Pain or burning when passing urine can be caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI), an STI, irritation or another condition. Find out what may be causing it, when you should get tested and when you need treatment.
These clues can help show what may be causing the pain.
A burning or stinging feeling when passing urine is one of the most common forms of painful urination.
Pain during urination together with discharge from the penis or vagina may suggest an infection or STI.
Blood in the urine can have several causes and should be assessed, especially if it keeps happening.
Needing to pass urine frequently, with burning or lower abdominal discomfort, can happen with a urinary tract infection.
If the burning started after unprotected sex, an STI should be considered and testing may be needed.
Itching, sores, unusual discharge or pelvic pain can help point to the cause.
Pain when passing urine can come from the urinary tract, genitals or nearby tissues.
A UTI can cause burning when passing urine, frequent urination and lower abdominal discomfort.
Gonorrhea can cause burning when urinating, often with discharge from the penis or vagina.
Chlamydia may cause burning when passing urine, discharge or pelvic discomfort, although many people have no symptoms.
Soaps, washes, lubricants and other products can sometimes irritate the genital area.
In women, some vaginal infections can cause burning or irritation around the time of urination.
Kidney stones and some other urinary conditions can also cause pain when passing urine.
New or persistent painful urination should not simply be ignored.
✓ You recently had unprotected sex
✓ You have discharge
✓ You have genital sores
✓ You have a new sexual partner
✓ Your partner has an STI
✓ The pain keeps coming back
✓ Symptoms are not improving
✓ You need to urinate very often
✓ You have lower abdominal pain
✓ You are worried about an STI
✓ You have fever
✓ You have severe pain
✓ You are vomiting
✓ You cannot pass urine
✓ There is significant blood in your urine
✓ You are becoming much more unwell
Get confidential support from Nigerian clinicians without the embarrassment of going through your concern alone.
Tell us where it hurts, when it started and what other symptoms you have.
Find out whether STI testing or other medical tests may be appropriate.
Already had a urine or STI test? Get help understanding what your result means.
Get guidance on the next steps when an infection or other condition needs treatment.
The right treatment depends on the cause.
Burning when passing urine does not always mean you have the same infection as someone else. Avoid repeatedly taking antibiotics without knowing the cause. The right medicine depends on what is causing your symptoms.
Quick answers to questions people commonly ask.
Common causes include urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections, irritation and some vaginal or urinary conditions. The other symptoms you have can help point to the cause.
Yes. Gonorrhea and chlamydia can cause burning or pain when passing urine. You may also notice discharge, itching, sores or pelvic pain.
The symptoms can overlap. Frequent urination and lower abdominal discomfort may happen with a UTI, while discharge, genital sores or a recent sexual exposure may make an STI more likely. Testing may be needed to know for sure.
Yes. Irritation around the vagina or vulva can make passing urine painful. Some vaginal infections can also cause itching, unusual discharge or irritation.
Yes. Burning can also happen with a urinary infection, irritation or other urinary conditions. A clinician can help determine what is most likely.
If you develop burning when passing urine after unprotected sex, STI testing is worth considering. Testing can help identify infections such as gonorrhea or chlamydia.
It is better not to repeatedly self-medicate without knowing the cause. Different infections and conditions need different treatments.
Seek urgent care if you have fever, severe pain, vomiting, inability to pass urine, significant blood in the urine or symptoms that are getting worse quickly.
Talk privately with a clinician and get guidance on the right next step.
SRHN is developed by Vaedoc, a Nigerian digital health company building accessible healthcare services for Nigerians. We provide confidential support for STI symptoms, testing, treatment, contraception and sexual wellbeing through an affordable online platform available across Nigeria.