Burning Urine Symptoms: Causes, Types, Treatments

Discomfort, pain, or burning sensation when urinating. Discomfort with urination may have causes that are not due to an underlying disease. Examples include keeping it in the urine for too long.

Urinary burning is pain that is felt when urine is expelled from the bladder. Burning, painful urination, also known as dysuria.
Symptoms can be constant or variable and can improve or worsen depending on the function and movement of the body.
The pain can be described as a raw sensation or a stinging sensation and can range in intensity from mild to severe.
Painful or difficult urination, a feeling of the constant need to urinate, or blood in the urine can accompany Urinary burning.

Causes

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)

UTI is the most common cause of burning urination. A UTI is caused by bacterial infections of the urinary tract.
Bacteria often adhere to the inner lining of the urethra, and if the UTI is not treated quickly, it can quickly spread to other urinary structures.
Painful urination, increased frequency of urination, and changes in urine color are some of the symptoms of urinary tract infection

Trauma

The burning sensation when urinating can also be the result of local injury or irritation due to the placement of the catheter.

Anatomical obstructions or malformations

Another cause could be anatomical obstruction, due to an enlarged prostate or a urethral stricture.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

STDs, which include chlamydia, herpes, and gonorrhea, are also some of the causes of burning or painful urination.
These sexually transmitted infections are also caused by bacteria and can occur along with genital sores, vaginal discharge, and itching in the groin area.

Vaginal yeast infections

Vaginal yeast infection is a common infection, which occurs in women, it is also known as thrush.
This can cause a burning sensation when urinating and can also cause itching and redness around the vaginal area.

Bacterial vaginosis

If it burns when you urinate, it could also be due to bacterial vaginosis, which is a bacterial infection that mainly affects women. It is known for the fishy smell it produces.

Vaginal tears

Vaginal tears can also cause painful urination or a burning sensation when urinating.
Vaginal tears generally occur during a vigorous sexual session.
When urine comes in contact with these abrasions, it can cause a surge of pain and also a burning sensation. It is also during delivery that vaginal tears happen.

Hormonal causes

There are also hormonal causes that can cause a burning sensation when urinating. Postmenopausal effects, such as vaginal dryness, could be one of the hormonal causes.

Cancer

Cancer of the urethra, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, vaginal cancer, or penile cancer can also cause a burning sensation when urinating or painful urination.

Neurological conditions

Any nerve condition that causes difficulty fully emptying the bladder can also cause painful urination or a burning sensation when urinating.

Atrophic vaginitis

Atrophic vaginitis is a postmenopausal symptom caused by changes in hormone levels.
This condition results in a thinning of the vulva and vagina, which can result in burning and irritation when urinating, having sexual intercourse, or simply spontaneously.

Unnecessary feminine hygiene products

Some feminine hygiene products claim to clean the vagina or have a fresh smell.
They alter the natural pH balance in the vagina.
The skin of the vagina is very sensitive and easily irritated if it comes into contact with certain chemicals.
This, in turn, can lead to burning when urinating or painful urination.

Other causes

Some of the other causes of burning when urinating include the following.
Pain from external injuries in the genitals.
Medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus and other chronic diseases suppress the immune system.

Risk Factors

Women are at particular risk of a UTI because bacteria can move more easily into their urinary tract because the urethra and anus are close together. Other factors that can increase the risk of urinary tract infections include:

Diabetes
The pregnancy
Structural defects of the urinary tract
Being sexually active
Any factor that obstructs the flow of urine, for example, kidney stones, an enlarged prostate
Have a catheter inserted into your bladder
Poor personal hygiene
Being postmenopausal
Using a diaphragm for birth control
Have a weakened immune system

UTIs are also common during childhood. The most common causes of urinary tract infections in children are constipation, not emptying the bladder, and delaying urination. Boys are more likely to develop UTIs during childhood, while girls are more likely to develop UTIs after infancy.

Signs

The symptom is chest pain, but it differs from person to person. One can experience:

Burning urine can accompany other symptoms that vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder, or condition.
Symptoms that frequently affect the urinary tract can also affect other body systems.

Urinary signs that can occur along with urinary burning

Urinary burning can accompany other symptoms that affect the urinary tract, including:

Bloody or pink urine
Changes in urine color
Cloudy urine
Dysuria and urinary retention
Bad smelling urine
Frequent urination
Pain when urinating
Urgent need to urinate

Other signs that can occur along with urinary burning:

Urinary burning can accompany symptoms related to other body systems, including:

Abdominal, pelvic, or lower back pain that can be severe
Fatigue
Fever and chills
Loss of appetite
Nausea with or without vomiting
Pain during sexual intercourse
Pain in the groin or side
Eruption
Redness, warmth, or swelling

Severe signs that may indicate a life-threatening condition:

In some cases, urinary burning can be a symptom of a serious condition that needs to be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical attention if you, or someone you are with, have any of these symptoms:

High fever
Inability to urinate
Severe abdominal pain

When to see a doctor?

Make an appointment with your doctor if:

Your pain when urinating persists
You have discharge or discharge from your penis or vagina
You see blood in your urine
You have a fever
You have back pain or side pain
Pass a kidney or bladder stone

Diagnosis

The doctor will first review your medical history and also ask about the symptoms you experience from burning urination.
The doctor will also perform a physical exam which would include an abdominal exam and also an external genitalia exam and a gynecological exam for women.
A urine sample would be taken from the affected person and a urine dipstick test would be done to find out the underlying cause of the burning sensation or pain when urinating.
This test can indicate if bacteria and blood are present. A urine culture would be done to see if bacteria are growing and also to find out the exact bacteria that could be causing the infection. After a diagnosis, treatments will be prescribed.

Treatment

Your doctor will choose the best medicine for your condition. An antibiotic will be prescribed if you have an infection that is causing burning with urination. You must take the full course of medication, even if you feel better.
Sometimes pain relievers can be given in the form of a general pain reliever or a specific product, which would numb the pain in the urinary tract. It is important to keep track of how these products are used.
In case the cause of the painful urination is not a urinary tract infection or something else, your doctor may order some additional tests and treatments accordingly.

Home Remedies

It is always good to seek medical attention when dealing with urinary tract infections or any condition that can cause painful urination or burning when urinating.
However, you can also try some of the home remedies that we mention below.
But keep in mind that home remedies are not a substitute for medical treatments for any condition.

Keep hydrated

You need to stay hydrated to get rid of a burning sensation when urinating or when urinating with pain
By drinking enough water, you can ensure that your kidneys are passing enough urine to get rid of any foreign invaders that may be attached to the urinary tract.
The burning sensation could be due to dehydration. Therefore, drinking at least 2-3 glasses of water in very short intervals each day could help a lot.

Cranberry juice

Minor urinary tract infections and a burning sensation when urinating can be cured with citrus fruit juices.
You can drink cranberry juice, which would help you kill the bacteria that cause infections.

Coconut water

Coconut water can also be a useful home remedy to eliminate burning sensation when urinating or when urinating with pain.
It contains many important electrolytes that are great for keeping your body fluids in proper balance.

Lemon

Lemon is another home remedy that can help relieve painful urination. Lemon juice is acidic but has an alkaline effect on the body.
Apart from this, citric acid and the antibacterial and antiviral properties of lemon juice help prevent this problem.
Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon into a glass of warm water and add 1 teaspoon of raw honey and mix well. Consume it without food every morning.

Baking Soda

Baking soda can also be used to relieve a burning sensation when urinating.
This alkaline compound helps to reduce the acidity of the urine, which in turn helps to alleviate the burning sensation when urinating and even reduces the frequent urge to urinate.
Apart from this, baking soda helps balance the body's pH levels. Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water and stir well until completely dissolved.
Drink it on an empty stomach. Repeat this over a regular period of approximately one week.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a home remedy for many ailments and can be effective in treating burning sensation when urinating or painful urination.
It has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help fight an infection that causes painful urination.
Apart from this, apple cider vinegar is loaded with enzymes, potassium, and other helpful minerals and helps to restore the body's natural pH balance.
Add 1 tbsp unfiltered raw apple cider vinegar and 1 tsp raw honey in a glass of lukewarm water.
Drink this twice a day. Alternatively, you can add 1-2 cups of apple cider vinegar to your bathwater.
Soak in the water for about 20 min. Do this once a day, until your condition improves.

Amla juice

Amla juice is another home remedy for treating urinary tract infections and it can also alleviate the problem of burning sensation when urinating urination.

Blueberry

Cranberry is known to be loaded with antioxidants that help kill bacteria and heal infections.
Therefore, you can take this every day to ease the symptoms of burning urination.

Natural yogurt

Another useful home remedy is to take unsweetened yogurt with active cultures.
Active cultures keep harmful bacteria away and improve the growth of healthy bacteria.
It helps fight any infection that can cause this condition and helps maintain a healthy vaginal pH balance.
You have to eat 2-3 cups of natural yogurt each day. You can also try yogurt smoothies.
Apart from this, you can also dip a tampon in yogurt and insert it into the vagina for 2 hours. Doing this twice regularly may help you get some relief.

Cucumber

Cucumbers may also help in the treatment of burning urination because of their diuretic nature.
Cucumbers contain about 95% water, so they can help keep your body well hydrated and free from harmful toxins, and their cooling property helps normalize body temperature.
Prepare 1 cup of cucumber juice and add 1 tablespoon of raw honey and lemon juice, mix well and drink it twice a day.
You can also have 2-3 cucumbers per day to relieve symptoms.

Coriander seeds

Coriander seeds are also wonderful home remedies that help relieve burning or painful urination.
The antibacterial properties of these seeds help prevent urinary tract infections. Apart from this, coriander seeds also cleanse the excretory system of harmful toxins and aid in normal urination.
Also, it helps to control excessive body heat that can make the condition worse.
Boil 2 teaspoons of coriander seeds in 1 cup of water for a while and let it cool, strain, and drink twice a day.
You can also add 1 tsp of coriander seed powder with 3 cups of water. Cover it and let it sit overnight.
The next day in the morning, add a little jaggery and stir the solution. Drink 1 cup of this solution, three times a day.

Fenugreek seeds

According to Ayurveda, fenugreek seeds could work as a great home remedy to treat painful urination or burning sensation when urinating.
These seeds help to improve the pH level in the vagina and thus prevent any type of infection.
Apart from this, they also prevent the accumulation of toxins in the body.
Add half a teaspoon of powdered fenugreek seeds to a glass of buttermilk and drink it twice regularly.
Alternatively, you can also mix a teaspoon of seed powder with a tablespoon of raw honey and take it 2-3 times a day.
Apart from this, you can also soak a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in water overnight, and the next morning, strain the water and add half a teaspoon of raw honey and drink it on an empty stomach.

Horseradish

Horseradish is another home remedy to treat painful urination.
This acts as a powerful antibacterial and helps kill bacterial cells by damaging their cell walls.
Consuming this vegetable 3 times a day with a little water or milk will help keep burning or pain when urinating to a minimum.

Hot compression

Painful urination or burning sensation can be relieved with the warm compress. The heat will help minimize bladder pressure and reduce pain.
Apply a warm compress to the lower abdomen for 5 minutes and wait for a while and then reapply You can also use a heat sore to relieve pain.