The medical term for painful urination is dysuria and the most common causes are easily treatable. They include irritated areas that the urine passes over, vaginal infection, STDs, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and changes in vaginal tissue due to menopause. The chances of having a UTI increases with age; this risk is still greater if you are sexually active. Infections are also a common problem in pregnancy.
People with pain during urination may also need to urinate more often or may release more or less urine than usual.
Possible causes of urinary tract pain and accompanying symptoms:
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Vaginal infectionvaginal discharge, burning, itching; pain feels like it is on the outside of the body as urine passes over irritated areas
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STDsherpes, genital warts; pain feels like it is on the outside of the body as urine passes over irritated areas
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Urinary tract infectionsmay cause blood in the urine; pain feels like it is inside rather than on the outside of the body
If you also have fever, back pain, and an upset stomach, you may have a serious kidney infection and should see a doctor at once.
Less common causes of painful urination include bladder tumors or spasms, kidney stones, and scarring or narrowing of the urethra (the tube through which urine leaves the body).
A lab test of the urine can detect a urinary infection; and your doctor may do a pelvic exam as well. Treatment for an infection usually includes antibiotics or anti-infective drugs and advice to drink a lot of water.