Community Health Network

Urination Pain - Male
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Symptom
Description

Should I
Call?

Care at
Home

Does this describe your symptoms?

Definition

Discomfort (pain, burning or stinging) when passing urine
May include urgency (can't wait) and frequency (passing small amounts) of urination

General Information

All males with painful urination need to be examined and get testing to see if an infection is present.

Common Causes of Painful Urination

Urinary Tract Infection: Urinary tract infections (e.g., bladder infection, prostatitis) are the most common cause of painful urination.
Sexually Transmitted Disease: Sexually transmitted diseases (e.g., gonorrhea, chlamydia) can also cause painful urination. Most men with this type of infection will describe a clear-white to light yellow discharge from the penis. The two main organisms that can cause this are Gonnorhea and Chlamydia.
In younger men, it is more likely that a sexually transmitted disease is causing the pain with urination. In older men, a bladder infection or prostatitis is more likely.

If not, see these topics

Questions about STD - PREVENTION

Should I
Call?

Care at
Home

When to Call Your Doctor

	Call 911 Now (you may need an ambulance) If
	Very weak (can't stand)
	Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If
	You feel weak or very sick Unable to urinate (or only a few drops) and your bladder feels very full Severe pain Fever of 100.5Â° F (38.1Â° C) or higher Shaking chills Side (flank) or back pain is present Abdominal pain is present Pain or swelling in scrotum Have diabetes mellitus or a weakened immune system (e.g., HIV positive, cancer chemotherapy, chronic steroid treatment, splenectomy) Are bedridden (e.g., nursing home patient, stroke, chronic illness, recovering from surgery) Are a transplant patient (e.g., liver, heart, lung, kidney)
	Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If
	Blood in urine Pus (white, yellow) from end of penis All other men with painful urination

Symptom
Description

Care at
Home

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR PAINFUL URINATION (pending talking with your doctor)

Fluids: Drink extra fluids (Reason: to produce a dilute, non-irritating urine).
Call Your Doctor If:
- You become worse

And remember, contact your doctor if you develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Symptom
Description

Should I
Call?

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Author and Senior Reviewer: David A. Thompson, M.D.

Last Reviewed: 1/19/2009

Last Revised: 4/5/2008

Content Set: Adult HouseCalls Online