Burning, stinging, or pain while urinating can happen for many reasons including irritation, urinary tract infections, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Quick answers about burning or pain during urination.
Pain while urinating may happen because of urinary tract infections (UTIs), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), irritation from soaps or products, genital inflammation, kidney stones, or vaginal infections.
Yes. Some STIs including gonorrhea and chlamydia can cause burning when urinating. You may also notice discharge, itching, pelvic pain, sores, or unusual genital symptoms.
Consider testing if symptoms continue, if you recently had unprotected sex, if you have discharge or sores, or if a partner told you they tested positive for an STI.
Yes. UTIs are a common cause of burning or painful urination, especially in women. You may also feel frequent urges to urinate, lower abdominal discomfort, or cloudy urine.
Seek urgent care if you have fever, severe pain, blood in urine, vomiting, inability to urinate, severe swelling, or symptoms that are rapidly worsening.
Some mild irritation may improve on its own, but infections often need treatment. Avoid self-medicating repeatedly without knowing the cause.