- 1. Urinary infection
- 2. Candidiasis
- 3. Sexually transmitted diseases
- 4. Small wounds on the genital organ
- 5. Use of intimate hygiene products
- What tests to do to find out the cause
Burning when urinating is most often a sign of urinary tract infection, which is much more frequent in women, but can also happen in men, causing symptoms such as a feeling of heaviness in the bladder, frequent urge to urinate and general malaise.
However, the appearance of burning can also indicate the presence of other urinary or gynecological problems, such as yeast infection, sexually transmitted diseases or allergy to any product. Thus, it is important to consult a gynecologist when the burning sensation lasts for more than 2 or 3 days, to identify the cause and start the appropriate treatment.
Burning when urinating can also be known as dysuria, which is the 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.
1. Urinary infection
Urinary tract infection is the most frequent and also the most popular cause when a burning sensation occurs when urinating. This type of infection occurs especially in women, due to the proximity of the urethra to the anus, but it can also happen in men, especially when there is poor intimate hygiene or when practicing unprotected anal sex.
The classic symptoms of a urinary tract infection include, in addition to burning, the feeling of an always full bladder, low fever, strong-smelling urine, general malaise and difficulty holding the pee. Check out all the symptoms of urinary tract infection.
How to treat: it is necessary to take antibiotics prescribed by the gynecologist or urologist, for 3 to 7 days, depending on the severity. In addition, people who have recurrent infections can supplement with cranberry capsules. Learn more about these capsules.
2. Candidiasis
Candidiasis arises when there is an excessive growth of fungi in the intimate region and is usually also accompanied by the burning sensation when urinating. This excess of fungi is more frequent in women due to the constant humidity in the region, but it can also happen due to weakening of the immune system, after colds or after using antibiotics.
Some symptoms that help to identify candidiasis include intense itching in the intimate area, redness, whitish discharge and discomfort during intimate contact, for example. See if you may have candidiasis.
How to treat: treatment is usually quick and done with the use of antifungal ointments, such as miconazole or isoconazole. However, adequate intimate hygiene must also be maintained, keeping the region always dry and using cotton clothing to allow the skin to breathe.
3. Sexually transmitted diseases
Although less frequent, sexually transmitted diseases are also a major cause of burning pain when urinating, especially in the case of chlamydia and trichomoniasis. It is possible to catch these diseases through sex without a condom and, therefore, it is recommended to always use a condom, especially when there are several partners.
The symptoms that usually accompany these diseases are yellowish discharge with a foul smell, bleeding, painful urination and itching. The only way to find out the specific cause is to consult a gynecologist or urologist and do a discharge examination in the laboratory.
How to treat: Treatment is almost always done with oral antibiotics such as Metronidazole or Azithromycin, depending on the STD. These diseases should be treated as soon as possible to avoid complications such as infertility or pelvic inflammatory disease.
4. Small wounds on the genital organ
The appearance of small wounds in the genital region can cause tissue irritation, which is aggravated when urinating, causing burning, pain or even the appearance of blood. This type of wounds is more frequent in women, due to the friction that happens during intimate contact, but it can also happen 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 the urine less concentrated, as well as avoid having sex.
5. Use of intimate hygiene products
There are several products that can be used in the intimate area, especially in the case of women, from creams, to deodorants and soaps. However, some of these products can cause allergies or even unbalance the pH, leading to the appearance of burning sensation when urinating. Recalling that there is no need to try to change the smell of the woman's normal vaginal flora and, therefore, these products are not necessary.
In these cases, the burning sensation may also be accompanied by constant itching and redness in the intimate area, especially after using the product, improving during the bath.
How to treat: if the symptom arises after starting to use a new intimate hygiene product, wash the area with warm water and a neutral pH soap and assess whether the symptom improves. If this happens, avoid using this product again.
What tests to do to find out the cause
The main test used to identify a problem when urinating is the summary urine test, in which the doctor assesses the presence of blood, leukocytes or proteins, which may indicate an infection.
However, when another cause is suspected, other tests may also be ordered, such as a urine culture, ultrasound scan, or an examination of vaginal discharge.
