Dysuria

Alternative names

Urination - painful; Painful urination

Definition

Painful urination describes any pain, discomfort, or burning sensation during urination.

Considerations

Pain on urination is a fairly common problem. It is most often caused by an infection somewhere in the urinary tract.

Common Causes

• Urinary tract infection
  
• Urethritis (in men) caused by gonorrhea or chlamydia
  
• Prostatitis
  
• Interstitial cystitis
  
• Candidal dermatitis or vaginitis
  
• Contact dermatitis or vulvitis
  
• Radiation cystitis
  
• Urinary retention
  

Home Care
Follow prescribed therapy.

Call your health care provider if

• You experience painful urination that lasts for more than 1 day
  
• You are pregnant and are having any painful urination
  
• There is drainage or a discharge from your penis or vagina
  
• You notice blood in your urine
  

What to expect at your health care provider's office
Your health care provider will obtain your medical history and will perform a physical examination. Medical history questions documenting painful urination may include the following:

• When did the painful urination begin?
  
• Does the pain occur only during urination?
  
• Does the pain stop after urination?
  
• Is the pain in the urethra?
  
• Is there back pain?
  
• What other symptoms are also present?
  
• Have you had a fever higher than 100 degrees F?
  
• Is there drainage or discharge between urinations?
  
• Is there an abnormal urine odor?
  
• Are there any changes in the volume or frequency of urination?
  
• Do you have the urge to urinate?
  
• Did you notice blood in the urine?
  
• Are there any rashes or itching in the genital area?