Painful urination after ejaculation is a common problem that can affect men and women. It is not usually a standalone or specific health issue, but a symptom of a sexually transmitted disease.
Females are more prone to UTIs, but men can also get them. These infections occur when bacteria from the urethra enters the bladder.
Causes
Men and women can have painful urination (dysuria) after sex for many different reasons. For men, it can be caused by irritation of the urethra or prostate problems. In women, it can be caused by an infection or a reaction to lubricant.
The urethra is a delicate tube that can be irritated by rough stimulation, such as the friction caused by the penis rubbing against the vagina during sex. It can also become irritated by semen that is ejaculated from the penis during orgasm. Semen contains chemicals that can irritate the urethra and cause pain when you pee after sex.
In addition, both men and women can have painful urination after sex because of an infection in the bladder or a problem with the urethra. Infections that can cause painful urination after sex include urinary tract infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, and sexually transmitted diseases such as herpes and chlamydia.
Men can also have a painless burning sensation while they pee after sex because of viral epididymo-orchitis, which is an inflammation of the testicles. In men, it can also cause a painful discharge from the anus or the mouth. This condition can be difficult to diagnose and treat, but it is important because it can lead to more serious health problems if left untreated. For men, treatment options can include taking a sperm-boosting supplement and using a condom with a lubricant.
Treatment
Usually, when a man has an orgasm, semen is pushed out of the penis and into the urethra. This is called ejaculation, and it can contain up to 500 million sperm. Sometimes, however, it is pushed into the bladder instead of out. This is called retrograde ejaculation, and it can cause pain when you pee. It also can make it hard to have sex, and it can be embarrassing to talk about.
Treatment options include lifestyle changes and medications. A health care provider will ask about your sex life and medical history, and do a physical exam. They may order blood tests to check for heart disease, diabetes, or hormone levels.
If you’re taking medicine that might be causing retrograde ejaculation, like a type of antidepressant or a sedative, your doctor may change the drug. For example, doctors might prescribe a different medication that does not affect serotonin levels.
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can help treat the underlying emotional problems that can lead to PE. Your doctor might recommend seeing a mental health counselor or a sex therapist. If you’re a couple, your doctor might suggest counseling together. A combination of behavioral techniques and medication is often successful in treating PE. It might take a while to find the right treatment for you. But if you’re committed to getting better, it can be worth it.
Symptoms
The symptoms of painful urination after ejaculation depend on the cause. Symptoms may include: a burning sensation when you pee, blood in your urine or pus-like discharge from the penis or vagina. If you have these symptoms, see a doctor right away.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common cause of pain when you pee after sex. This happens when bacteria enters the urethra and travels into the bladder. Women are more prone to getting UTIs than men, but men can get them too. Symptoms of a UTI include:
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can also cause painful urination after sex. These are infections caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites that are spread through sexual contact. They can lead to a burning sensation when you pee, a discharge from the penis or vagina and painful or swollen testicles in men. STIs can include:
Other causes of painful urination after sex are prostate problems and skin conditions. The prostate is a small gland in the penis that produces fluid that’s mixed with sperm to make semen. When the prostate is enlarged, it can block the flow of urine and cause a burning sensation when you pee. A skin condition called lichen planus can also cause painful urination after sexual activity. This is a common condition that affects the skin on your fingers, toes, knees and genital area.
Prevention
It’s important to use a good condom during sexual activity or try using a non-latex lubricant. Sometimes the rough stimulation of ejaculation can irritate the delicate tube that carries urine out of the penis (called the urethra). This can cause pain when peeing and may also lead to a urinary tract infection.
The urethra can also get irritated from masturbation. This can happen when people use a lot of different lubricants or moisturizers while they masturbate and some of the lubricant gets into the urethra. This can irritate the urethra and cause it to hurt when you pee.
A UTI can be caused by bacteria, a virus or a parasite. These infections can be treated with antibiotics. It’s important to drink plenty of water to help prevent getting a UTI.
Trichomoniasis is a bacterial infection that can be spread during sexual contact. It can cause painful or frequent urination in men and women. It can also cause a burning sensation when you pee.
Some people believe that peeing after sex helps to prevent pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. But this hasn’t been proven. It’s better to use a proven form of birth control during sexual activity. Talk to your doctor about your birth control options.
