The sensation of a burning discomfort when urinating is medically termed dysuria. It is a common symptom that affects both men and women, signaling irritation or inflammation somewhere along the urinary tract or related structures. This symptom can occur at the beginning of urination, suggesting an issue in the urethra, or at the end, which may point toward a bladder or prostate problem. Understanding the source of this burning is the first step toward finding relief, as the causes range from simple, non-infectious irritation to more serious bacterial or structural issues.
Infections Causing Burning Sensation
The most frequent causes of dysuria in men involve an infection that triggers inflammation in the urinary system. Urethritis, inflammation of the urethra, is a major culprit often caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The lining of the urethra becomes irritated, leading to the characteristic burning sensation as urine passes over the inflamed tissue.
In younger, sexually active men, the most common infectious causes are the STIs Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. These bacterial infections induce urethritis, and the burning pain is often accompanied by an unusual discharge from the penis. Gonorrhea discharge tends to be noticeable (yellow, green, or white), while chlamydia discharge can be less prominent. Both infections can also cause pain or swelling in the testicles.
Although less common in men than in women, a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) can also cause dysuria. In men, a UTI typically involves the bladder (cystitis) or the urethra. A bladder infection is frequently associated with an urgent and frequent need to urinate.
A more severe form of infection is pyelonephritis, a kidney infection that can develop if a lower UTI is left untreated. This condition causes painful urination alongside systemic symptoms, including fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and pain in the lower back or flank area. Any infection that travels to the kidneys warrants immediate medical attention.
Irritation and Inflammation
Many cases of burning during urination result from non-infectious inflammation or mechanical irritation. A common cause in men, particularly as they age, is Prostatitis, inflammation of the prostate gland located just below the bladder. Acute bacterial prostatitis involves a bacterial infection, but chronic prostatitis is often non-bacterial and involves ongoing pain and urinary symptoms.
The inflamed prostate can press on the urethra, causing pain and difficulty in starting or maintaining a urine stream. Dysuria caused by a prostate issue often includes pain at the end of urination, along with increased urinary frequency, especially at night (nocturia). Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, also compresses the urethra. The resulting pressure and incomplete bladder emptying can lead to irritation and the burning sensation.
Mechanical irritation from kidney or bladder stones can also be a source of intense dysuria. These hard deposits may cause irritation as they move through the urinary tract. If a stone becomes lodged or is passing, the pain can be severe, often accompanied by sharp pain in the back or side.
In some cases, the burning is localized to the external tissue and is caused by chemical or contact irritants. Products like harsh soaps, bubble baths, scented laundry detergents, or spermicidal agents can cause localized irritation. This external irritation causes burning as urine passes over the sensitive skin, without the internal symptoms of urgency or frequency associated with an internal infection.
When to Consult a Doctor
A burning sensation during urination should always prompt a medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause. A healthcare provider can perform a urinalysis and other tests to check for infection and inflammation. Prompt diagnosis is important, especially when an infection is suspected, as treatment with antibiotics can resolve the issue and prevent more serious complications.
Warning Signs Requiring Immediate Care
Immediate medical attention is required for potentially serious conditions. These warning signs suggest a systemic infection or obstruction:
- Fever, chills, or shaking suggests a severe prostate or kidney infection (pyelonephritis).
- Blood in the urine (hematuria).
- Severe, unrelenting pain in the back or flank.
- Inability to urinate completely or at all, known as acute urinary retention.
If the burning pain persists for more than 48 hours, or if it is accompanied by any new or worsening symptoms like penile discharge or abdominal pain, a doctor should be consulted right away.