Dysuria in women.

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Infectious Diseases
• Women's Health

Background:

• Dysuria, or painful urination, is a common symptom in women.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are often suspected, but other conditions can cause dysuria.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the causes of dysuria in women.
• To determine the diagnostic utility of initial clinical findings and laboratory tests.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 84 women presenting with dysuria.
• Included urinalysis, urine culture, Gram stain, and pelvic examination.
• Urethral and labial examinations were also performed.

Main Results:

• Only 46% of women had significant bacteriuria.
• Gonorrhea, herpes progenitalis, and vaginitis (monilia, Trichomonas) accounted for other cases.
• A significant portion (remainder) were diagnosed with urethral syndrome.
• No single factor reliably predicted cystitis at the initial visit.

Conclusions:

• Dysuria in women has diverse causes beyond typical UTIs.
• Initial management should address "dysuria" broadly, incorporating a thorough workup.
• Pelvic examination is crucial, especially if initial urine cultures are negative.