- Home
- Parents Home
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Diabetes Center
- A to Z Dictionary
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Flu Center
- Heart Health
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Diseases & Conditions
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- School & Family Life
- Pregnancy Center
- Newborn Center
- Q&A
- Recipes
- Sports Medicine Center
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Videos
- Para Padres
A to Z: Dysuria
May also be called: Painful Urination
Dysuria (dis-YOOR-ee-ah) is painful or difficult urination.
More to Know
Urine (pee) is stored in the bladder. When we urinate (pee), urine exits the body through a tube called the urethra. If there's an infection or inflammation somewhere in the urinary tract, a person might feel a burning, painful sensation.
Some causes of dysuria include kidney stones; sexually transmitted infections (STIs, also called sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs) like genital herpes; vaginal infections; certain medications; irritants like certain soaps or bubble baths; and prostate inflammation.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) should be treated with medication.
Keep in Mind
Dysuria is a fairly common condition and an isolated episode of painful urination usually is not a cause for alarm. If it persists, is severe, or is associated with other symptoms like fever, blood in the urine, or vomiting, contact your doctor.
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995- The Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth® is a registered trademark of The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.