A burning sensation in the penis or urethra is a common and uncomfortable symptom that prompts many people to seek immediate information. This discomfort, medically termed dysuria when it occurs during urination, can range from a mild sting to severe pain. The sensation is often a sign of inflammation in the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body. Understanding the source of this inflammation is the first step toward finding relief and appropriate medical care. The causes are diverse, spanning from simple chemical irritation to more complex internal issues.
Common Infectious Causes of Urethral Burning
The most frequent source of urethral burning is a localized infection, which inflames the lining of the urinary tract. Urethritis, the inflammation of the urethra, is commonly caused by bacteria or viruses. This inflammation triggers the burning sensation, particularly noticeable during and immediately after urination.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a prominent cause of urethritis in sexually active individuals, with chlamydia and gonorrhea being primary offenders. These bacterial infections often present with discharge from the penis, which may be thin and watery or thick and discolored, alongside the painful urination. Genital herpes, a viral STI, can also cause burning, sometimes accompanied by the appearance of painful blisters or sores on the genital skin.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur when bacteria, such as E. coli, travel up the urethra. While less common in men under 50 than in women, a male UTI can cause burning, a frequent or urgent need to urinate, and sometimes cloudy or foul-smelling urine. The symptoms of a UTI and certain STIs can overlap significantly, making laboratory testing by a healthcare provider necessary for an accurate diagnosis.
Another infectious possibility is a yeast infection (candidiasis), which can lead to balanitis, an inflammation of the head of the penis. This fungal overgrowth is more likely in uncircumcised individuals or those with diabetes. A yeast infection typically causes intense itching, redness, and sometimes a thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge under the foreskin or on the glans.
External Irritation and Contact Dermatitis
Burning that occurs outside of urination or is accompanied by a visible rash may point toward a non-infectious cause, such as direct contact with an irritating substance. This reaction is known as contact dermatitis, where the skin responds defensively to a chemical or physical trigger. The skin of the penis is especially sensitive and prone to irritation from everyday products.
Common culprits include harsh soaps, body washes, laundry detergents, or residual chemicals from scented toilet paper. The irritation can also stem from contact with spermicides, certain lubricants, or latex in condoms, causing an allergic or irritant reaction. Symptoms of contact dermatitis usually appear as redness, itching, and a burning sensation on the skin’s surface, and they often subside once the irritating product is removed.
Physical friction is another frequent non-infectious cause of burning and localized inflammation. Aggressive sexual activity or masturbation can create microscopic tears and irritation on the skin, causing a temporary burning feeling. Furthermore, prolonged pressure from activities like cycling or wearing overly tight clothing can cause localized trauma to the urethra or surrounding tissue. Poor hygiene can also lead to balanitis, where a buildup of dead skin cells and moisture under the foreskin causes irritation and burning.
Internal Conditions Beyond the Urethra
Sometimes the burning sensation in the urethra is a referred pain originating from an adjacent organ or a systemic issue. These internal conditions can be more complex to diagnose because the primary site of inflammation is not the urethra itself.
Prostatitis, the inflammation of the prostate gland, can cause pain that radiates to the penis and urethra. Men with this condition often experience a burning feeling during or after urination, but it is typically accompanied by other symptoms like pelvic or lower back pain, a frequent need to urinate, or pain during ejaculation. Chronic prostatitis is a long-term pelvic pain syndrome that can cause a persistent burning sensation even when no infection is present.
The passage of kidney or bladder stones can also result in a sharp, burning sensation as the stone fragments exit the body through the narrow urethra. A kidney stone typically causes severe, wave-like pain in the flank or groin area, and there may be blood in the urine. Less common, interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic condition causing bladder pressure and pain that can sometimes be felt as burning or discomfort in the urethra.
Recognizing Severe Symptoms and When to Seek Care
While many causes of penile burning are treatable, knowing when a symptom signals a medical emergency is important. The presence of systemic symptoms alongside localized burning suggests the infection may be spreading beyond the urinary tract.
Immediate medical attention is necessary if the burning is accompanied by a fever or chills, which can indicate a widespread infection like pyelonephritis (kidney infection) or acute bacterial prostatitis. The inability to pass urine, known as urinary retention, is also an urgent symptom that requires immediate care, as it can cause damage to the kidneys.
If the urethral burning does not resolve within 24 to 48 hours, or if it is accompanied by a persistent, unusual discharge or sores, a medical evaluation is warranted. A healthcare provider should always be consulted for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Additional Warning Signs
- Significant blood in the urine.
- Severe pain that suddenly worsens.
- Vomiting alongside the burning sensation.