URINATION PAIN, MALE

Symptom Definition

  • Discomfort (pain, burning or stinging) when passing urine
  • May include urgency (can't wait) and frequency (passing small amounts) of urination.

General Information

  • Urinary Tract Infection: Urinary tract infections are the most common cause of painful urination.
  • Sexually Transmitted Disease: Sexually transmitted diseases (e.g. gonorrhea, chlamydia) can also cause painful urination. Most men with this type of infection will describe a clear-white to light yellow discharge from the penis.

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR URINARY PAIN, MALE

Call 911 Now (you may need an ambulance) If:

  • Very weak (can't stand)

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If:

  • You feel weak or very sick
  • Can't pass urine or only can pass few drops
  • Blood in urine
  • Severe pain
  • Fever of 100.5 F (38.1 C) or higher
  • Shaking chills
  • Side (flank) or back pain is present
  • Abdominal pain is present
  • Pain or swelling in scrotum
  • Have diabetes mellitus or a weakened immune system (e.g. HIV positive, cancer chemotherapy, chronic steroid treatment, splenectomy)
  • Are bedridden (e.g. nursing home patient, stroke, chronic illness, recovering from surgery)
  • Are a transplant patient (e.g. liver, heart, lung, kidney)

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If:

  • Painful urination, but none of the symptoms described above
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HOME CARE ADVICE FOR PAINFUL URINATION (pending talking with your doctor)

  1. Fluids: Drink extra fluids. Drink 8-10 glasses of liquids a day. (Reason: to produce a dilute, non-irritating urine)
  2. Cranberry Juice: Drinking cranberry juice may help in fighting urinary tract infections.
  3. Call Your Doctor If:
    • You become worse or develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
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Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Adult SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2002

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