Burning when you pee, medically called dysuria, is commonly caused by several potential conditions including urinary tract infections (UTIs), vaginal infections, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and other less common causes. It signals irritation or inflammation in the urinary tract or nearby areas and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Common Causes of Burning When Urinating
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): The most frequent cause, especially in women, involves bacteria infecting the bladder, urethra, or kidneys. Symptoms include burning, frequent urge to urinate, and sometimes cloudy or smelly urine. Untreated UTIs can spread to the kidneys resulting in serious infection.
- Vaginal Infections: Infections such as yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis can cause irritation and burning near the urethra due to the close anatomical proximity.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, or herpes can cause painful urination along with other symptoms like discharge or pelvic pain.
- Other Causes: Urethritis, kidney stones, prostatitis (in men), urethral stricture, or irritation from hygiene products or sexual activity can also cause burning urination.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If burning during urination is persistent, associated with other symptoms like fever, back pain, blood in urine, or unusual discharge, medical evaluation is important to prevent complications and get appropriate treatment such as antibiotics or antifungals based on the underlying cause. This information is based on expert-reviewed medical sources from 2023 to 2025.
