Using the bathroom should be simple and pain-free. So when urination comes with burning, stinging or another kind of pain or discomfort, it’s a pretty clear sign that something isn’t right. Show
Technically called dysuria, painful urination could be a sign of a number of different infections, some of which require treatment. Here are a few things that could be causing pain during urination and how to ease or end it. Urinary tract infectionAnyone can get a urinary tract infection (UTI), but this infection is more common in women. The infection occurs when bacteria make their way into the urethra and into your bladder. The bacterial overgrowth makes urine acidic, so when it comes out of the urethra, you'll get a burning sensation. In addition to painful peeing, UTIs can cause symptoms such as a frequent and strong urge to pee. Studies have shown that drinking 1.5 liters of water at the onset of UTI symptoms can eradicate the infection. If increased water intake doesn't help, antibiotics may be needed. Yeast infectionThe burning sensation you’re experiencing could also be the result of a yeast infection, which happens when there’s an overgrowth of yeast in the vaginal area. One way to tell if you have a yeast infection – as opposed to another type of infection — is that you’ll notice a thick, white discharge. Over-the-counter medications are easily available to treat yeast infection, but it’s always best to discuss your symptoms with a medical provider. Sexually transmitted infectionsSome sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can also cause painful urination. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis and genital herpes can make it hurt to urinate. Other signs that you might have an STI include itchiness, changes to your vaginal discharge and, in the case of herpes, blisters or sores on your vagina or vulva. In-office or at-home STI tests can help identify the cause of your symptoms. Treatment depends on the specific infection, but your health care provider can help you figure out the right option for you. CystitisCystitis, or an inflammation of the bladder, can be caused by a wide range of causes. However, in many cases, cystitis is caused by a bacterial infection. Many irritants can upset the bladder lining and lead to inflammation — and, ultimately, pain while peeing. Cystitis can occur secondary to infection but can also occur after radiation to the pelvis or from an inflammatory condition called interstitial cystitis (otherwise known as bladder pain syndrome). Interstitial cystitis is characterized by bladder pain that goes away when you urinate. People with interstitial cystitis also have urinary frequency, urgency, chronic pelvic pain and pain during intercourse. Many different conditions can cause painful urination. Most of these causes are highly treatable. Below are 10 possible causes of painful urination, along with other symptoms that may occur alongside it. 1. Urinary tract infectionA urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when excess bacteria build up somewhere in the urinary tract. This part of the body runs from the kidneys to the bladder to the urethra, which carries urine toward the outside of the body. Additional symptoms A person with a UTI may experience other symptoms, such as:
2. Sexually transmitted infectionSexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes, can all affect the urinary tract and lead to pain when urinating. Additional symptoms Symptoms may vary according to the type of STI. For example, herpes typically causes blister-like lesions on the genitals. 3. Prostate infectionA short-term bacterial infection can result in a prostate infection or prostatitis. Chronic inflammation from another condition, such as an STI, can also cause prostatitis. Additional symptoms A prostate infection may also cause:
4. Kidney stonesKidney stones are collections of materials, such as calcium or uric acid, that build up and form hardened stones in and around the kidneys. Sometimes, the kidney stones will lodge themselves near the area where urine enters the bladder. This can cause painful urination. Additional symptoms In addition to dysuria, kidney stones can cause the following symptoms:
5. Ovarian cystsMuch like kidney stones, ovarian cysts are an example of how something outside the bladder can press on it and cause painful urination. Ovarian cysts can develop on one or both ovaries, which sit on either side of the bladder. Additional symptoms People with ovarian cysts may experience:
6. Interstitial cystitisAlso known as bladder pain syndrome, interstitial cystitis is a condition that causes chronic irritation of the bladder lasting 6 weeks or more without an underlying infection. Additional symptoms Interstitial cystitis may also cause the symptoms below:
7. Chemical sensitivitySometimes, chemicals that are external to the body, such as fragrances, can irritate bodily tissues. When a person urinates, this irritation may be more noticeable, and pain may occur. Products that can cause chemical sensitivity include:
Additional symptoms People who react to chemical products may notice:
8. Vaginal infection or irritationAlso known as vaginitis or vaginosis, a vaginal infection can occur due to the overgrowth of bacteria or yeast. An STI called trichomoniasis can also cause a vaginal infection. Additional symptoms The following symptoms may occur alongside painful urination:
9. MedicationSome medications, including those that doctors prescribe to treat bladder cancer, may irritate and inflame the bladder tissues. This can often cause pain when urinating. If a person has started a new medication and begins to feel pain when urinating, they should call their doctor and ask if the symptom may be a side effect of the drug. They should not stop taking the medication on their own without asking a doctor first. Additional symptoms Additional symptoms vary based on the type of medication. 10. Bladder cancerBladder cancer occurs when cancer cells start to develop in the bladder. Feeling pain when urinating is not typically an early symptom of this condition. Instead, a person usually notices blood in their urine. Additional symptoms Other possible symptoms of bladder cancer include:
Differences in males and femalesMales and females can both experience pain when urinating, and the causes may be anatomy-dependent. For example, females have shorter urethras than males. As a result, bacteria can often enter the bladder more easily, which can lead to UTIs. A person can talk to their doctor about their risks for painful urination based on their sex as well as their medical history. Everyone may experience painful urination from time to time. A person should see their doctor if the pain is consistent, and they are also experiencing the following symptoms:
If an adult has a fever that is higher than 103°F, they should seek emergency medical attention. A person should not ignore pain when urinating. A doctor can often help identify treatments that will reduce pain. Treatment options for painful urination depend on the underlying cause. Some examples include:
At-home care for painful urination often includes taking OTC anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen. A doctor will often encourage a person to drink more fluids as this dilutes urine, making it less painful to pass. Resting and taking medications as directed can usually help relieve most symptoms. Painful urination is a common symptom with many causes, several of which are related to bacterial infection. People who feel ill should see their doctor before an infection has time to get worse and cause additional symptoms. How do you treat burning urine?At-home care for painful urination often includes taking OTC anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen. A doctor will often encourage a person to drink more fluids as this dilutes urine, making it less painful to pass. Resting and taking medications as directed can usually help relieve most symptoms.
What can cause burning when you pee?A number of conditions can cause painful urination (dysuria). In women, urinary tract infections are a common cause of painful urination. In men, urethritis and certain prostate conditions are frequent causes of painful urination.
Why does it burn when I pee but no UTI?It's possible to experience burning with urination in the absence of an infection. This is commonly caused by inflammation in the bladder, known as interstitial cystitis, or inflammation in the urethra, known as urethritis.
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