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Hackensack Meridian Health

HackensackUMC
30 Prospect Ave.
Hackensack, NJ 07601
www.HackensackUMC.org


How to Handle Pain While Peeing

What Causes Pain While Peeing?

Pain while peeing (urinating) can be caused by different things, including:

  • infection in the urinary tract
  • irritation or injury of the genital area
  • stones (small masses of minerals) in the urinary tract

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common cause of pain during peeing.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Pain While Peeing?

  • burning or stinging with peeing
  • the urge to pee more often
  • bad-smelling, bloody, or discolored pee
  • fever or chills
  • decreased appetite or activity
  • irritability
  • nausea or vomiting
  • lower back pain or abdominal (belly) pain
  • wetting accidents (in potty-trained kids)

What Can I Do About Pain While Peeing?

  • Call the doctor if your child has pain while peeing or can't pee.
  • Follow the doctor's treatment instructions.
  • Encourage drinking lots of water and other caffeine-free liquids.
  • Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed for discomfort.

What Can Help Prevent Pain While Peeing?

  • Avoid bubble baths and perfumed soaps. Wash the genital area with only mild soap or lukewarm water.
  • Change soiled and very wet diapers right away.
  • Remind kids to go to the bathroom often.
  • Teach girls to gently wipe from front to back and make sure no tiny pieces of toilet paper get left behind.
  • Sexually active teens should get tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Medically reviewed by: Yamini Durani, MD
Date reviewed: April 2023