Painful urination, medically known as dysuria, is a common complaint for many individuals. If you’re experiencing discomfort when you pee, you’re likely seeking immediate relief and answers.
While numerous factors can trigger painful urination, it’s often linked to easily treatable conditions like urinary tract infections (UTIs). However, some underlying causes can be more serious, making it crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
This article delves into the common causes of discomfort during urination and provides insights on how to alleviate the burning sensation and when to seek medical attention.
What is Painful Urination (Dysuria)?
Dysuria, or painful urination, is characterized by pain or discomfort experienced during urination. It’s more prevalent among women but can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender.
In most instances, painful urination arises from irritation or inflammation within the urinary system, reproductive organs, or genitals. This explains why the symptoms and underlying causes can vary between men and women.
Deciphering Painful Urination Symptoms to Identify Potential Causes
Dysuria can manifest in various ways, including burning, stinging, itching, or general discomfort while urinating. You might also experience frequent urination, indicating a frequent urge to urinate.
Numerous conditions can lead to painful urination, each presenting with distinct symptoms. The timing of the pain can also offer valuable clues to the underlying cause.
For instance, experiencing burning or stinging at the start of urination often suggests an infection. Conversely, pain felt towards the end of urination or afterwards might indicate a bladder issue. Providing your doctor with specific details about when the pain occurs can significantly aid in diagnosis and expedite appropriate treatment.
Common Reasons Why It Hurts When You Pee
The following are common causes of painful urination in both men and women. We will later discuss gender-specific causes in more detail.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) stand out as the most frequent culprit behind painful urination. These infections can affect various parts of the urinary system, including the kidneys, urethra, and bladder.
While UTIs can affect both sexes, they are notably more common in women. Typically, UTIs are triggered by bacteria entering the urinary tract through the urethra.
The urethra, the tube responsible for carrying urine from the bladder out of the body, differs in length between sexes. In women, it’s relatively short, approximately 1.5 inches, whereas in men, it extends from the bladder to the tip of the penis. The shorter female urethra facilitates easier bacterial entry into the bladder and the rest of the urinary system.
Besides painful urination, UTI symptoms can include blood-tinged, cloudy, or strong-smelling urine, fever, abdominal or back pain, and an increased urge or frequency of urination. However, if cloudy, foul-smelling urine is your only symptom, it might indicate a condition other than a UTI.
Often, UTIs resolve quickly with prescription antibiotics or antiviral medications. Given the prevalence of UTIs, virtual consultations can often facilitate prompt treatment. However, untreated UTIs can worsen and lead to more severe complications.
Diabetes and Increased UTI Risk
Individuals with diabetes are more susceptible to severe UTIs that can affect the urethra, bladder, and kidneys. Furthermore, these UTIs can be caused by bacteria that exhibit greater resistance to standard treatments. Effective blood sugar management can play a crucial role in UTI prevention. If you require assistance managing diabetes, consult with an endocrinologist.
Alt text: Woman experiencing lower abdominal pain, a common symptom of urinary tract infection (UTI).
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are another significant cause of painful urination. STIs are transmitted through vaginal, oral, or anal sexual contact. Certain STIs can irritate the urinary system, potentially leading to UTIs.
Which STIs can cause painful urination? Several STIs are associated with dysuria, including genital herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis.
If an STI is the underlying cause, you might experience genital discharge, blister-like sores, or itching in the genital area. Untreated STIs can progress and potentially result in infertility or other serious health issues. Therefore, prompt treatment is essential if you suspect an STI.
Chemical Sensitivities
The products you apply to your skin are always important, especially to the delicate tissues in your genital region. Douches, scented soaps, fragranced toilet paper, contraceptive sponges, spermicides, and other personal hygiene products can irritate sensitive genital tissues.
Specifically for women, these products can disrupt the vaginal pH balance. This can lead to painful urination, swelling, redness, itching, and an increased risk of UTIs.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are relatively common, affecting approximately 1 in 10 people in their lifetime. They develop when salts and minerals accumulate within the kidneys and solidify, forming hard deposits known as kidney stones. Often, kidney stones pass naturally without intervention. However, surgical removal might be necessary, particularly if a stone becomes lodged in the urinary system and triggers a UTI.
Painful urination is among the symptoms of kidney stones that warrant medical attention. Other symptoms include sharp, cramping pain in the back or side, blood in the urine, and frequent urination.
Bladder Stones
Bladder stones, similar to kidney stones, form in the bladder rather than the kidneys, but they are far less common. Bladder stones are most frequently observed in men over 50 but can occur in anyone.
These stones result from mineral buildup in the bladder, often due to incomplete bladder emptying during urination. Bladder stones can irritate the bladder and obstruct urine flow. This can lead to painful urination and changes in urine color. Small stones might pass naturally with increased fluid intake (6-8 glasses of water daily). Larger stones or those causing bothersome symptoms may require surgical removal by a doctor.
Urethral Stricture (Narrowing of the Urethra)
Painful urination can occur if the urethra narrows, impeding urine flow. This condition, known as urethral stricture, typically results from scarring and is more prevalent in men than women.
Causes of urethral scarring include trauma to the pelvic area, prostate issues, and certain cancers. It can also develop after radiation therapy or medical procedures involving urethral instrumentation.
Urethral stricture-related painful urination is often accompanied by a slow urine stream, urine spraying, or a sensation of incomplete bladder emptying. Treatment depends on the stricture’s location and may involve urethral dilation or surgery.
Diverticulitis
Diverticula, small pouches in weakened areas of the large intestine, are present in approximately 50% of adults by age 50, according to research. While typically asymptomatic, inflammation of these pouches leads to diverticulitis.
Diverticulitis can cause painful urination. Other symptoms include persistent abdominal pain (usually on the left side), fever, nausea, and rectal bleeding. Treatment often involves antibiotics or over-the-counter pain relievers.
Surgery or Medical Treatments
Pelvic surgery and medical treatments like radiation therapy can irritate the urinary system, potentially causing painful urination. In most cases, urinary function returns to normal as healing progresses. However, persistent issues warrant medical consultation.
Medications
Painful urination can be a side effect of certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs. If dysuria develops after starting a new medication, review the label for dysuria as a potential side effect.
If you are a HealthPartners patient or member, you can contact the nurse line at 612-339-3663 or 800-551-0859 for inquiries.
Bladder Cancer
While rare, bladder cancer can be a cause of painful urination. Changes in urination patterns can be a symptom, affecting up to 30% of individuals before diagnosis.
Bladder cancer is often detected in early, treatable stages. Symptoms can resemble UTI symptoms, including painful urination, frequent urination, blood in urine, and back or pelvic pain.
Additional Causes of Painful Urination in Women
The following are additional causes of painful urination that are specific to female reproductive organs.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy induces significant bodily changes and can increase the likelihood of painful urination. The growing fetus can exert pressure on pelvic floor organs, including the bladder. This pressure can lead to difficulties in bladder emptying or a sensation of increased urinary frequency.
Furthermore, painful urination during pregnancy can be caused by common pregnancy complications like UTIs. Therefore, seeking medical attention for painful urination during pregnancy is crucial, as untreated infections can affect the pregnancy.
Vaginal Inflammation (Vaginitis)
Vaginitis symptoms include discharge, itching, and pain. It’s frequently caused by infections but can also result from skin conditions and hormonal changes during menopause. Low estrogen levels can indeed contribute to painful urination.
Types of vaginitis include:
- Yeast infection: Typically caused by Candida albicans, a naturally occurring fungus. Antifungal medications are used for treatment.
- Bacterial vaginosis: A common condition due to an overgrowth of normal vaginal bacteria. Medical treatment restores balance, prevents UTIs, and reduces painful urination.
- Trichomoniasis: Caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis and spread through sexual intercourse. Oral antibiotics are the treatment.
Alt text: Illustration showing symptoms of vaginal yeast infection including itching, burning, and discharge.
Vaginal Tears, Cuts, or Scrapes
Painful urination can also occur due to vaginal tissue injuries like cuts, scrapes, or tears. Treatment depends on the injury type and severity.
Minor Cuts and Scrapes
Minor injuries can result from activities like sexual intercourse, foreplay, shaving, or even uncomfortable underwear. Hormone imbalances and skin conditions like eczema can also contribute.
Minor injuries often heal naturally with proper hygiene. Monitor for inflammation and infection (using a handheld mirror can be helpful). Seek medical attention if you observe pus or worsening symptoms.
Vaginal Tears and Deeper Cuts
Vaginal tears can occur during childbirth; it’s estimated that 9 out of 10 vaginal deliveries result in some degree of tearing. Your doctor will provide guidance on tear care as part of postpartum instructions.
Vaginal tears and other trauma can also result from sexual assault. If you have experienced assault or forced sexual activity, seeking support and medical assistance is crucial. You can contact the National Sexual Assault (RAINN) Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) for support. Your doctor can also provide assistance and guidance.
Endometritis
Endometritis is inflammation of the uterine lining, typically caused by infection. It can occur after childbirth, miscarriage, or pelvic procedures. STIs or tuberculosis can also be causes. Endometritis symptoms can include abdominal swelling, vaginal bleeding or discharge, or constipation.
Additional Causes of Painful Urination in Men
The prostate gland is a primary factor in painful urination for men. This walnut-sized gland located below the bladder and surrounding the upper urethra.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis refers to prostate gland swelling and inflammation. This condition can obstruct urine flow through the urethra, leading to difficulty urinating. Prostatitis can also cause pain in the groin, pelvic area, and genitals. Bacterial infections are often the cause, but sometimes prostatitis occurs without identifiable infection.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer can contribute to painful urination. However, early-stage prostate cancer is often asymptomatic. Routine prostate cancer screenings are crucial for early detection, as early-stage cancer is most treatable.
How to Stop the Painful or Burning Sensation When Peeing
If you experience painful urination, scheduling an appointment with your primary care physician or initiating an online consultation is recommended. Most causes of painful urination require medical intervention, often involving prescription antibiotics. However, some immediate measures can help alleviate symptoms.
Stay Hydrated
Increased water intake can help flush bacteria from your system if you have an infection. Adequate hydration also aids in preventing recurrent UTIs. If dietary factors contribute to the burning sensation, increased fluid intake dilutes urine, reducing pain.
Medications
Medications can provide relief from painful urination, although separate medication is needed to address the underlying cause.
Over-the-counter medications containing phenazopyridine (e.g., Azo) can help reduce pain and burning during urination. However, these medications only manage symptoms and do not treat the underlying condition. Consulting your doctor for appropriate treatment remains essential.
For UTIs or STIs, your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics. Yeast infections may be treated with over-the-counter antifungal topical creams and gels.
Warm Compress or Spray
For vaginal skin irritation, cuts, or tears, try using a spray bottle to apply warm water to the vagina during urination. Warm compresses or shallow baths can also provide relief.
Avoid Fragrances
The vagina can be cleansed with plain water. If soap is desired, opt for pH-balanced cleansers without dyes and perfumes. Avoid douching and feminine sprays, as they contain irritants for sensitive genital skin.
Do Not Hold It
Painful urination often accompanies urinary urgency. Despite the discomfort of frequent bathroom trips, avoid urine retention. Delaying urination can worsen symptoms, particularly if an infection is present. Holding urine allows bacteria to multiply in the bladder and potentially ascend to the kidneys.
When to Seek Medical Advice for Painful Urination
Peeing should never be painful. While stinging, burning, or discomfort during urination is often due to easily treatable conditions, it’s crucial to seek medical attention in the following situations:
- Pregnancy
- Unusual penile or vaginal discharge
- Fever
- Back or side pain
- Blood in urine or semen
