Dysuria, frequency and urgency: what to know

Dysuria is burning or pain while passing urine. Frequency means needing to pass urine more often; urgency is a sudden difficult-to-delay need. A urinary tract infection commonly presents with this combination, but irritation, dehydration, kidney stones, prostatitis, or sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea can also be involved. Genital herpes may cause painful sores and discomfort when urine touches the skin. The symptom pattern alone cannot identify the cause.

Arrange a clinical assessment when symptoms are new, troublesome, or not settling. A clinician may ask about discharge, sores, blood, fever, back pain, sexual exposure, medicines, and pregnancy, then choose a urine test or infection testing. Drink fluids normally, avoid perfumed washes around the genitals, and do not use leftover antibiotics. Until an STI is excluded, avoid sex or use protection and consider testing partners.

Seek urgent medical help for fever with chills, pain in the side or back, vomiting, confusion, inability to pass urine, or visible blood in urine. These features can occur with a kidney infection or stone and need prompt assessment. Seek same-day advice if you are pregnant, have significant immune suppression, or symptoms are rapidly worsening.

Ask which tests are appropriate, whether an STI test is needed, how to manage discomfort safely, and what changes should prompt urgent review.