Does it Burn When You Urinate? You Might Have a UTI

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common, affecting millions of Americans every year — mostly women. UTIs cause a variety of symptoms, including burning sensations when you urinate. 

While mild infections can be easily treated, delaying care can result in serious complications, including kidney damage.

At Feminine Urgicare, our team provides patient-centered treatment for UTIs, as well as prevention strategies to help our patients avoid infections in the future. 

Learn why UTIs cause burning sensations and what you can do to find relief.

Why UTIs happen

As the name implies, UTIs are infections that can affect any part of your urinary tract, including your urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. Many UTIs affect the bladder and urethra — the tube that carries urine from your bladder out of your body. 

UTIs happen when germs enter the urinary tract, typically through the urethral opening. Most infections are caused by a type of bacteria called Escherichia coli (E. coli), which is naturally found in the intestine. 

Bacteria can be transferred during sexual activity, improper hygiene, not urinating often enough, or dehydration. Underlying medical issues, like diabetes, can also increase your risk of developing a UTI.

Burning and other symptoms

For many women, burning during urination is the first clue they have a UTI. Burning happens when bacteria irritate the tissues lining the urethra and the bladder. Your body’s natural immune response can also contribute to burning sensations.

While burning is common, it’s not the only symptom associated with UTIs. Other potential signs include:

• Sensation that you can’t empty your bladder
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Urine that’s cloudy, discolored, or smelly
• Pain in your lower belly or back
• Fever
• General feeling of being unwell

When your kidneys are involved, you may experience considerable lower back pain or fever. Without treatment, you can wind up with kidney damage or a widespread infection.

Treating and preventing UTIs

Fortunately, most UTIs are easily detectable with a simple urine test — and they’re usually easily treatable when caught early. In most cases, a UTI can be successfully treated with antibiotics. 

During your visit, we take a urine sample and perform lab tests to check for blood, protein, and germs in your urine. Then, we prescribe antibiotics. 

It’s important to take all the medication as prescribed, even if you feel better before you finish the entire dose. Otherwise, your infection can return and may be more challenging to treat.

For immediate relief of painful symptoms, take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines. Be sure to ask us before taking any medication since some medicines can put extra stress on your kidneys.

Prevention strategies

UTIs are common, and they can’t always be prevented. However, you can reduce your risks with a few simple steps:

• Drink plenty of water daily to flush your urinary tract
• Urinate when you need to — don’t hold it
• Wear breathable underwear
• Urinate after sex
• Wipe from front to back after using the toilet
• Avoid washes or sprays that can irritate the area

Most importantly, if you notice any sign of a UTI, call our office right away so we can initiate treatment as soon as possible.

If you think you have a UTI or want to learn how to manage recurrent infections, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Feminine Urgicare in Paramus and Clifton, New Jersey, today.