Burning sensation after urination
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Yogesh Taneja Urologist, General Surgeon
Burning urination or pain during urination is known as Dysuria. This can be described as a stinging or raw sensation during urination or shortly afterwards; which intensifies from mild to severe. Women are more prone to this infection because of shorter urethras, closer proximity of the urinary tract to the anus and vagina, both having a rich micro flora. Other reasons that increase the risk of urinary tract infections are diabetes, pregnancy, being sexually active, poor personal hygiene, postmenopausal or a weakened immune system.
Reasons for burning sensation after urination are:
● Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
is the most common cause of burning urination; caused due to bacterial infections of the urinary tract which causes not just painful urination, but increase in frequency, and changes in urine color.● Traumadue
to local injury or irritation after placement of the catheter.● Anatomical obstructions or malformations
due to an enlarged prostate or a urethral stricture.● Sexually transmitted diseases(STDs)
include chlamydia, herpes, and gonorrhea. These bacterial infections caused genital sores, vaginal discharge, and itching in the groin area..● Vaginal yeast infections
also known as thrush causes itching and redness around the vagina.● Bacterial vaginosis
bacterial infection affects women and causes fishy smell.● Vaginal tears
due to a vigorous sexual session or during delivery.
● Hormonal causes
post postmenopausal vaginal dryness.● Atrophic vaginitis
is a postmenopausal symptom caused by changes in hormone levels. This condition results in a thinning of the vulva and vagina, which can result in irritation when urinating or even having sexual intercourse.● Cancer
of the prostate, bladder, urethra, vaginal, or penile cancer.● Neurological conditions
that cause difficulty fully emptying the bladder.● Unnecessary feminine hygiene products
alter the natural pH balance in the vagina. The skin of the vagina being sensitive becomes irritated..● Other causes are
medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus and other chronic diseases which suppress the immune system.Other signs that can occur with painful urination can be:
Abdominal, pelvic or severe lower back pain, fatigue, fever and chills, no appetite, nausea with or without vomiting, pain in the groin or side, eruption and redness, warmth or swelling. .
When to see a doctor or urologist?
● If you have high fever
● Inability to urinate
● Severe abdominal, back or side pain
● Discharge from your penis or vagina
● Blood in the urine
Seek immediate medical attention as these may indicate a life-threatening condition.
Diagnosis
At FirstCure Health, we will first review your medical history and ask about the symptoms you are experiencing. Next, we will conduct a physical exam which would include an abdominal exam and also an external genitalia exam and a gynecological exam for women.A urine sample would be taken and a urine dipstick test would be done to find out the underlying cause of the pain when urinating. This test indicates the presence of bacteria and blood. A urine culture will find the exact bacteria causing the infection. Post diagnosis, treatments will be prescribed.
Treatment
An antibiotic will be prescribed and the full course of medication must be taken even if you feel better.Sometimes pain relievers can be given to numb the pain in the urinary tract. The doctor may order some additional tests and treatments to rule out other complications