tumors in the bladder is more common in men than in women. Smoking is sometimes to blame. Blood in the urine, frequent and painful urination, and waking at night to urinate are typical symptoms A small tumor that is not attached to the bladder wall can sometimes be removed through an instrument called a cystoscope. Inserted through the urethra, the cystoscope works like a long, thin telescope with a light at the end. However large, deeply embedded tumors usually require major surgery.