Burns when urinating are often a sign of urinary tract infection, which is much more common in women, but can also occur in men, causing symptoms such as a feeling of heaviness in the bladder, a frequent need to urinate and general discomfort.
However, burns may also indicate the presence of other urinary or gynecological problems, such as thrush, sexually transmitted diseases or allergy to a product. For example, it is important to consult a gynecologist when the burning sensation lasts longer than 2 or 3 days, to identify the cause and begin appropriate treatment.
- Burning when urinating can also be called dysuria.
- A medical term used to describe discomfort when urinating.
- However.
- This term can also be used in cases of pain when urinating.
- Which is not always associated with a burning sensation.
- See what are the main causes of pain when urinating.
Urinary tract infection is the most common and also popular cause when a burning sensation occurs when urinating. This type of infection occurs mainly in women, due to the proximity of the urethra to the anus, but it can also occur in men, especially in cases of poor personal hygiene or during the practice of unprotected sex.
Classic symptoms of a urinary tract infection include, in addition to burning, always-full bladder sensation, low fever, strong urine, general discomfort, and difficulty retaining urine. Look for any symptoms of a urinary tract infection.
How to treat: Antibiotics prescribed by the gynecologist or urologist need to be taken for 3 to 7 days, depending on severity. In addition, people who have recurrent infections may supplement with cranberry capsules. Learn more about these capsules.
Thrush occurs when there is excessive fungal growth in the intimate area and is often accompanied by a burning sensation when urinating. This excess fungus is more common in women because of constant moisture in the area, but it can also occur from a weakening of the immune system, after a cold or after antibiotic use.
Some symptoms that help identify thrush include severe itching in the intimate area, redness, whitish discharge and discomfort during intimate contact, for example. See if you can have thrush.
How to treat: Treatment is usually fast and is done with the use of antifungal ointments, such as miconazole or isoconazole. However, proper intimate hygiene should also be maintained, keeping the area still dry and wearing cotton clothing to allow the skin to breathe.
Although less common, sexually transmitted diseases are also a major cause of burning when urinating, especially in the case of chlamydia and trichomoniasis. It is possible to contract these diseases through sex without a condom and, therefore, it is recommended to always use a condom, especially when there are multiple partners.
Symptoms that often accompany these diseases are yellowish discharges with odor, bleeding, pain when urinating and itching. The only way to discover the specific cause is to consult a gynecologist or urologist and perform a flow lab test.
How to treat: Treatment is most often done with oral antibiotics such as metronidazole or azithromycin, according to STD. These diseases should be treated as soon as possible to avoid complications such as infertility or pelvic inflammatory disease.
Small sores in the genital area can cause tissue irritation, which worsens when urinating, causing burns, pain or even blood. This type of sore is more common in women, due to the rubbing that occurs during intimate contact, but this can also occur in men.
How to treat it: The burning sensation usually improves after 2 or 3 days, while the tissues heal and, during this period, it is advisable to drink a lot of water to keep urine less concentrated, as well as to avoid having sex.
There are several products that can be used in the intimate area, especially for women, from creams to deodorants and soaps. However, some of these products can cause allergies or even an imbalance in pH, resulting in a burning sensation when urinating. Remember that it is not necessary to try to change the smell of the normal vaginal flora of the woman and that, therefore, these products are not necessary.
In these cases, the burn can also be accompanied by a constant itching and redness in the intimate area, especially after application of the product, improving during bathing.
How to treat it: If the symptom occurs after you start using a new intimate hygiene product, wash the area with warm water and a neutral pH soap and evaluate if the symptom improves. If this happens, avoid using this product again.
The main test used to identify a problem when urinating is the urine summary test, in which your doctor evaluates the presence of blood, leukocytes, or proteins, which may indicate infection.
However, when another cause is suspected, other tests such as a uroculture, ultrasound, or vaginal discharge test may be requested.