Ever sit on the toilet and find yourself worrying, Ummm… why does my pee burn?
You are certainly not alone.
Most people will encounter the unsettling experience of painful urination at least once in their lifetime.
There are numerous reasons why your pee can burn, so it’s best to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Urination, as you know, shouldnt be uncomfortable.
Painful urination, also known as dysuria, happens when urine comes into contact with inflamed or irritated tissue,1Dr.
When this occurs, your local nerves send a pain signal to your brain telling you something is wrong.
This pain is usually felt in your urethra, i.e.
What are some common dysuria symptoms?
You get the whole burns when I pee thing.
But the Cleveland Clinic says dysuria can present with other signs as well.
There are a bunch of different things that could be behind your painful urination.
That said, its usually the bladder and urethra that get infected.
Due to having shorter urethras, people with vaginas tend to get more UTIs than people with penises.
A UTI happens when bacteria, oftenE.
coli,get into your bladder or urethra.
The bacteria can travel upward from there and possibly even cause akidney infection.
The result: unpleasant symptoms like the persistent urge to hit up the bathroom and burning pee.
Department of Health & Human Services.
Yup, this can lead tofish-scented dischargein addition to burning when you pee, Dr. Dweck says.
But other STIs can cause discomfort when urinating, too.
That sharp, sudden pain may be a sign of vaginal irritation if you have penetrative intercourse.
Little abrasions from sex can cause some burning and irritation when peeing, Dr. Yamaguchi says.
Usually, this is short-lived and heals on its own within a day or so, Dr. White says.
(FYI: have a go at make it a point to pee after sex.
Doing so can help flush out bacteria that can potentially cause a UTI, according to theCleveland Clinic.)
Many people find themselves asking, Seriously, why does it burn when I pee?
after theygive birth vaginally.
This, unsurprisingly, can cause some serious post-birth pain and soreness, along with painful urination.
If your skin is super sensitive, this can even happen from fragrant bubble baths, Dr. Dweck explains.
Generally, this happens when your urine becomes concentrated for various reasons, includingdehydration.
Taking certain medications can also cause kidney stones.
(And yes, pain when peeing.)
Generally, your pain starts when your bladder gets full and escalates until you let it all out.
Then, you will have some relief until your bladder fills up again, according to theNIDDK.
How do I stop my pee from burning?
Treatments and remedies for dysuria largely depend on whats causing that painful urination in the first place.
Otherwise, your doctor can work with you to determine the real cause of your discomfort when urinating.
People who have gone through menopause may take topical vaginal estrogen to help with recurrent UTIs.
Antifungal medications can clear up the infection (and symptoms like painful urination).
Some of these are available over-the-counter, and some are prescribed.
(Heres a more in-depth explanation oftreating a yeast infection at home.)
If you do have an STI, treatment depends on what key in youre diagnosed with.
For chlamydia, youll likely be treated with antibiotics, theCDCsays.
Its really important to get tested for an STI if you think you have one.
Left untreated, some infections (like chlamydia and gonorrhea) can have long-term consequences including infertility.
The temperature will help interfere with the nerve pathways, she says.
Pain related to vaginal and/or perineal tears is an unfortunately common circumstance after vaginal childbirth.
There are a few strategies you’re free to try for relief, like using perineal irrigation bottles.
This is more about prevention.
Again, you dont even need to wash your actual vagina.
Let it clean itself in peace, kindly!
Other options include vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, dilators, and numbing agents, the Mayo Clinic says.
Since theres no cure for this condition, treatment will aim to help relieve your individual symptoms.
Bladder training,6which involves holding in your urine for longer than you typically do, may also help.
talk to your doctor to figure out whats going on.
Youll be thankful the next time you sit down to pee.
