That stinging, scalding feeling when you pee is called dysuria. Dysuria is a urological problem characterized by a burning sensation when urinating. It’s more common in women than men, but anyone can experience it. This burning sensation after urinating is a symptom of an underlying condition rather than a diagnosis of its own.
Some common causes include urinary tract infections (UTIs), sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and kidney stones.
This article will cover some of the common causes of a burning sensation when urinating, ways to find relief, and when to seek medical attention.
What is dysuria?
Dysuria is the medical term for a burning sensation or painful urination. It’s a common problem for people of all ages. Dysuria isn’t a disease in and of itself, but rather a symptom. That means you need to figure out the cause of the dysuria in order to treat it.
Associated symptoms
The primary symptom of dysuria is pain or a stinging sensation when you pee. Other symptoms you might have along with dysuria include:
- frequent urination (even when you don’t have a full bladder)
- an urgent need to pee
- cloudy urine
- bloody urine
- foul-smelling urine
- pain in your lower abdomen or back
Common Causes of Burning Sensation During Urination
There are several potential reasons why you might experience a burning sensation when you pee. Here are some of the most common:
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
UTIs are a very common cause of painful urination, especially in women. A UTI happens when bacteria gets into your urinary tract and starts to multiply.
Besides a burning feeling, other UTI symptoms include:
- Needing to pee all the time
- Feeling like you have to go even when your bladder is empty
- Cloudy or reddish pee
Things that make you more likely to get a UTI include sexual activity, not being as careful about hygiene as you could be, and certain types of birth control.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Certain STIs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, can also cause painful urination, but a burning sensation can also occur after ejaculating. These infections can cause inflammation in the urethra.
Other symptoms of STIs can include:
- Unusual discharge
- Itching or sores in your genital area
Vaginitis
Vaginitis, which is inflammation of the vagina, can also lead to painful urination. This can be caused by bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, or even just irritants.
Other symptoms of vaginitis might include vaginal itching, burning, or discharge.
Kidney Stones
If you have kidney stones that are passing through your urinary tract, that can cause serious pain and also painful urination. The sharp edges of the stones can irritate the urethra.
Other symptoms of kidney stones include:
- Severe pain in your side or back
- Blood in your pee
Home Remedies and Lifestyle Adjustments for Mild Dysuria
If you’re experiencing a burning sensation when you pee, there are a few things you can try at home to find relief. Keep in mind that these remedies are best suited for mild cases of dysuria. If your symptoms are severe or persist, it’s important to see a doctor.
Hydration
Drink plenty of water. Aim for at least 2 liters (around 9 cups) of water each day. Staying well-hydrated helps to flush out any bacteria or irritants that might be hanging out in your urinary tract.
Dietary Considerations
Some people find that certain drinks and foods help ease the discomfort:
- Coconut Water: This can help with hydration and also replenishes electrolytes.
- Lemon Water: The acidity in lemon water might help to inhibit bacterial growth.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Some people believe ACV can help balance your pH levels. Use it cautiously, though, because too much can cause other health issues.
- Natural Yogurt: Yogurt contains probiotics, which promote healthy bacteria in your body.
Other Tips
- Avoid Irritants: Soaps, douches, and feminine hygiene products can sometimes irritate the urethra. Try switching to gentle, unscented products.
- Urinate Frequently: Don’t hold your urine for long periods. Empty your bladder completely each time you go.
- Cranberry Products: The effectiveness of cranberry juice is debated, but cranberry tablets might offer some benefit.
When should you see a doctor?
It’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional to get a diagnosis and treatment plan that’s right for you.
See a doctor right away if you experience any of the following:
- Severe pain when you pee
- Blood in your urine
- Fever or chills
- Pain in your side or back
- Unusual discharge from your vagina or penis
- Burning when you pee that lasts more than a few days
A doctor can perform tests, like urinalysis and urine cultures, to figure out what’s causing your pain. Early treatment is super important, especially for UTIs, to prevent complications.
Medical Diagnosis and Treatment Options
If home remedies don’t resolve the burning sensation, it’s time to see a doctor. They can properly diagnose the cause and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Diagnostic Procedures
Your doctor may use the following tests to figure out what’s going on:
- Urinalysis: They’ll take a sample of your urine and examine it. This can help them spot an infection or other problems.
- Urine Culture: If the urinalysis suggests an infection, they might do a urine culture. This test identifies the specific bacteria causing a UTI.
- Physical Exam: A physical exam can help your doctor rule out other possible causes of the burning sensation.
Treatment Options
Depending on the diagnosis, your doctor might recommend one or more of the following:
- Antibiotics: For UTIs, antibiotics are usually the go-to treatment. You’ll likely need to take them for 3-7 days.
- Antifungal Medications: If a yeast infection is causing vaginitis, antifungal meds can help.
- STI Treatment: STIs are usually treated with antibiotics or antiviral medications.
- Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage the discomfort.
- Alpha-blockers: These medications relax the muscles in the urethra and bladder neck. They’re sometimes prescribed, mainly for men, when prostate issues are contributing to the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get rid of the burning feeling after I pee?
Getting rid of that burning feeling typically involves addressing the underlying cause. Drinking plenty of water to dilute your urine, avoiding irritants like caffeine and alcohol, and seeking medical treatment for infections are key steps. If the burning is severe or persistent, consulting a healthcare professional is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Can dehydration cause burning pee?
Yes, dehydration can absolutely contribute to a burning sensation when you urinate. When you’re dehydrated, your urine becomes more concentrated, meaning there’s a higher concentration of waste products. This concentrated urine can irritate the lining of your urethra, leading to that uncomfortable burning feeling.
How to heal an inflamed urethra?
Healing an inflamed urethra often involves identifying and treating the cause of the inflammation. This might include antibiotics for a bacterial infection, avoiding irritants, and drinking plenty of fluids. A doctor may also recommend pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications to reduce discomfort.
How do you get instant relief from burning urination?
While there’s no magic bullet for instant relief, drinking plenty of water can help dilute your urine quickly and potentially lessen the burning. Over-the-counter urinary pain relievers containing phenazopyridine can also provide temporary relief, but it’s crucial to remember that these only mask the symptoms and don’t treat the underlying cause. See your doctor for proper treatment.
What are four symptoms of cystitis?
Cystitis, or bladder inflammation, commonly presents with these four symptoms: a frequent urge to urinate, a burning sensation during urination, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and pelvic discomfort. Some people may also experience blood in their urine.
Conclusion
A burning sensation when you pee — or dysuria — is a symptom you shouldn’t ignore. It’s important to find out what’s causing the problem, whether it’s a UTI, an STI, or something else.
Home remedies can help you feel better while you’re waiting to see a doctor, but they aren’t a substitute for medical care.
If your symptoms don’t go away or get worse, see a healthcare provider as soon as you can. You can also take steps to prevent dysuria in the first place, like drinking plenty of water and practicing good hygiene.