How common is painful urination in genital herpes?

Genital herpes can cause blisters, open sores, tenderness, itching, or tingling around the genitals or anus. Urine passing over broken or inflamed skin can sting. The discomfort may be external rather than coming from inside the urinary tract, but it can feel similar to a urinary infection.

Painful urination cannot confirm genital herpes by itself. A clinician can examine the affected area and decide whether a swab, urine test, or other testing is appropriate. Testing is most useful when fresh sores or other active symptoms are present.

Arrange a timely sexual health or medical assessment if you have genital sores, new pain, or a possible exposure. Keep the area clean and dry, avoid fragranced products that can irritate skin, and wear loose clothing if this is more comfortable.

Avoid sexual contact while sores or new symptoms are present until you have received personalised advice. A clinician can discuss antiviral treatment, pain relief options, testing, and how to reduce transmission to partners.

Seek urgent medical care if you cannot pass urine, develop fever with severe illness, have rapidly worsening genital pain or swelling, are pregnant, or have symptoms affecting the eyes. Prompt assessment is also sensible if pain makes drinking or urinating difficult.

Ask how the diagnosis can be confirmed, whether treatment is suitable now, what symptoms a partner should know about, and which signs should prompt urgent review. Tell the clinician about pregnancy, immune system conditions, or new medicines.