When Should I Go to The Doctor for Painful Urination?

Painful or burning urination is a common problem that has a variety of possible causes. Known medically as dysuria, painful urination that persists should always be promptly evaluated by a medical professional. It’s especially important to immediately speak with a doctor if you are pregnant or if your discomfort is accompanied by:

• Fever
• Unusual drainage or discharge from the genital area
• Bloody or foul-smelling urine
• Unexplained pain in your lower back or side
• The passing of a kidney or bladder stone
• Severe pain

What Causes Painful Urination?

Painful urination can usually be traced to an underlying problem in the urinary tract, which comprises the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. The most common causes of painful urination include:

• Urinary tract infections
• Bladder or kidney stones
• Bladder inflammation (cystitis)
• Prostatitis
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs or STDs), such as gonorrhea, chlamydia and genital herpes
• Kidney infections
• Urethral strictures
• Urethritis
• Vaginal yeast infections
• Vaginitis

If you experience pain while urinating, be sure to avoid using heavily scented body washes, laundry detergents, lotions, lubricants or perfumes that can cause or worsen an infection. You may also want to double check if painful urination is a possible side effect of any medications you are taking.

How Is Painful Urination Treated?

Treatment for painful urination will depend on its underlying cause. Many infections and inflammatory conditions can be treated with antibiotic or anti-inflammatory medications. Your doctor may also encourage you to practice habits that promote good urinary health, such as:

• Drinking plenty of water
• Using condoms and following other safe sex practices
• Avoiding harsh or heavily scented self-care products
• Limiting or avoiding highly acidic foods, alcohol and caffeinated beverages that can irritate your bladder
• Practicing good bathroom and hygiene habits, such as frequently changing underwear

Specialized Care for Painful Urination

Tufts Medical Center Community Care is pleased to offer a full spectrum of specialized treatment to patients with painful urination from a variety of causes. Our multispecialty medical group is comprised of more than 120 practitioners, including primary care physicians, urologists, gynecologists, obstetricians and other professionals who collaborate to deliver seamlessly coordinated care.

Tufts Medical Center Community Care strives to make specialized medical treatment as accessible and convenient as possible. We help local families find the care they need thanks to:

• Easily accessible locations throughout north suburban Boston
• Free and ample parking at our facilitates
• Better-than-average appointment wait times, including same- or next-day care as well as evening and weekend availability

Contact Tufts Medical Center Community Care today to learn more about our approach to urology or to schedule an appointment. We are also pleased to offer telemedicine services to patients who would like to consult with a professional from the comfort and safety of home. Click here to reserve an appointment, or give our friendly team a call if you have any questions or concerns. We accept most health insurance plans and cater to patients of all ages.