This Is Why It Burns When You Pee

(Good News: It’s Not Always A UTI)

Painful Peeing? You’re Not Alone

If it's any comfort, painful urination is exceedingly common, explains ob/gyn Raquel B. Dardik, MD. There's definitely no need to be embarrassed.

Common Doesn’t Mean Simple

The burning sensation could originate from a variety of places, both internal (like your bladder) or external (the skin around your vagina).

Essentially any dry or irritated skin around your vagina can become inflamed when it comes into contact with urine.

Here are a few of the culprits they might pinpoint:

Urinary Tract Infection

The most common cause of that burning sensation is a UTI. These occur when bacteria from outside of your body make it to your bladder. So how do you treat it?

Get An Antibiotic Prescription From Your Doctor

When a doctor treats a UTI, they’re guessing which bacteria is in there," explains Dr. Dardik. That’s why you need to see go into a doctor’s office and have your urine tested in order to get an effective treatment.

STIs

If you're in the middle of a herpes outbreak, for instance, you may have sores that will be particularly sensitive to urine. Chlamydia and gonorrhea could also cause painful peeing.

Skin Irritation

Burning when you pee may be a result of a yeast infection, which causes irritation and itchiness around the vagina and vulva. What else could cause skin irritation?

Sex, Laundry Detergent, Menopause...You Name It!

You might also feel pain while you pee after particularly rough intercourse. Even a change in your laundry detergent could irritate your skin enough to cause pain. What’s the bottom line?

Go See A Doctor

If you’re experiencing burning while you pee, seeing a doctor is the best way to pinpoint the cause of the problem. Your trips to the toilet should be relaxing, not painful!

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