Painful urination, also known as dysuria, describes any pain, discomfort or burning sensation when passing urine. The pain is usually felt in the urinary outlet of the bladder known as the urethra or the area surrounding the genitals known as the perineum. Some supplements may be helpful for painful urination, but a health care professional should always be consulted before starting a supplement program.
Causes
According to Medline Plus, in women, painful urination is the most common symptom of a urinary tract infection and may be due to changes in the vaginal tissues, yeast infection or irritation of vaginal tissues caused by lotions or perfumes. In men urethritis and prostate conditions are more frequent causes of painful urination.
A doctor should be consulted if a person has painful urination that lasts for more than one day, during pregnancy or if it is accompanied by blood in the urine, or discharge from the penis or vagina.
Fish Oil
Fish oil, a good source of omega 3 essential fatty acids, has anti-inflammatory properties. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends fish oil for conditions such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones and urethritis, which involve inflammation and have symptoms that include painful urination. The university recommends one to two capsules or 1 tablespoon of oil, one to two times a day to promote good health and reduce inflammation.
Quercetin
Prostatitis, an irritation or swelling of the prostate gland, is typically caused by an infection. Typically symptoms include painful urination, lower back pain and pain during bowel movements.
Quercetin, belongs to a group of compounds called flavonoids that give many vegetables and fruit their color. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, quercetin has antioxidant, anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory properties.
In a study published in a 1999 issue of "Urology," researchers found that 500 mg of quercetin twice a day for a month significantly improved the symptoms of prostatitis.
L-Arginine
Interstitial cystitis is chronic inflammation of the bladder. Typically symptoms include painful and frequent urination. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, more than 3 million American women and 1 million men have interstitial cystitis.
L-arginine is an amino acid found in protein foods such as meat, fish and nuts.
In a study published in a 1997 issue of the "Journal of Urology," researchers found that 1,500mg of L-arginine daily for six months helped to decrease interstitial cystitis symptoms.
