Painful Urination

What is painful urination?

Painful urination, or dysuria, causes a burning, stinging, or itching sensation when you urinate. It isn’t a specific medical condition, but a symptom of an underlying health problem.

Most people experience painful urination at some time during their lives. Usually, it’s due to a urinary tract infection (UTI), but it can also be caused by prostate disease, sexually transmitted diseases, and diverticulitis.

What are the symptoms of painful urination?

Painful urination affects everyone differently. Some people describe it as a burning or itching sensation, while others report stinging.

Painful urination presents different symptoms in men and women. For example, men often report pain in the penis before or after urination, while women may experience pain in or outside the vaginal area.

When should I see a medical specialist about painful urination?

Make an appointment at Hale Family Practice if you experience painful urination, and it doesn’t improve within a day or two. That’s especially true if your symptoms occur alongside cloudy or bloody urine or penile or vaginal discharge. 

How is painful urination diagnosed?

The Hale Family Practice team reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when they started and what they feel like. They also ask about your sexual health and whether you have underlying health problems, like diabetes. 

Next, your provider completes a physical exam. They also order urinalysis and a sexually transmitted disease (STD) screening if you’re sexually active with more than one partner. Urinalysis checks your urine for red blood cells, white blood cells, and germs, while STD screening looks for viruses, bacteria, or parasites spread through sexual intercourse.

How is painful urination treated?

The Hale Family Practice team uses an integrative, patient-centered approach to treat painful urination. They could suggest:

• Prescription antibiotics if you have an STD or UTI
• Taking over-the-counter medication, like AZO or Uristat
• Drinking plenty of water
• Treating skin irritation with topical ointments or lotions

If painful urination is caused by an underlying health problem, like a prostate or bladder issue, the team develops a personalized treatment plan to prevent it from worsening.

Is painful urination preventable?

Several practices can help prevent painful urination. The Hale Family Practice team recommends drinking at least two liters of water daily, changing incontinence pads as soon as they become soiled, and wiping away any excess urine after using the toilet if you’re a woman.

Call the nearest Hale Family Practice office to schedule painful urination treatment, or book your in-person or telemedicine appointment online today.