Pain during urination can be caused by infection in the urinary system; irritation or injury of the genital area; or stones (small masses of minerals) in the urinary tract. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common cause of painful urination.
Signs and Symptoms
- burning or stinging with urination
- the urge to urinate more often
- bad-smelling, bloody, or discolored urine (pee)
- fever or chills
- decreased appetite or activity
- irritability
- nausea or vomiting
- lower back pain or abdominal (belly) pain
- wetting accidents (in potty-trained kids)
What to Do
- Call the doctor if your child has pain while urinating or can’t urinate.
- Follow the doctor’s treatment instructions.
- Encourage drinking lots of water and other fluids (like cranberry juice).
- Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed for discomfort.
Think Prevention!
- Avoid bubble baths and perfumed soaps — wash the genital area with only mild soap or lukewarm water.
- Change soiled and very wet diapers right away.
- Remind kids to go to the bathroom often.
- Teach girls to gently wipe from front to back and make sure no tiny pieces of toilet paper get left behind.
- Have sexually active teens screened for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: April 2014