Painful urination (dysuria): What causes it?

Painful urination (dysuria) can be caused by a number of factors, including:

• A bladder or urinary tract infection
• Sexually transmitted disease such as gonorrhea or chlamydia
• Yeast infection
• Kidney or bladder stones
• Sensitivity to certain soaps or perfumes

You should see your doctor if your painful urination lasts longer than a day, if you have drainage or discharge from your penis or vagina, or if you see blood in your urine. If you're pregnant, tell your doctor if you have any pain when you urinate.

Your treatment will depend on the cause of your condition. Your doctor may perform a urinalysis, physical examination or other tests to determine the cause.