Dysuria refers to painful urination. This is a common medical symptom that can result from a variety of causes, such as infections and kidney stones. Treatment depends on the underlying cause.

A person experiencing painful urination should contact a doctor. Although a person might be able to treat some causes at home, other causes may require medical intervention.

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Potential causes of painful urination can include:

Urinary tract infection

A 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. Painful urination is the most common symptom of a UTI.

A person with a UTI may experience other symptoms, such as:

  • needing to urinate frequently
  • needing to urinate urgently
  • needing to urinate more often at night
  • passing cloudy or blood-tinged urine
  • strong-smelling urine

If the infection progresses to the kidneys, a person may experience nausea, vomiting, fever, and pain in the lower stomach or back.

Sexually transmitted infection (STI)

STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes, can all affect the urinary tract and lead to pain when urinating.

Symptoms may vary according to the type of STI. For example, those with chlamyida may experience atypical vaginal or penile discharge and pain and swelling near the testicles.

Prostate infection

A 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.

A prostate infection may also cause:

  • difficulty urinating
  • pain in the bladder, testicles, and penis
  • difficulty ejaculating and painful ejaculation
  • needing to urinate frequently, especially at night

Kidney stones

Kidney stones are collections of materials, such as calcium or uric acid, that build up and form hardened stones in and around the kidneys.

Sometimes, kidney stones lodge near the area where urine enters the bladder, causing pain.

In addition to dysuria, kidney stones can cause the following symptoms:

  • pain in the side and back
  • pink- or brown-tinted urine
  • cloudy urine
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • pain that changes in intensity
  • fever
  • chills
  • urinating only small amounts frequently

Interstitial cystitis

Also 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.

Interstitial cystitis may also cause:

  • pressure in the bladder area
  • pain during intercourse
  • pain in the vulva or vagina
  • pain in the scrotum
  • urinating frequently but producing little urine

Chemical sensitivity

Sometimes, 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:

  • douches
  • soaps
  • scented toilet paper
  • vaginal lubricants
  • contraceptive foams

People who react to chemical products may notice:

  • swelling
  • itching
  • irritation and discoloration of the skin on or around the genitals

Vaginal infection or irritation

Also known as vaginitis or vaginosis refers to soreness and swelling around the vagina. There are many causes of vaginitis, such as:

  • STI
  • thrush
  • hormonal changes, including menopause and contraception
  • skin condition, such as lichen planus or eczema

The following symptoms may occur alongside painful urination:

  • foul-smelling or unusual vaginal discharge
  • vaginal irritation
  • pain during intercourse
  • vaginal bleeding, which is usually mild

Bladder cancer

Bladder 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. Other possible symptoms of bladder cancer include:

  • frequent urination
  • having difficulty urinating or passing a weak urine stream
  • lower back pain
  • appetite loss
  • weight loss
  • fatigue
  • foot swelling
  • bone pain

Treatment options for painful urination depend on the underlying cause. Treatment may include:

  • taking over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen
  • drinking plenty of fluids to dilute the urine
  • avoiding the use of harsh soaps or other products near the genitals
  • antibiotics to treat infections such as a UTI, prostatitis, and bacterial STIs
  • lifestyle changes and prescription medications to treat interstitial cystitis
  • surgery, to treat severe kidney stones or ovarian cysts.

A person can try the following to prevent painful urination:

  • drinking plenty of water
  • physical activity
  • eating a balanced diet
  • using barrier methods of protection to protect against STIs
  • wiping from front to back to help prevent developing a UTI
  • avoiding scented products near the genitals

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:

A person should not ignore pain when urinating. A doctor can often help identify treatments that will reduce pain.

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Painful urination is a common symptom with many causes, such as a UTI, STI, kidney stones, interstitial cystitis, prostatitis, and vaginitis. It can also be a sign of bladder cancer.

A person can treat some causes at home. However, other causes require medical intervention. A person can contact a doctor who can help determine the cause and provide a suitable treatment plan.