4 Reasons Why It Suddenly Burns When You Pee

A sudden burning sensation when you urinate is uncomfortable and often quite alarming. At Urology Specialists of Cypress, renowned board-certified urologist James Stocks, MD, is known for spending time with patients, getting to the bottom of urinary problems, and guiding each person to relief in our Cypress, Texas, office. 

We understand the disruption that burning urination can cause in your daily life, and we’re here to help you find peace of mind. It all starts with finding the root cause. Read on to learn four of the most common culprits Dr. Stocks sees in our practice.

1. Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

One of the top causes of burning during urination is a urinary tract infection. Bacteria, most commonly E. coli, can enter the urethra and cause inflammation in the bladder or urethra. Symptoms often include:

• A burning sensation or pain when urinating
• Increased urgency and frequency
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine

Symptoms can be similar in both men and women, although women tend to experience UTIs up to 30 times as often as their male counterparts.

According to a study in The American Family Physician, women who experience both burning urination (dysuria) and urinary frequency without vaginal discharge have about a 90% chance that their symptoms are caused by a UTI. 

This highlights how accurately symptoms can point to the diagnosis and how important it is to seek care early.

While mild infections sometimes improve with hydration, most UTIs require antibiotics to prevent the infection from spreading to the kidneys. Our team can perform a simple urine test to confirm your diagnosis, and Dr. Stocks can prescribe the treatment needed to clear the infection and relieve the burning.

2. Prostatitis 

While UTIs affect mainly women, prostatitis affects only men. Burning during urination can signal prostatitis, an inflammation of the prostate gland. It’s the cause of around 2 million doctor visits annually.

Prostatitis is often caused by bacteria or chronic prostate irritation. Alongside the burning when you pee, you could experience: 

• Pain or pressure between the scrotum and rectum
• Difficulty starting urination
• Pelvic pain
• Pain following ejaculation

Because prostatitis can have multiple causes, an accurate diagnosis is essential. Depending on your situation, Dr. Stocks may prescribe treatments such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medication, or lifestyle adjustments to ease pressure on the prostate.

3. Sexually transmitted infections

If you’ve recently been sexually active, particularly with a new partner, a sudden burning feeling could indicate an STI such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis. These infections can affect men and women and often cause:

• Burning or stinging with urination
• Discharge from the urethra
• Genital itching or irritation

STIs require professional treatment to prevent long-term complications like infertility. If you suspect an STI, don’t wait to reach out because STIs are highly treatable, especially in earlier stages. 

Dr. Stocks is known for his empathetic, understanding manner, so don’t hesitate to discuss your concerns and get the help you need. Early treatment can protect your health and prevent the spread of the infection to others.

4. Kidney stones

If you experience intense pain along with burning when you urinate, kidney stones could be the culprit. These mineral deposits form in the kidneys and can travel through the urinary tract, causing pain, blood in the urine, and a sharp burning sensation as they move closer to the bladder.

Dr. Stocks uses advanced imaging and lab tests to detect kidney stones. Many effective strategies can remove stones, based on the size and type of stone. Your treatment may range from medication to noninvasive treatments like extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) to minimally invasive surgery.

At Urology Specialists of Cypress, we’re committed to getting to the root of your urinary pain. Whether your symptoms are new or chronic, we’re here to help with testing, diagnosis, and treatment tailored for your comfort.

If you’re ready to get relief from burning urination or other urinary symptoms, book an appointment or call 281-304-2521 today.