Burning when you pee, also known as painful urination (dysuria), is often a sign of an underlying medical condition, most commonly an infection.
Here's a breakdown of the common causes:
Common Causes
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Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): This is a very frequent cause, especially in women. Bacteria, most commonly E. coli, enter the urinary tract and cause inflammation.
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Urethritis: This is inflammation of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body. In men, it's a more common cause of painful urination than UTIs. It is often caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
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Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes can cause urethritis and lead to burning during urination.
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Prostate Problems: In men, an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH) or prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) can put pressure on the urethra and cause discomfort or burning when urinating.
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Vaginitis: In women, inflammation of the vagina can cause pain during urination, often accompanied by itching, discharge, or odor. This can be caused by bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, or trichomoniasis.
Other Possible Causes
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Kidney Stones: Although often associated with severe flank pain, kidney stones can sometimes cause irritation and burning during urination as they pass through the urinary tract.
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Certain Medications: Some medications, particularly those used to treat cancer, can irritate the bladder and urethra.
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Irritants: Certain soaps, douches, perfumes, or spermicides can irritate the urethra and bladder, leading to burning.
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Dehydration: Concentrated urine, resulting from dehydration, can irritate the bladder and urethra.
What To Do
If you experience burning when you pee, it's essential to:
- See a doctor: A healthcare provider can diagnose the cause and recommend appropriate treatment. A urine test is typically performed.
- Drink plenty of fluids: This helps to dilute the urine and flush out bacteria.
- Avoid irritants: Steer clear of soaps, douches, and other products that may irritate the urinary tract.
- Practice good hygiene: Wipe from front to back after using the toilet to prevent bacteria from entering the urethra.
The burning sensation when you urinate is generally a symptom of an underlying medical problem that necessitates medical evaluation and, often, treatment, rather than a condition itself.
