Painful urination is any pain, discomfort, or burning sensation when passing urine.
Alternative Names
Dysuria; Painful urination
Considerations
Pain may be felt right where the urine passes out of the body. Or, it may be felt inside the body, behind the pubic bone, or in the bladder or prostate.
Pain with urination is a fairly common problem. People who have pain with urination also may have the urge to urinate more often.
Causes
Painful urination is most often caused by an infection or inflammation somewhere in the urinary tract, such as:
Have you had sexual intercourse with someone who has, or may have, gonorrhea or chlamydia?
Has there been a recent change in your brand of soap, detergent, or fabric softener?
Have you had surgery or radiation to your urinary or sexual organs?
A urinalysis will be done. A urine culture may be ordered. If you have had a previous bladder or kidney infection, a more detailed history and physical exam are needed. Extra lab tests will also be needed. A pelvic exam and exam of vaginal fluids are needed for women and girls who have vaginal discharge. Men who have discharge from the penis may need to have a urethral swab done. However, testing a urine sample may be sufficient in some cases.
Other tests may include:
Ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder
An exam of the inside of bladder with a lighted telescope (cystoscope)
Sobel JD, Brown P. Urinary tract infections. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 72.
Review Date:
1/1/2023
Reviewed By:
Kelly L. Stratton, MD, FACS, Associate Professor, Department of Urology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.