Burning Sensation When Urinating

Burning sensation during urination can occur for various reasons and is said to be one of the most common symptoms that men and women complain of. This is because both the rectum and the vagina are very prone areas for infection, as bacteria can easily gain portals of entry through either the opening present or from the urethra. There can be many reasons for burning sensation, varying from kidney infections to sexually transmitted diseases.

Causes of Burning Sensation

Urinary Tract Infection
One of the most common causes of burning sensation during urination in women is urinary tract infection. In fact, every one out of five women suffer from a urinary tract infection at least once a year. The reason why urinary tract infections are more common women than in men is that men have longer urethra's and the prostate gland secretes natural anti-bacterial substances, which helps keep infections at bay. Thus, it is very rare that a man suffers from a urinary tract infection, unless he is simultaneously suffering from another infection, or if his immunity is compromised. Furthermore, burning sensation when urinating during pregnancy is also a common complaint. This is because, as women frequently feel the urge to urinate, they are at a higher risk of contracting urinary tract infections. This is the reason why burning sensation while urinating becomes a frequent complaint in men as they age.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Yet another common cause is sexually transmitted disease. There are many sexually transmitted diseases that can lead to burning sensation while urinating, like gonorrhea, vaginal and genital herpes, chlamydia, etc. Although there are many other symptoms of these diseases, burning sensation while urinating is said to be the most commonly exhibited symptom.

Kidney Diseases
Sometimes, kidney diseases may also lead to burning sensation. This is because, when there are kidney infections, they can easily descend from the kidney into the urinary bladder and the urethra. Thus, the microorganisms get carried forward in the urine and lead to burning sensation while urinating. Sometimes, even kidney stones can lead to painful urination, because if the stone s very large or if it gets infected, then there could be pain when urinating.

Other Causes
Other causes include side effects of certain medicines, recurring bladder infections, cystitis, interstitial cystitis, urethritis, vaginal candidiasis and other yeast infections, enlarged prostate, allergic reaction to material of inner wear, etc. Sometimes, burning sensation when urinating in men could indicate the presence of prostate cancer as well.

Treatment Options

The treatment will depend on the causative factor. More often than not, antibiotics help in fighting off urinary tract infections and yeast infections. Sometimes, if the main causative agent that is leading to the burning sensation is kidney stones, then it is best to go in for kidney stones treatment so as to completely get rid of the pain. For sexually transmitted diseases, it is best to consult a doctor, who will probably prescribe either a topical or oral drug that will help combat the disease.

As mentioned above, burning sensation during urination should not be ignored, especially when seen in men, as it could be an indicator of a disease as grave as prostate cancer. Thus, if this complaint persists, it is best to consult a doctor and get the condition diagnosed and treated before it is too late.