If you've ever gone swimming in a highly chlorinated pool and then used the bathroom, you probably know that weird, hot, stinging sensation you sometimes get as soon as you start urinating.
Fortunately, there's an easy explanation for this burning pee: it's the leftover chlorine on your skin. But what about other times in life when you experience painful urination?
It's always surprising and alarming when you go to relieve yourself and notice that it actually hurts to pee. What could be causing the pain?
Most people pee six to eight times a day, so it's really noticeable and uncomfortable if you're in pain that much throughout the day.
A lot of women assume their painful urination is caused by a urinary tract infection, but there are actually a number of other causes as well. Before you start to worry, know that there are a variety of reasons it might hurt when you urinate.
Read below to find out eight common causes of painful urination!
Thumbnail Photo: Wikimedia / Nickcider13
What Is Dysuria?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, "The term 'dysuria' refers to any pain or discomfort associated with urination (peeing)."
Everyone is at risk of experiencing dysuria, but it's more common in women than men, because women have a shorter and less protected urethra.
Common Causes Of Painful Urination Cause #1: Vaginal Infection
One of the most common causes of painful urination is vaginal infections — either vaginitis or a vaginal yeast infection.
Vaginal infections may cause burning when you pee, but they will also result in itching, discharge, and pain.
Cause #2: Urinary Tract Infection
When most people think about burning pee or painful urination, they immediately think about urinary tract infections.
The Mayo Clinic explains that "a urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of your urinary system."
Other symptoms of UTIs include pelvic pain, a strong urge to urinate, cloudy urine, and strong-smelling urine.
Cause #3: Urethra Inflammation
The Cleveland Clinic explains that one of the other common causes of painful urination is urethra inflammation.
They explain that if the urethra — the tube connecting the genitals and bladder — becomes inflamed, it can cause pain. The inflammation may be due to dietary factors or autoimmune responses.
Cause #4: Medication Side Effect
Painful urination may also be caused by some medication, including chemo pills, as a negative side effect.
Radiation and IV chemotherapy may also cause painful urination, especially if the treatments are directed at the pelvic area.
Cause #5: Sexually Transmitted Infection
For both men and women, sexually transmitted infections and diseases can cause painful urination.
Burning or pain when you pee can be caused by chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, and STDs.
Cause #6: Kidney Or Bladder Stones
Both kidney and bladder stones have some serious symptoms, one of which is painful urination.
Bladder and kidney stones may also have symptoms like lower abdominal pain, difficulty urinating, and bloody or cloudy urine.
Cause #7: Bladder/Kidney Infection
Since the kidney and bladder are directly involved in urinating, they can cause pain when they're infected or inflamed.
Cystitis (a bladder infection) and pyelonephritis (a kidney infection) are both types of urinary tract infections that can cause similar symptoms to kidney and bladder stones.
Cause #8: Skin Irritation
Another less serious cause of dysuria is skin irritation.
Perfumes, soaps, and other personal-care items may cause irritation to the skin — and since the vagina and vulva are so sensitive, they can become irritated easily. This can lead to pain during urination when the urine comes in contact with the irritated skin.
Other Causes
Some other, less common causes of dysuria include a forgotten tampon, sexual intercourse, a recent urinary tract procedure, or urethral stricture, which is when the urethra becomes narrow.
People who wear catheters regularly may also experience pain while passing urine.
When To See A Doctor
A bit of pain from time to time may not be anything to worry about, but there are certain times you should see a doctor.
Call your primary care physician if your painful urination lasts more than a day, if you notice blood in your urine, if you also have a fever, if you have strange discharge or drainage from your vagina, or if you're pregnant.
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