Burning Micturition: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Burning micturition refers to a burning or stinging sensation while passing urine. It is a common urinary symptom seen in both men and women and usually indicates irritation or infection of the urinary tract. Although often mild and treatable, persistent burning during urination should not be ignored.

 What Is Burning Micturition?

Burning micturition occurs when the lining of the urethra or bladder becomes inflamed. As urine passes over the inflamed tissue, it produces a burning or painful sensation.
It may occur before, during, or after urination and can be associated with other urinary symptoms.

Common Causes

🔹 Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) – Most common cause

• Bacterial infection of bladder (cystitis), urethra (urethritis), or kidneys

• More common in females

🔹 Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

• Gonorrhea

• Chlamydia

• Trichomoniasis
  (More common in sexually active individuals)

🔹 Local Irritation

• Dehydration (concentrated urine)

• Use of soaps, antiseptics, spermicides

• Catheterization

• Excess caffeine or alcohol

🔹 Urological Conditions

Condition

Effect

Kidney stones

Irritate urinary tract

Prostatitis (men)

Inflamed prostate

Vaginitis (women)

Local inflammation

Interstitial cystitis

Chronic bladder irritation

Urethral stricture

Obstructed urine flow

🔹 Medical Conditions

• Diabetes mellitus

• Immunosuppression

• Post-menopausal estrogen deficiency

 Associated Symptoms

• Increased frequency of urination

• Urgency to pass urine

• Pain in lower abdomen or pelvis

• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

• Blood in urine (hematuria)

• Fever or chills (suggests infection)

• Discharge from urethra or vagina (STI)

 Warning Signs (Seek Immediate Care)

• High fever with chills

• Severe lower abdominal or flank pain

• Blood clots in urine

• Burning with reduced urine output

• Symptoms in pregnant women or children

 Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms and basic investigations.

Common Tests

• Urine routine examination

• Urine culture & sensitivity

• Blood tests (if fever or severe infection)

• Ultrasound abdomen (stones, obstruction)

• STI screening (if discharge or risk factors present)

 Treatment & Management

Treatment depends on the underlying cause.

1️⃣ General Measures

• Increase water intake (2.5–3 liters/day)

• Avoid holding urine

• Maintain proper genital hygiene

• Avoid irritant soaps and sprays

2️⃣ Medications

Cause

Treatment

Bacterial UTI

Appropriate antibiotics

Pain & burning

Urinary alkalizers

Prostatitis

Antibiotics + anti-inflammatory drugs

STIs

Targeted antibiotic therapy (partner treatment important)

Vaginal atrophy

Local estrogen (if advised)

 Do not self-medicate antibiotics without urine testing.

 Dietary Advice

Helpful

Avoid

Plenty of water

                                                                                                                                                                                         Alcohol

Coconut water

                                                                                                                                                                                 Excess caffeine

Citrus fruits (moderate)

                                                                                                                                                                                     Spicy foods

Fresh fruits & vegetables

                                                                                                                                                                         Carbonated drinks

 Complications if Untreated

• Recurrent UTIs

• Kidney infection (pyelonephritis)

• Kidney damage

• Sepsis (rare but serious)

• Chronic bladder irritation

 Prevention

• Adequate daily hydration

• Urinate after sexual intercourse

• Wipe front to back (women)

• Avoid unnecessary catheter use

• Treat diabetes and other chronic illnesses

• Regular urine tests if recurrent symptoms

 When to Consult a Doctor

• Burning sensation lasts more than 2–3 days

• Fever, flank pain, or blood in urine

• Recurrent urinary infections

• Symptoms during pregnancy

• Associated discharge or genital pain

• Disclaimer:

• The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified physician or other licensed healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Do not ignore or delay seeking medical advice because of information you read on this website. The use of any information provided here is solely at your own risk.