Burning Urination
حرقان أثناء التبولA stinging or burning feeling when passing urine, medically called dysuria. It is most often caused by a urinary tract infection, but it can also come from a sexually transmitted infection, kidney stones, or irritation — a urine test usually helps tell the difference.
This information is for general awareness only and is not a diagnosis. If you're experiencing this symptom, consult a doctor.
Quick answer
Burning or stinging pain when you urinate (dysuria) usually comes from an infection or irritation somewhere in the urinary tract. A urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common cause, but it is not the only one.
It needs medical evaluation if it lasts more than a day, keeps coming back, or happens together with fever, back or side pain, vomiting, blood in the urine, genital discharge, or if you are pregnant.
This page covers the common causes, including UTIs, sexually transmitted infections, kidney stones, and other causes, along with how it is diagnosed and treated.
Causes and risk factors
Causes
- Urinary tract infection (UTI) — The most common cause of burning urination, caused by bacteria in the bladder or urethra.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) — Chlamydia and gonorrhea commonly cause a burning sensation when peeing in both men and women. Trichomoniasis and genital herpes can also cause pain with urination.
- Kidney stones — Can cause pain while urinating along with sharp pain in the back, side, lower abdomen, or groin, and sometimes blood in the urine.
- Bladder irritation (interstitial cystitis) — A non-infectious bladder condition that can cause ongoing burning or pain without any infection being present.
- Prostate inflammation (prostatitis) — In men, infection or inflammation of the prostate can cause pain or burning with urination.
- Vaginal irritation or menopause-related changes — In women, changes in vaginal tissue during menopause, a yeast or other vulvovaginal infection, or irritation from soaps, bubble bath, or perfumes can cause similar pain.
- Certain medications — Some medications can irritate the urinary tract as a side effect.
How is it diagnosed?
A doctor usually starts with a few questions about your symptoms and a urine test.
Urinalysis
A quick urine test that checks for signs of infection, such as white blood cells or nitrites.
Urine culture
May be done if symptoms do not improve with initial treatment, or if infections keep coming back.
STI testing
A urine sample or swab test if a sexually transmitted infection is possible.
Imaging
An ultrasound or CT scan is sometimes used when kidney stones or a more complex problem is suspected.
Related tests
Treatment
Treatment depends on the specific cause.
Antibiotics
Bacterial infections such as a UTI or certain STIs are treated with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor based on the specific infection.
Self-care alongside treatment
Drinking enough water and avoiding scented soaps, douches, or bubble baths that can irritate the area.
Addressing the underlying cause
Kidney stones, prostatitis, or bladder irritation are managed according to the specific diagnosis, as assessed by a doctor.
Do not take antibiotics left over from a previous illness or someone else's prescription. Only a doctor can determine the right treatment for your specific cause.
When should you see a doctor?
Arrange a medical assessment if
- Pain that lasts more than a day
- Pain that keeps coming back
- Discharge from the penis or vagina
Seek urgent care if
- Fever, chills, or back/side pain together with burning urination — these can point to a kidney infection
- Blood in the urine
- Inability to urinate, or only passing a small amount, especially with severe pain
- Burning urination during pregnancy
Frequently asked questions
What does it mean when urination burns?
A burning or stinging feeling when urinating is called dysuria. It usually means there is an infection or irritation somewhere in the urinary tract. A urinary tract infection is the most common cause, but it is not the only possible one.
Can burning urination be a sign of an STI?
Yes. Chlamydia and gonorrhea commonly cause a burning sensation when peeing in both men and women, and trichomoniasis or genital herpes can cause it too. A simple urine or swab test can check for these.
Is burning urination always a UTI?
No. While a UTI is the most common cause, burning urination can also come from a sexually transmitted infection, kidney stones, bladder irritation, or irritation from soaps or other products. A urine test helps a doctor tell the difference.
When should I see a doctor for burning urination?
See a doctor if the pain lasts more than a day, keeps coming back, or comes with fever, back or side pain, blood in the urine, genital discharge, or if you are pregnant. These can point to a more serious infection that needs prompt treatment.
Possible related conditions
Related specialties
Medical sources
This page summarizes general information from the sources below.