Why does it hurt when you urinate?
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
A UTI is a bacterial infection that can occur anywhere in the urinary tract, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Symptoms of a UTI can include:
- Pain or burning during urination
- Frequent urination
- Urgent need to urinate
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Pelvic pain
- Back pain
- Fever and chills
Kidney stones
Kidney stones are hard mineral and salt deposits that can form in the kidneys and cause pain when they move through the urinary tract. Symptoms of kidney stones can include:
- Severe pain in the back, side, or abdomen
- Pain or burning during urination
- Frequent urination
- Urgent need to urinate
- Cloudy or bloody urine
- Nausea and vomiting
Bladder infection
A bladder infection is a type of UTI that occurs in the bladder. Symptoms of a bladder infection can include:
- Pain or burning during urination
- Frequent urination
- Urgent need to urinate
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Pelvic pain
- Fever and chills
Urethral stricture
A urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. Symptoms of a urethral stricture can include:
- Pain or burning during urination
- Difficulty urinating
- Weak or interrupted urine stream
- Dribbling urine
- Feeling like you can't empty your bladder completely
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland, a gland in men that produces seminal fluid. Symptoms of prostatitis can include:
- Pain or burning during urination
- Frequent urination
- Urgent need to urinate
- Difficulty urinating
- Weak or interrupted urine stream
- Pain in the rectum
- Pain in the lower back or abdomen
- Fever and chills
Interstitial cystitis (IC)
IC is a chronic bladder condition that causes pain and pressure in the bladder. Symptoms of IC can include:
- Pain or burning during urination
- Frequent urination
- Urgent need to urinate
- Pelvic pain
- Pain in the lower back or abdomen
- Feeling like you can't empty your bladder completely
If you are experiencing pain when you urinate, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause and get treatment.