Burning when urinating after sex: 5 common reasons

Painful urination (dysuria) often manifests as a burning sensation and can be a sign of various health problems. A burning feeling after sex occurs in both men and women and is often caused by urinary tract infections. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), irritation, small injuries, or vaginal dryness can also play a role.
In this article, you will learn about the most common causes of painful urination after intercourse, how to prevent discomfort, and when it is important to seek medical advice.

Table of contents

• Why is urinating after sex important?
• Causes of a burning sensation when urinating after sex
  • 1- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • 2- Sexually transmitted infections
  • 3- Allergic reactions and skin irritation
  • 4- Injuries
  • 5- Lack of moisture
• Summary

Why is urinating after sex important?

In general, it is recommended to urinate within 30 minutes after sex. This has the following benefits:

• Flushes bacteria and germs out of the urethra.
• Reduces the risk of urinary tract infections (but not of sexually transmitted diseases).
• Especially important for women: the urethra is shorter and located closer to the anus, making it easier for bacteria to enter.

Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2022

Sidebar: The urinary system

• Kidneys: Filter the blood and produce urine to eliminate waste products.
• Ureters: Carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
• Bladder: Stores urine.
• Urethra: Expels urine from the body.

Source: adapted from Cleveland Clinic, 2023

Causes of a burning sensation when urinating after sex

1 – Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

A urinary tract infection (UTI) can affect the urethra, bladder, ureters, or kidneys. Women are especially vulnerable to UTIs due to their shorter urethra. In addition to poor hygiene or a weakened immune system, sexual intercourse can also increase the risk of a UTI. If bacteria remain in the urethra, they can ascend and cause a bladder infection. Possible symptoms include:

Symptoms of an UTI:

• Burning or pain when urinating
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
• Lower abdominal pain
• Blood in the urine
• General malaise

Complications:
If left untreated, the infection can spread to the kidneys. Typical symptoms include fever, flank pain, and nausea (Mayo Clinic, 2022).

Treatment:
UTIs are treated with antibiotics. It is important to take the medication exactly as prescribed and for the full course (Cleveland Clinic, 2023).

Prevention:

• Urinate before and after sex
• Avoid perfumed intimate products
• Wipe from front to back
• Change menstrual products regularly
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Wear cotton underwear and avoid tight clothing

Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2023

2 – Sexually transmitted infections

STIs can also cause burning sensations during urination after sex. The most common include:

• Chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis): Often symptomless. Possible signs include discharge (fishy odor), burning when urinating, pain during sex. If untreated, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility (NHS, 2021).
• Gonorrhea: Symptoms include burning during urination, discharge from the urethra or rectum, and intermenstrual bleeding. If untreated, it can cause infertility (Mayo Clinic, 2024).
• Trichomoniasis: Only about 30% develop symptoms, which may include discharge, itching, burning, and pain during urination and intercourse (NHS, 2021).
• Genital herpes (HSV-2): Causes blisters and sores in the genital area as well as pain when urinating. The virus stays in the body and may reactivate due to stress or a weakened immune system (NHS, 2023).

Prevention:

• Use condoms
• Get tested regularly for STIs
• Seek medical advice or use at-home tests if symptoms occur

Note: Homed-IQ offers discreet at-home tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and other STIs, processed in ISO-certified laboratories.

3 –Allergic reactions and skin irritation

Allergic reactions and skin irritation can also cause a burning sensation after sex. Three main triggers are:

• Latex allergy: This occurs when the body reacts to proteins in natural latex. Typical symptoms include rash, itching, and pain when urinating. Alternative: latex-free condoms (Eske, 2019).
• Lubricants: Ingredients such as glycerin or parabens may irritate the mucous membranes, causing a burning sensation during urination. Alternative: hypoallergenic products.
• Spermicides: Can trigger burning and irritation. If symptoms occur, other contraceptive methods should be considered.

Source: Mayo Clinic, 2024

4 – Injuries

Vaginal injuries can lead to a burning sensation during urination after sex. These injuries often result from excessive force, pressure, or friction during intercourse or other sexual activities. When the protective vaginal lining is compromised, micro-tears or abrasions may occur. Urine passing over these sensitive, injured areas can cause pain and burning.

Prevention:

• Use lubricants
• Be gentle
• Pay attention to your body’s signals

Source: STD, 2022

5 –Lack of moisture

Vaginal dryness increases the risk of microtears and infections. Potential causes include:

• Menopause (vaginal atrophy)
• Hormonal changes (birth control pill, other contraceptives)
• Medications (antidepressants, antibiotics)
• Stress
• Smoking

Prevention/Treatment:

• Use lubricants
• Seek medical advice in case of severe discomfort (e.g., hormone therapy)

Source: Harvard Health, 2022; Cleveland Clinic, 2023

When should you see a doctor?

• If fever or severe pain occurs
• If blood is visible in the urine
• If symptoms persist for more than 2 days
• If infections keep recurring
• If a sexually transmitted infection is suspected

Summary

Burning during urination after sex is common but can have many causes: from urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted infections to irritation or dryness. It is important to take symptoms seriously, take preventive measures, and seek medical help if symptoms are severe or persistent.

With simple steps such as urinating after sex, maintaining good hygiene, using condoms, and getting regular check-ups, you can significantly reduce your risk.

References

Genital friction blister-or something else, like herpes or an … (2022, October 2). STD Center NYC. Retrieved July 23, 2024, from https://stdcenterny.com/articles/genital-friction-blister-vs-genital-herpes-vs-fungal-rash-vs-allergy-rash.html

Genital herpes. (n.d.). NHS. Retrieved July 23, 2024, from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/genital-herpes/

Gonorrhea – Symptoms and causes. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved July 25, 2024, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gonorrhea/symptoms-causes/syc-20351774

Latex Allergy: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved July 23, 2024, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8623-latex-allergy

Overview – – – Chlamydia. (n.d.). NHS. Retrieved July 23, 2024, from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chlamydia/

Overview – – – Trichomoniasis. (n.d.). NHS. Retrieved July 23, 2024, from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/trichomoniasis/

Spermicide (Vaginal Route) Side Effects. (2024, May 1). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved July 23, 2024, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/spermicide-vaginal-route/side-effects/drg-20070769?p=1

Urinary System: Organs, Anatomy, Function & Conditions. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved July 23, 2024, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21197-urinary-system

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved July 23, 2024, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9135-urinary-tract-infections#management-and-treatment

Urinary tract infection (UTI) – Symptoms and causes. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved July 23, 2024, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353447

Vaginal Atrophy: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved July 23, 2024, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15500-vaginal-atrophy

Weatherspoon, D., & Eske, J. (2019, September 13). Am I allergic to condom latex? MedicalNewsToday. Retrieved July 23, 2024, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326338When urinary tract infections keep coming back. (2022, February 2). Harvard Health. Retrieved July 23, 2024, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/bladder-and-bowel/when-urinary-tract-infections-keep-coming-back