Published on: 6/12/2025
Why might my side hurt when I pee or poop?
Pain in your side when you pee or poop might be due to how the bladder and colon affect each other or nerve issues in your lower back.
Explanation
When you feel pain in your side while peeing or pooping, it could be due to a few reasons. One possibility is something called cross-organ sensitization, where the bladder and colon affect each other. This means that if one is irritated, it can cause pain in the other. Another reason could be related to the nerves in your lower back. These nerves, when irritated, can cause pain during activities like peeing or pooping.
Possible Causes:
- Cross-organ Sensitization: The bladder and colon can influence each other’s pain signals, making one organ's irritation felt in the other.
- Nerve Issues: Problems in the nerves of the lower back, called lumbosacral radicular pain, can cause discomfort during urination or defecation.
If you experience persistent or severe pain, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and management.
(References)
- Grundy L, & Brierley SM. (2018). Cross-organ sensitization between the colon and bladder. American journal of physiology. Gastrointestinal and liver physiology, 29146678.
- Haddad R, Hentzen C, Le Breton F, Sheikh Ismael S, & Amarenco G. (2019). Lumbosacral radicular pain during micturition, defecation .... European journal of pain (London, England), 30697909.
- Verhamme KM, Sturkenboom MC, Stricker BH, & Bosch R. (2008). Drug-induced urinary retention: incidence, management .... Drug safety, 18422378.
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