Health Encyclopedia

Urination - painful

Definition

Painful urination describes any pain, discomfort, or burning sensation during urination.

Alternative Names

Dysuria; Painful urination

Considerations

Pain on urination is a fairly common problem. It is most often caused by an infection somewhere in the urinary tract.

Common Causes

Candidal dermatitis or vaginitis
Contact dermatitis or vulvitis
Interstitial cystitis
Prostatitis
Radiation cystitis
Urinary retention
Urinary tract infection
Urethritis (in men) caused by gonorrhea or chlamydia

Home Care

Follow prescribed therapy.

Call your health care provider if

Call your health care provider if:

There is drainage or a discharge from your penis or vagina
You are pregnant and are having any painful urination
You have painful urination that lasts for more than 1 day
You notice blood in your urine

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your health care provider will perform a physical examination and ask questions about your symptoms and medication history, such as:

When did the painful urination begin?
Does the pain occur only during urination?
Does the pain stop after urination?
Is there back pain?
What other symptoms do you have?
Have you had a fever higher than 100 degrees F?
Is there drainage or discharge between urinations?
Is there an abnormal urine odor?
Are there any changes in the volume or frequency of urination?
Do you have the urge to urinate?
Did you notice blood in the urine?
Are there any rashes or itching in the genital area?
What medications are you taking?
Are you pregnant or could you be pregnant?
Has there been a previous bladder infection?
Do you have any allergies to any medications?
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 infections, a more detailed history and physical are needed, and extra laboratory studies may be necessary. A pelvic exam and examination of vaginal fluids are necessary if a female has a vaginal discharge. Men who have penile discharge will need to have a urethral swab done.

Treatment depends on what is causing the pain.

See:

Review Date:10/2/2008
Reviewed By:Louis S. Liou, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Urology, Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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