Quick Summary

Dysuria refers to pain, burning, stinging, or discomfort during urination. It is a symptom, not a disease. Causes range from urinary tract infections (UTIs) to irritation, stones, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), prostate conditions, and structural urinary problems.

Seek medical attention if painful urination occurs with fever, back or side pain, blood in the urine, inability to urinate, or if symptoms worsen or fail to improve after a short period.

What Is Dysuria?

Dysuria describes pain, burning, or stinging as urine passes through the urethra. It occurs when the urethral lining becomes inflamed or irritated, making contact with urine uncomfortable.

This differs from pelvic or bladder pain that is not tied specifically to urination.

Common descriptions:

  • Sharp or burning sensation when urine exits
  • Itching or irritation at the urethral opening
  • Pressure or discomfort during the urinary stream

Dysuria can affect people of any age and any sex, though causes may differ.

What Causes Dysuria?

Dysuria can result from infectious or noninfectious conditions. Importantly, it does not always mean a UTI.

Infectious Causes

1. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

UTIs occur when bacteria infect the bladder or urethra.
They are more common in women, partly due to a shorter urethra.

Symptoms may include:

  • Burning with urination
  • Frequent or urgent urination
  • Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
  • Pelvic pressure
  • Mild blood in urine

2. Urethritis

Inflammation of the urethra caused by bacteria, viruses, or irritants.
STIs are a common cause, but irritants can contribute as well.

3. Pyelonephritis (Kidney Infection)

A more serious infection involving the kidneys.
Possible symptoms:

  • Fever or chills
  • Flank or back pain
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Feeling generally unwell

Requires prompt evaluation.

4. Prostatitis (Men)

Inflammation of the prostate may cause:

  • Dysuria
  • Pelvic or perineal pain
  • Difficulty urinating

Can be bacterial or nonbacterial.

5. Vaginitis

Inflammation of vaginal tissues (yeast or bacterial).
Pain occurs when urine contacts inflamed areas.

6. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Common examples include:

  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
  • Herpes simplex virus

Herpes outbreaks often cause severe burning during urination.

Noninfectious Causes

1. Kidney or Bladder Stones

Stones can irritate urinary tissue.
Pain may be sharp and radiate to the lower abdomen or back.

2. Chemical or Mechanical Irritation

Examples:

  • Scented soaps, detergents, or personal care products
  • Spermicides or douches
  • Tight clothing
  • Friction from sexual activity

3. Medication Effects

Certain medications—including some cancer treatments—may irritate or inflame urinary tissues.

4. Trauma

Catheters, medical instruments, or accidental injury may cause inflammation.

5. Tumors or Structural Abnormalities

Less common but possible causes.
Stones, strictures, or tumors can obstruct or irritate the urinary tract.
Suspicion of malignancy requires medical evaluation.

Risk Factors

Women

  • Shorter urethra (increasing UTI risk)
  • Sexual activity
  • Hormonal changes (e.g., menopause)
  • Pregnancy

Men

  • Enlarged prostate
  • Prostatitis
  • Urethral stricture or obstruction

General

  • Prior UTIs
  • Kidney stones
  • Weakened immune system
  • Use of irritant personal care products
  • Medications known to affect urinary tissues

Symptoms of Dysuria

Symptoms can vary based on the cause and may include:

  • Burning, stinging, or sharp pain during urination
  • Itching or irritation around the urethra
  • Frequent urge to urinate
  • Difficulty starting urination
  • Cloudy, foul-smelling, or darker-than-usual urine (often with infection)
  • Pelvic or lower abdominal discomfort

Seek urgent care for:

  • Fever or chills
  • Flank or back pain
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Blood in the urine
  • Inability to urinate
  • Worsening or persistent pain
  • Symptoms not improving within a short period (typically a few days with appropriate care)

How Dysuria Is Diagnosed

Medical History

A clinician may ask about:

  • Onset and duration
  • Sexual activity
  • Medication use
  • Hydration
  • Previous UTIs or stones

Physical Exam

May include:

  • Abdominal or pelvic exam
  • Digital rectal exam in men if prostate issues are suspected

Laboratory Testing

  • Urinalysis
  • Urine culture
  • STI testing
  • Blood tests if systemic infection is suspected

Imaging

Ultrasound or CT when stones or structural abnormalities are suspected.

Testing is based on symptoms and risk factors—there is no single universal protocol.

Treatment

Infectious Causes

  • Bacterial infections: Antibiotics
  • STIs: Antivirals or antimicrobial therapy
  • Yeast infections: Antifungal medications

Noninfectious Causes

  • Increase hydration to reduce urine concentration
  • Avoid irritants (soaps, spermicides, douches)
  • Adjust medications only with clinician guidance
  • Use clinician-approved pain-relief strategies

When to See a Doctor

Seek care if you have:

  • Fever or chills
  • Side or back pain
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Blood in the urine
  • Inability to urinate
  • Severe or worsening pain
  • Symptoms that do not improve within 48–72 hours
  • Painful urination during pregnancy

Prevention

  • Maintain adequate hydration
  • Urinate after sexual activity
  • Avoid irritating products
  • Practice safer sex
  • Manage chronic conditions (such as diabetes)
  • Consult a clinician for recurrent symptoms

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does it burn when I pee?

Most often because the urethra is inflamed. Causes include infections (UTIs, STIs), irritation, vaginal inflammation, prostate problems, or stones.

What causes painful urination without infection?

Possible causes include:
Dehydration (concentrated urine irritation)
Vaginal irritation
Prostatitis
Kidney or bladder stones
Medication effects
Chemical irritants
Trauma or friction
Structural issues such as strictures

Can dehydration cause painful urination?

Yes. Concentrated urine can irritate the urethra or bladder lining, worsening burning.
Hydration may reduce discomfort but does not address underlying infections or other causes.

Is dysuria the same as a UTI?

No. Dysuria is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Many conditions cause painful urination.

What causes dysuria in women?

Common causes include:
UTIs
Vaginitis
Hygiene-product irritation
Hormonal changes
STIs
Urethral or pelvic conditions

What causes dysuria in men?

Common causes include:
Prostatitis
Urethritis
STIs
Kidney stones
Prostate enlargement or obstruction

How long does dysuria last?

It depends on the cause.
Many cases of acute dysuria (e.g., UTI-related) improve within a few days of treatment.
Persistent or recurrent dysuria may occur with chronic conditions such as bladder pain disorders, prostate issues, or structural abnormalities.

How is dysuria treated?

Treatment targets the cause:
Antibiotics for bacterial infections
Antivirals for herpes
Antifungals for yeast infections
Hydration and irritant avoidance for noninfectious causes
Pain-relief measures recommended by a clinician

Can I treat dysuria at home?

Supportive steps such as drinking enough fluids, avoiding irritants, and temporarily avoiding triggers (e.g., friction, chemical exposure) may help reduce discomfort.
These do not replace medical evaluation if symptoms are severe or persistent.

What is the ICD-10 code for dysuria?

The ICD-10-CM code for dysuria is R30.0.
This code is used when dysuria is documented as a symptom without a more specific underlying diagnosis.

APA Reference List

Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Urinary tract infections (UTIs). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9135-urinary-tract-infections

Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Kidney infection (pyelonephritis). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15456-kidney-infection-pyelonephritis

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Prostatitis: Symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostatitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355766

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Painful urination (dysuria): Causes.
 https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/painful-urination/basics/causes/sym-20050772

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Painful urination (dysuria): When to see a doctor.
 https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/painful-urination/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050772

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): Symptoms and causes.
 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia/symptoms-causes/syc-20370087

Medical News Today. (2019). Painful urination (dysuria): Causes, treatment, and more.
 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323105

National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2022). Dysuria. In StatPearls.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549918/