How common is painful urination in prostatitis?

It may feel like burning, stinging, or discomfort as urine passes. The symptom can be present alongside pelvic pressure, pain around the lower abdomen or perineum, urinary urgency, or a weaker urine stream.

Prostatitis refers to inflammation of the prostate, a gland below the bladder. Inflammation can make urination uncomfortable because the prostate surrounds part of the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body.

Pain during urination alone does not identify the cause. Urinary tract irritation, an infection, a sexually transmitted infection, stones, or other bladder and urinary problems can also cause it. A clinician can use the pattern of symptoms and appropriate tests to sort these possibilities out.

Arrange a medical appointment if burning or pain when passing urine continues, returns, or comes with pelvic discomfort. Be ready to describe when it started, whether you are passing urine more often, and whether there are changes in your urine stream or sexual symptoms.

Until you are assessed, drink fluids regularly unless a clinician has advised you to limit them. Avoid using leftover antibiotics or another person's treatment, since the right care depends on the underlying cause.

Seek urgent medical care if you cannot pass urine, develop fever or chills with urinary pain, see blood in your urine, have severe lower abdominal or back pain, or feel acutely unwell. These features can need prompt assessment and treatment.

If symptoms are less severe but are not settling, do not wait for them to become disruptive before arranging a review.

You could ask whether a urine test, examination, or testing for infection is appropriate; what else could explain the symptoms; and which warning signs should prompt urgent care. Mention any medicines you take and any prior urinary or prostate problems.