Friday, February, 10, 2012

Urination - painful

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Dysuria; Painful urination


Home Care

Follow prescribed therapy.


Call your health care provider if

Call your health care provider if:

  • There is drainage or a discharge from your penis or vagina
  • You are pregnant and are having any painful urination
  • You have painful urination that lasts for more than 1 day
  • You notice blood in your urine
  • You have a fever

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your health care provider will perform a physical examination and ask questions about your symptoms and medication history, such as:

  • When did the painful urination begin?
  • Does the pain occur only during urination?
  • Does the pain stop after urination?
  • Do you have back pain?
  • What other symptoms do you have?
  • Have you had a fever higher than 100 degrees F?
  • Is there drainage or discharge between urinations?
  • Is there an abnormal urine odor?
  • Are there any changes in the volume or frequency of urination?
  • Do you feel the urge to urinate?
  • Have you noticed blood in the urine?
  • Are there any rashes or itching in the genital area?
  • What medications are you taking?
  • Are you pregnant or could you be pregnant?
  • Have you had a bladder infection?
  • Do you have any allergies to any medications?
  • Have you had sexual intercourse with someone who has, or may have, gonorrhea or chlamydia?
  • Has there been a recent change in your brand of soap, detergent, or fabric softener?
  • Have you had surgery or radiation to your urinary or sexual organs?

A urinalysis will be done. A urine culture may be ordered. If you have had a previous bladder or kidney infection, a more detailed history and physical are needed, and extra laboratory studies may be necessary. A pelvic exam and examination of vaginal fluids are necessary if a female has a vaginal discharge. Men who have discharge from the penis will need to have a urethral swab done.

Treatment depends on what is causing the pain.


Review Date: 10/11/2010
Reviewed By: Louis S. Liou, MD, PhD, Chief of Urology, Cambridge Health Alliance, Visiting Assistant Professor of Surgery, Harvard Medical School. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)