Burning sensations in your urethra or bladder after sex can be a sign of sexually transmitted diseases. These infections can cause serious problems if left untreated and require treatment from a doctor.
Men may develop a UTI, which is an infection of the bladder or the tube that carries urine (urethra). It can also affect your prostate gland and the tubes at the back of your testicles that produce semen.
1. Urethritis
The urethra is a tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. In people assigned male at birth, the urethra runs from the bladder through the penis (or anus in women). When a person with urethritis has pain when peeing, discharge from the urethra, and/or painful or frequent urination, it’s usually a sign of a urinary tract infection, or STI, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis.
The burning sensation when you pee is caused by bacteria making their way up from the urethra to the bladder, or the kidneys. Urethritis is also sometimes a symptom of other conditions like gonorrhea, which can lead to long-term problems like infections of the prostate or testicles.
If you have a urethritis, your doctor will take a sample of your discharge or a swab from the area to check for the cause of the infection. They may also order tests to find out if you have an STI, such as a blood test or a urine test. If you have an STI, your doctor will treat you with antibiotics and recommend that your sexual partners get tested and treated if they are infected as well. This helps to prevent the spread of the STI and other complications, such as pregnancy or pelvic inflammatory disease. Your urethritis should improve within a few days after you start treatment.
2. Bacterial Infection
A bacterial infection can make your penis and urethra hurt when you pee. Bacterial infections can be caused by STIs (sexually transmitted diseases) like gonorrhea or by viruses like HIV. Symptoms of bacterial infections can include painful or frequent urination, blood in the urine and itching or burning when you pee. These infections are treatable with antibiotics. If you don’t get treatment, the bacteria that cause urethritis may stay in your urethra and spread to others.
The prostate gland is a structure in your pelvis that surrounds the urethra. The prostate gland can become infected and swollen. Men with an infected prostate may have pain during sex, a burning sensation when they pee and a pus-like discharge from the penis or anus. Women with a bacterial infection of the uterus or vagina can have symptoms that include painful or frequent urination and a pus-like discharge from the vagina. Leaving bacterial infections untreated can lead to infertility.
A bacterial infection can also hurt your penis and the tube that carries urine from your bladder (urethra). This is called epididymitis. Epididymitis is often caused by a bacterial infection or by using a condom that doesn’t fit well or by rubbing the area where the penis connects to the urethra. The condition can be treated with antibiotics or with antiviral medication.
3. Allergies
Sometimes a lubricant used for masturbation can irritate the tip of your pee hole (urethra) and cause pain while you pee. This type of lubricant may include gels, creams, and even latex condoms. In some cases, women who are allergic to semen or the lubricant they use during sex can experience this pain as well. Sexually transmitted infections, also called STIs, can also cause this pain. These are bacteria, viruses, or parasites that can be spread through sexual contact and cause a burning sensation when you pee. Examples of these infections include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomonas. This symptom can be especially painful for women who have a vaginal infection.
4. Sensitive Skin
Most men have painful urination after ejaculation at one time or another. This uncomfortable symptom is often caused by multiple factors that can be managed. Frequent sexual intercourse, masturbation and a weak natural skin barrier can all lead to irritated penile skin that causes a burning sensation when you urinate.
A reaction to lubricants or latex condoms can cause pain when you pee if the skin is irritated. Your skin may also become more sensitive as you age, and hormone changes can lead to breakouts and increased sensitivity. It’s important to avoid products that contain retinol or other harsh ingredients if you have sensitive skin.
Infections in the bladder and the tube that carries pee from your bladder to your penis (for people with a penis) can also cause pain when you pee. A urinary tract infection is called a uti, and it can be caused by bacteria or viruses.
If you’re experiencing painful urination after sex, talk to your doctor. It could be a sign of a more serious problem that needs to be treated, like a sexually transmitted disease. You can usually manage symptoms with home care, but if you have frequent episodes or have other symptoms, talk to your doctor about getting medical attention right away. Depending on the diagnosis, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics or suggest other treatments.
