Burning when you pee, medically called dysuria, is usually a sign that something is wrong in your urinary tract or surrounding areas, often due to inflammation or infection. The sensation can happen at the start, during, or after urination, and the most common causes include:
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is the primary cause where bacteria infect the bladder, urethra, or kidneys, causing burning, frequent urge, and sometimes cloudy or strong-smelling urine. UTIs are very common and need antibiotics treatment to avoid complications.
- Vaginal infections: Infections like yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis in people with vaginas can cause burning due to the proximity of the vagina to the urethra.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Infections like gonorrhea, chlamydia, or herpes can cause burning during urination among other symptoms.
- Other causes: Urethritis (inflammation of the urethra), kidney stones, irritation from certain foods or drinks, or non-infectious inflammation can also cause burning.
Burning may be felt right at the tip of the urethra or more generally in the lower abdomen or pelvic area depending on the cause. If you experience burning when you pee, especially with other symptoms like fever, flank pain, or unusual discharge, you should see a healthcare provider promptly for diagnosis and treatment. The burning sensation is your body's signal that something is irritating or inflaming your urinary tract or genital region, often due to infection or irritation by bacteria or other agents.
