Why does it hurt to urinate after sex?

Dear Burning,  

Pain while peeing might have you worrying that urine trouble. The good news is that this can be a common experience and doesn’t necessarily mean there’s an underlying health problem. If you’re only experiencing the burning immediately after sex, there’s a good chance it’s caused by physical irritation from lubricants, condoms, or the act of sex itself. However, the burning could also be linked to inflammation of the urethra, a sexually transmitted infection (STIs), or a urinary tract infection (UTI). A health care provider can help identify whether any of these conditions may be the culprit.  

What are some physical causes of painful urination after sex?  

The most common reason for painful urination after sex is physical irritation, usually linked to lack of lubrication. Sex can be sweet, but when its more desert than dessert, you might be left feeling like you’ve been rubbed with sandpaper. For frictionless fun, consider using more lubricant or changing sexual positions.  

Alternatively, irritation could be caused by a reaction you’re experiencing from the lubricant, condoms, or other products that you may be using during sex. Consider switching out your products and noting if the burning subsides. 

Could urethritis be causing the pain?  

The burning may also be caused by urethritis, an inflammation of the urethra. This is the tube that urine passes through to exit the body. There are many underlying causes of urethritis, but some of the most common are STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea.  

That said, urethritis can also be triggered by other causes like: 

• tight clothing 
• intense physical activities like bicycling and horseback-riding 
• irritants like soaps, body powers, and douches.  

New research suggests that urethritis may also be caused by an imbalance in bacteria that naturally live inside the urethra and make it function properly. An imbalance might be triggered by sex, which can introduce new bacteria. However, more research is needed to understand the direct cause. 

Could a UTI cause the pain?  

Painful urination can also be linked to a UTI. Although UTIs are more common in people with vaginas, anyone can get one. People with uncircumcised penises are significantly more vulnerable than those who are circumcised. UTIs are typically caused when rectal bacteria get into the urinary tract, so being the partner who inserts during anal sex can put you at a greater risk of contracting an infection.  

Common UTI symptoms include painful urination and frequent urination. However, if you have a low-grade infection, you might only feel pain after an additional trigger like sex. 

When should you be concerned about painful urination after sex?  

Since burning while peeing can be caused by STIs and UTIs, you might consider visiting a health care provider if you’re experiencing:  

• frequent urination 
• nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills 
• abdominal or mid-back pain 
• unusual discharge from the penis 
• feeling the need to urinate even when your bladder is empty  
• cloudy urine or urine that contains blood 
• genital itching, 
• sores, warts, or redness on the genitals 

List adapted from VeryWell Health  

Burning, painful urination after sex is usually caused by physical irritation. However, if you continue to experience this pain even after trying some at-home work arounds, consider visiting with a health care provider to rule out more serious causes like urethritis, STIs, and UTIs.   

May your future flows be smooth and your irritation minimal,