6 Causes Of Non-STD Burning At The Tip Of The Urethra - Healthline

Maybe your like

HealthlineSubscribeWhy Does it Burn When I Pee?

Medically reviewed by Avi Varma, MD, MPH, AAHIVS, FAAFP — Written by Erica Cirino — Updated on September 3, 2024

UTI
Urethritis
Kidney stones
Urethral stricture
Prostatitis
Cancer treatment
STI
Diagnosis
FAQ
Takeaway

A burning sensation at the tip of your urethra is usually a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI) or sexually transmitted infection (STI). However, there are some other causes.

A burning sensation when you pee is a common symptom of a urinary tract infection (UTI) that may be affecting your bladder, kidneys, or urethra.

The urethra is a tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.

For people with a penis, it runs from the bladder through the penis. For people with a vagina, it runs from the bladder through the pelvis.

A burning sensation at the end of the urethra may be a sign of a UTI, but it could also indicate the presence of an underlying health condition.

Keep reading to learn more about the possible causes of burning when you pee and how to treat it.

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

UTIs occur when bacteria enter the bladder through the urethra and spread through the body’s urinary system.

Some risk factors for UTIs include:

engaging in oral, vaginal, or anal sex
pregnancy
dehydration
having an underlying health condition, such as kidney stones, enlarged prostate, and diabetes

UTIs are more common in people with a vagina because the urethra is shorter than those of people with a penis. Bacteria that enter the urethra only need to travel a short distance before reaching the bladder, where they can spread through the urinary tract.

Other symptoms

Some other symptoms of a UTI may include:

more frequent, sudden, and urgent needs to urinate
passing small amounts of urine
cloudy urine
bloody urine
strong-smelling urine
pelvic pain
fever

Treatment

Treatment for UTIs usually involves a course of antibiotics.

»MORE:Get an online treatment plan for your urinary tract infection in as little as 15 minutes with Optum Now Online Care.

Optum Now is operated by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more.

Urethritis

Urethritis, or inflammation of the urethra, is most commonly caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI). A common symptom is burning when you pee.

Simple irritation of the tip of the urethra may also cause urethritis. Some common irritants include:

wearing tight clothing
having sexual intercourse
some physical activities, such as biking
deodorants, lotions, soaps, and spermicides
some medical procedures, such as catheter insertion

Other symptoms

Some other symptoms of urethritis may include:

cloudy urine
penile or vaginal discharge
irritation at the tip of the penis

Treatment

Treatment for urethritis usually involves antibiotics and lifestyle changes, such as avoiding irritants.

Kidney stones

Kidney stones are hard masses of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys and move through the urinary tract. Sometimes, these stones reach the tip of the urethra during urination, which may cause burning pain.

Some risk factors for developing kidney stones include:

genetics
a sedentary lifestyle
eating a diet high in protein and low in fiber
not drinking enough water
taking certain medications, such as aspirin, antacids, and diuretics

Other symptoms

Other symptoms of kidney stones may include:

strong pain in the side, back, and groin
fever
severe pain that comes in waves
vomiting
nausea
UTI
reddish or brown urine

Treatment

Your treatment plan for kidney stones will depend on the size of the stones and your symptoms, but may include:

lifestyle and dietary changes, such as drinking more water
over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers
prescription medications, such as alpha-blockers
medical procedures, such as lithotripsy and ureteroscopy

Some natural remedies may also help with kidney stones.

Urethral stricture

Urethral stricture, or scarring, narrows the urethra and may cause inflammation or infection that causes a burning sensation at the tip. Some causes of scar tissue buildup in the urethra may include:

medical procedures, such as urethral surgery and transurethral resection
long-term catheter use
cystoscopy
hypospadias repair
prostate cancer treatment, such as radical prostatectomy
trauma to the pelvis or urethra

Often the cause is unknown.

Other symptoms

Urethral stricture is more common in males than females. Some other symptoms may include:

inability to completely empty the bladder
increased need to urinate
spraying or straining during urination
UTI
weak urine stream

Treatment

Treatment for urethral strictures depends on the type and severity of symptoms, the flow of urination, and the underlying cause.

Treatment may include:

antibiotics
urethral dilation
cystoscopy
direct vision internal urethrotomy
suprapubic cystostomy
endoscopy

Prostatitis

Prostatitis, or swelling of the prostate gland, can cause burning at the tip of the urethra when peeing.

In many cases, the causes of prostatitis are unknown. However, it could be caused by a UTI.

Other symptoms

Some other symptoms of prostatitis may include:

bloody urine
difficulty urinating
more frequent urge to urinate
pain in the testicles, bum, or penis
pain when ejaculating
fever

Treatment

Treatment for prostatitis usually includes antibiotics.

Cancer treatment

According to the National Cancer Institute, some cancer treatments that target the pelvis, colon, bladder, and rectum may cause urinary problems, including a burning sensation when you pee.

Some of these treatments may include:

radiation therapy
chemotherapy
immunotherapy
prostate removal (prostatectomy)
bladder cancer surgery
uterus surgery (radical hysterectomy)

Other symptoms

Some other urinary symptoms caused by cancer treatments may include:

blood in urine
difficulty urinating
frequent urge to urinate
difficulty fully emptying your bladder when you pee
leaking pee when you cough

Treatment

Speak with your doctor if you experience urinary problems after receiving treatment for cancer. They could help modify your treatment plan to prevent symptoms.

Sexually transmitted infection (STI)

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) could cause burning and discomfort at the tip of the urethra when you pee. Some more common STIs include:

chlamydia
gonorrhoea
trichomoniasis
genital warts
genital herpes

Other symptoms

Some other symptoms of STIs may include:

vaginal or penile irritation or soreness
discharge that is yellow, green, gray, clear, or cloudy
lumps, bumps, rash, or blisters in the genital area
genital itching

Treatment

Treatment for STIs will depend on the type of infection you have. A healthcare professional may recommend:

oral or injection antibiotics
topical medications
surgery, such as cryosurgery

It’s important to note there’s no cure for herpes, but a doctor may prescribe medications and recommend home remedies to relieve symptoms.

Diagnosis

A doctor will perform a physical examination to check for signs of infection. They will also ask you questions about your symptoms and medical history.

They will also most likely perform several tests, which may include:

urine tests (urinalysis)
urinary flow test (uroflowmetry)
cystoscopy
retrograde pyelogram
blood tests
imaging tests, such as MRI or ultrasound

A doctor may refer you to a specialist, such as a gynecologist or obstetrician, to help treat the cause of your symptoms.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my urethra burn but there’s no infection?

You may experience burning at the tip of the urethra due to irritation from sexual intercourse, masturbating, wearing tight clothing, or using certain detergents. Kidney stones and some cancer treatments may also cause a burning sensation when you pee.

What is an inflamed urethra but no STI?

An inflamed urethra not caused by an STI may be caused by trauma, certain activities like masturbating and sexual intercourse, or irritants like soaps.

Takeaway

Burning at the tip of the urethra is usually a cause for concern whether or not it’s caused by a UTI or STI.

If your symptoms last more than a few days, speak with a doctor. They can provide a proper diagnosis and develop a treatment plan for you.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Abdeen BM, et al. (2023). Urethral strictures.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564297/
Genital herpes. (2023).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/genital-herpes/
Kidney stones. (2022).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/kidney-stones/
Prostatitis. (2024).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostatitis/
Sexually transmitted infections. (2024).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sexually-transmitted-infections-stis/
Urinary and bladder problems. (2020).https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/urination-changes
Urinary tract infections. (2022).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-tract-infections-utis/
Young A, et al. (2024). Urethritis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537282/

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Avi Varma, MD, MPH, AAHIVS, FAAFP — Written by Erica Cirino — Updated on September 3, 2024

Health Conditions

Condition Spotlight

Wellness Topics

Product Reviews

Featured Programs

Featured

Lessons

Newsletters

Lifestyle Quizzes

Health News

This Just In

Top Reads

Video Series

Find Your Bezzy Community

Follow us on social media

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Other symptoms

Treatment

Urethritis

Other symptoms

Treatment

Kidney stones

Other symptoms

Treatment

Urethral stricture

Other symptoms

Treatment

Prostatitis

Other symptoms

Treatment

Cancer treatment

Other symptoms

Treatment

Sexually transmitted infection (STI)

Other symptoms

Treatment

Diagnosis

Frequently asked questions

Why does my urethra burn but there’s no infection?

What is an inflamed urethra but no STI?

Takeaway

How we reviewed this article:

Read this next

Contact