Why Does It Burn When I Pee?

If it hurts to pee, the key to finding the reason is to pay attention to other symptoms you might have. That can help you narrow down possible causes and decide whether you need to see a doctor.

1. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

The most common cause of painful urination in women is a UTI, usually a bladder infection (also known as cystitis). In addition to pain or a burning sensation when you urinate, a bladder infection can cause:

"As a Urogynecologist, I often see women experiencing burning with urination," said Dr. Jared Floch of the University of Rochester Medical Center. "This symptom can be uncomfortable and frustrating. Many times, this symptom is due to a urinary tract infection, but this is not always the case. It is important to remember that many other causes exist. If your symptoms persist, recur, or don’t respond to typical treatments, a thorough evaluation can help identify the underlying cause and ensure the right treatment for lasting relief."

2. Bladder Pain Syndrome

Previously known as interstitial cystitis, bladder pain syndrome is a chronic condition that causes pain in your bladder as it starts to fill. Pain usually decreases after you urinate. Other symptoms might include:

• A sudden need to urinate
• Pelvic pain or pressure
• The need to urinate frequently
  
  

Because these symptoms can affect your quality of life, healthcare providers at UR Medicine Virtual Urgent Care also can help develop a treatment plan. You should follow up with a primary care provider for an in-person physical exam—and potentially a referral to a UR Medicine urogynecologist.

3. A Vaginal Infection

For women, having a vaginal infection, such as a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis, is another common cause of burning when urinating. A vaginal infection could be to blame if you have any of these symptoms along with painful urination:

• A foul vaginal odor
• Itching, irritation, redness, or swelling in the vaginal area
• Vaginal discharge
  
  

If you have had yeast infections and recognize the symptoms, you can use an over-the-counter treatment. However, if your symptoms don’t completely clear up within three to four days, you may need to see a healthcare provider in person to rule out other causes.

4. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Certain STIs, including genital herpes, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, can also cause a burning sensation when you pee. If you are sexually active and have additional symptoms such as itching or unusual discharge, make an in-person appointment with your doctor.

Other causes of painful urination include an infection of the prostate gland, kidney stones, and sensitivity to products like certain soaps or vaginal lubricants. If you have any symptoms that concern you, it’s always best to check in with a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

"When evaluating burning with urination, we start by discussing your symptoms, medical history and any potential triggers," said Dr. Floch. "A urine test can help rule out infection, but if that’s not the cause, we may check for vaginal irritation, pelvic floor issues or other conditions such as interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome. Our goal is to identify the root cause so we can create a personalized treatment plan to help you find lasting relief."