What does pain when urinating mean?
Pain when urinating can be felt as burning, stinging, or soreness. This condition, medically termed dysuria, can be associated with irritation or infections in the urinary tract.
What causes it?
Urinary tract infection, cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis, kidney or bladder stones, sexually transmitted infections, and certain irritating products can cause pain when urinating.
Can there be different causes in women and men?
Yes. Cystitis is more common in women, while prostatitis and urethritis are more often considered in men. In both cases, urinalysis and, if necessary, culture may be requested.
When to see a doctor
Tests used for diagnosis
- Urinalysis
- Urine culture
- Ultrasound
Frequently asked questions
Is pain when urinating a symptom of infection?
One of the common causes is urinary tract infection. However, there can also be other causes such as stones, urethritis, or prostatitis.
Is drinking plenty of water sufficient?
Fluid intake can be supportive, but medical evaluation is needed if there is pain, burning, fever, or bleeding.
