Why Does It Burn When I Pee After Sex? Causes and Solutions

To begin with, do not panic: A burning sensation after intercourse is frequent, and would not robotically imply you might have a significant issue (although it may be signal of some underlying well being situations).

Right here, Barbara M. Chubak, MD, an affiliate professor within the division of urology at Icahn Faculty of Drugs at Mount Sinai, solutions all of your burning questions, together with what’s up with burning pee after intercourse, the way to forestall it, and when to see your physician.

High causes it burns once you pee after intercourse

Why does it harm to pee after intercourse? Listed below are some culprits:

1. Your genital pores and skin is irritated

If you happen to had intercourse or did not use sufficient lube, your personal components would possibly really feel somewhat chafed from all of the friction. This irritation could make peeing after intercourse painful. Usually, “our genital pores and skin is structured to tolerate contact with the urine with out ache,” Dr. Chubak says. “However irritation of the pores and skin across the urethral meatus can compromise its barrier operate and make it much less tolerant of publicity to the chemical irritants in urine,” she says. In different phrases, your irritated pores and skin is extra vulnerable to the sting of urine.

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How you can deal with it:

Fortunately, the burning ought to go away after a day or two. Within the meantime, give your genitals an opportunity to heal. Possibly save the horny time for a later date.

2. You had an allergic response

Lately modified the model of condoms, lube, spermicide, or cleaning soap you utilize? Your burning pee could possibly be an allergic response or sensitivity to one thing in these merchandise, in accordance with Columbia Health. And imagine it or not, sperm may cause burning sensations. It is uncommon, however generally the proteins in your associate’s semen can set off an immune response, affecting the pores and skin round your genital space (and anyplace else semen touches, like your arms or mouth), per the Mayo Clinic.

Whereas anybody can get an allergic response from semen, it is extra frequent in individuals with vaginas. Together with burning pores and skin, you might also have the next signs, per the Mayo Clinic:

• Change in pores and skin colour
• Burning or swelling the place semen contacts pores and skin or vaginal tissues
• Hives
• Itching
• Issue respiration, in extreme circumstances (Search instant medical consideration if so.)

How you can deal with it:

If you happen to’re allergic to lube or latex, toss that product to the curb. If you happen to assume semen is the offender, attain out to your physician to debate medicine or therapy choices.

3. You’ve a UTI

At all times getting UTIs after intercourse? Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are infamous for inflicting burning pee. Intercourse tends to set off UTIs as a result of the friction from all of the skin-to-skin rubbing can unfold micro organism, per UW Medicine. Whereas tons of micro organism already reside in your pores and skin (and in your anus) with out inflicting points, they’ll create issues once they journey to your urinary tract.

Individuals with vaginas are extra liable to UTIs as a result of their urethras (i.e., pee tubes) are shorter and nearer to their anus. Different frequent UTI signs embody the next, per the Mayo Clinic:

• A powerful urge to urinate that does not go away
• Urinating typically, and passing small quantities of urine
• Urine that appears cloudy
• Urine that seems pink, shiny pink or cola-colored (indicators of blood within the urine)
• Sturdy-smelling urine
• Pelvic ache, particularly within the middle of the pelvis and across the space of the pubic bone

How you can deal with it:

If you happen to suspect you might have a UTI, don’t let it slide. See your physician who can prescribe an antibiotic. Left untreated, the an infection can unfold to your kidneys, probably inflicting everlasting kidney injury or sepsis—a probably life-threatening complication of an an infection, in accordance with the Mayo Clinic.

4. It is a sexually transmitted an infection (STI)

An STI could possibly be liable for the stinging ache once you pee post-sex. Each bacterial STIs (like chlamydia, trichomonas, and gonorrhea) and viral STIs (like herpes simplex virus) may cause a burning sensation when you urinate, per Columbia Well being.

How you can deal with it:

In case your ache whereas peeing doesn’t go away after a day or two, contemplate getting an STI test. You don’t wish to unintentionally unfold an STI to your associate. After getting a analysis, your physician can prescribe an applicable medicine, like antibiotics, to deal with the an infection. Left unchecked, a bacterial an infection can develop right into a UTI or prostatitis, i.e., irritation of the prostate gland (extra on this later), per Columbia Well being.

5. Your have an infected urethra

An infected, swollen urethra is likely to be making your pee really feel stingy. That is referred to as urethritis—i.e., irritation of the urethra often brought on by an an infection. “Urethritis might be brought on by many micro organism, together with STIs like gonorrhea and chlamydia, and UTIs equivalent to E. coli and different micro organism that usually reside within the digestive tract,” Dr. Chubak says.

“Throughout sexual exercise, micro organism might be pushed into the urethra,” she says. “That is usually not a direct reason for burning proper after intercourse, however will manifest signs inside days.” Different indicators of urethritis might embody the next, per the Cleveland Clinic:

• Ache or burning throughout intercourse (dyspareunia)
• Itchiness on the tip of the urethra
• Penile discharge, together with pus, and/or blood
• Pelvic ache

How you can deal with it:

Antibiotics are the highest therapy for urethritis, so you will must go to the physician. NSAIDs (like Ibuprofen) may also help relieve ache when you’re therapeutic.

6. You’ve interstitial cystitis (IC)

Like an infected urethra, an irritated bladder could make your pee burn, too. “Interstitial cystitis (irritation of the bladder within the absence of any infectious trigger) isn’t in itself a reason for burning after urination, however is incessantly related to hypertonicity (or a failure of leisure) of the pelvic ground muscle mass,” Dr. Chubak says. “If the pelvic ground muscle mass are tense and unable to stretch to create area for the urine to circulate out of the bladder with out resistance, it might trigger burning ache with urination,” she says.

Individuals with IC could also be extra liable to burning after intercourse. “Intercourse, and particularly orgasm, is an intense pelvic ground muscle train,” Dr. Chubak says. “If the muscle mass are drained proper after intercourse and comparatively rigid, this failure of muscle leisure may cause ache, in addition to hesitancy of urination and problem with bladder emptying,” she says.

Different frequent signs of interstitial cystitis embody the next, per Johns Hopkins Medicine:

• Frequent urination
• Urgency with urination
• Emotions of strain, ache, and tenderness across the bladder, pelvis, and the realm between the anus and vagina or anus and scrotum (perineum)
• Ache throughout intercourse
• Worsening signs are your interval

IC isn’t an an infection, however as a result of some signs overlap with UTI, it may be arduous to inform the distinction, Dr. Chubak says. That’s why it’s finest to see your physician for those who’re not sure.

How you can deal with it:

Sadly, IC can’t be cured and isn’t all the time simple to deal with. Remedies differ from individual to individual, however might embody choices like weight loss plan modifications (limiting or eliminating meals—like alcohol, tomatoes, spices, chocolate, citrus, caffeine, and high-acid meals—which will irritate the bladder), bladder coaching, and medication. In additional extreme circumstances, you could want surgical procedure, per Johns Hopkins Drugs.

7. It is urethral sounding

“Urethral sounding, wherein a international object is positioned contained in the urethra, is a supply of sexual pleasure for some,” Dr. Chubak says. When finished correctly (extra on this later), it may be protected. However for those who don’t use sufficient lube or correctly clear the article (like a intercourse toy) beforehand, it’s potential to annoy or injure the urethra, she says. And this will result in painful peeing.

How you can deal with it:

You can also make sounding protected (and keep away from harming the urethra) by ensuring you utilize clear toys and plenty of lube, Dr. Chubak says. For protected urethral sounding, contemplate:

• Sterilizing toys beforehand
• Utilizing the right-sized toy for you
• Doing it slowly and gently

High causes in case you have a vagina

Having a vagina places you at larger danger for sure points that may make your pee sting. This may embody:

1. pH stability disruption

Your vagina has a fragile pH stability. So when one thing throws it off, your pH can rise and end in irritation, Dr. Chubak says. “The barrier operate of the pores and skin that covers the vulvar vestibule and vagina might be compromised not solely by mechanical abrasion (as talked about above) but additionally by modifications in its hormonal surroundings,” Dr. Chubak says.

One main reason for hormonal modifications is menopause, which causes a drop in estrogen. This may have an effect on the functioning of the genitals, pelvic ground, bladder, and urethra. Modifications to your vaginal microbiome (like much less wholesome micro organism) may have an effect on your hormone ranges, she says. On prime of this, medicines, cleansers, and infections may disturb vaginal pH, too.

How you can deal with it:

Keep away from merchandise that may mess together with your vagina’s pH, like harsh or scented soaps. If you happen to assume hormone modifications, an infection, or a drugs is the offender, inform your physician ASAP. You’ll be able to work collectively to determine the basis trigger.

2. Hormonal contraception

Whereas the tablet is an effective way to stop being pregnant, it might include unwanted effects—certainly one of them being vaginal irritation. “A aspect impact of oral contraceptive drugs is usually a relative discount in genital sex-hormone ranges, just like genitourinary syndrome of menopause,” Dr. Chubak says. As we discovered, menopause “compromises the barrier operate of the pores and skin,” she says.

How you can deal with it:

If you happen to’re getting disagreeable unwanted effects from the tablet, let your physician know. They will prescribe a unique sort of tablet or contraception choice.

3. Bacterial vaginosis

A burning feeling once you pee is a standard signal of bacterial vaginosis (BV). This vaginal an infection occurs when the dangerous micro organism in your vagina develop uncontrolled and disrupt the wholesome stability of your genital microbiome. Something that modifications your vagina’s pure stability (like douching or unprotected intercourse) can tip the scales towards imbalance, per the Mayo Clinic.

About 80 p.c of individuals with BV are asymptomatic, so they do not even know they’ve it. However for the small proportion of people that do get signs, a stinging sensation whereas peeing is frequent. Different signs can embody the next, per the Mayo Clinic:

• Skinny vaginal discharge which may be grey, white, or inexperienced
• Foul smelling, “fishy” vaginal odor
• Vaginal itching
• Burning throughout urination

How you can deal with it:

Questioning the way to cease vaginal burning from BV? See your physician for antibiotics. If untreated, BV could make you extra vulnerable to STIs and may have an effect on being pregnant, per the Mayo Clinic.

4. Yeast an infection

Much like BV, a yeast an infection occurs when a sort of yeast in your vagina (referred to as candida) overgrows and causes issues (like irritation and burning once you pee). An overgrowth of yeast can occur each time one thing modifications in your vagina’s surroundings. Frequent examples embody menstruation, being pregnant, sure meds, diabetes, or a weak immune system, per Planned Parenthood:

Yeast infections will also be uncomfortable, particularly the longer they’re untreated. Signs might together with the next, per Deliberate Parenthood:

• Itching, burning, and/or redness in or across the vagina
• Discomfort or ache throughout intercourse
• Fissures or sores in your vagina or vulva (in excessive circumstances)
• Thick, white, clumpy vaginal discharge that often doesn’t scent (or solely smells barely totally different than regular)
• A creamy, whitish coating in and round your vagina

How you can deal with it:

Most yeast infections might be handled with over-the-counter (OTC) anti-fungal medicines (like Monistat and different manufacturers). If signs don’t resolve with OTC meds, see your physician who would possibly must prescribe a stronger drug.

5. Vaginal dryness

Ever thought why does my vagina burn after intercourse? You might be coping with vaginal dryness. That is usually from a drop in estrogen, which might occur throughout menopause or for those who’re breast- or chestfeeding. When estrogen is low, your vaginal and vulvar tissue can get thinner and drier, per University Hospitals. This may result in urinary signs like ache whereas peeing and frequent UTIs.

How you can deal with it:

Whereas vaginal dryness is extremely frequent amongst postmenopausal individuals (as much as 50 p.c expertise it, per College Hospitals), it’s not a traditional a part of growing older. Meaning, you do not have to only “suck it up.” Let your physician know what you are going via. You’ll be able to talk about therapy choices collectively—together with meds and life-style modifications.

High causes in case you have a penis

There are just a few the reason why somebody with a penis would have burning pee after intercourse. This contains:

1. Prostatitis

Burning pee could possibly be related to prostate difficulty—the tiny, walnut-sized gland situated slightly below the bladder in individuals with penises. It might be prostatitis—or irritation of the prostate—that causes tough or painful urination. Some circumstances develop from bacterial infections, whereas different instances, the explanations aren’t clear, in accordance with the Mayo Clinic. Signs typically embody frequent urination, cloudy or bloody urine, ache within the stomach or decrease again, and ache within the scrotum, amongst others.

How you can deal with it:

Remedy will rely upon the trigger. If it is from micro organism, your physician will prescribe an antibiotic. They could additionally recommend alpha-blockers to chill out the bladder and surrounding muscle mass when you heal, per the Mayo Clinic.

2. Penile damage

Although much less frequent, a penile fracture might trigger ache whereas peeing. Technically the penis doesn’t have bones, however you’ll be able to “break” it by bending it forcefully when it’s erect (ouch), in accordance with the Cleveland Clinic. This may occur accidentally, say, in case your penis slips out throughout intercourse and thrusts towards your associate’s physique as a substitute of going again in. Whereas painful urination is not a standard symptom, it’s potential, says Dr. Chubak, together with bruising, swelling, and excessive ache.

How you can deal with it:

To cut back your danger of future issues (assume: getting an erection and peeing with out ache), your physician might advocate surgical procedure to restore a penile fracture.

Stopping burning pee after intercourse

You’ll be able to’t all the time keep away from burning pee after intercourse, however you’ll be able to attempt to scale back your danger. This is what to do earlier than, throughout, and after intercourse:

Earlier than intercourse:

• Hold your genital pores and skin wholesome: “Wash with water, avoiding pointless chemical publicity with irritant soaps,” Dr. Chubak says.
• Deal with underlying situations: When you deal with the basis trigger, your stinging pee ought to go away. Till then, it’s most likely safer to abstain from intercourse. Not solely might intercourse be uncomfortable for you, however you might also go on an lively an infection to your associate.
• Chat together with your associate. Find out about your associate’s STI standing (and disclose yours) earlier than you do the deed. This manner, you’ll be able to take correct precautions to decrease your probabilities of catching (or transmitting) an an infection.

Throughout intercourse:

• Use lubricant as wanted. This helps to “preserve issues slippery” and “might be useful to stop abrasion of the pores and skin from friction,” Dr. Chubak says.
• Use safety. “In case you are unsure of your associate’s STI standing, use condoms to guard towards an infection,” Dr. Chubak says.
• Keep away from irritating substances. When you have irritation after intercourse, keep away from condoms with spermicides and warming, tingling, or scented lubricants, in accordance with the Cleveland Clinic. As an alternative, strive latex condoms (with out spermicide) and water-based, fragrance-free lubricants for delicate pores and skin.
• Observe protected urethral sounding practices. “You will need to use a clear object that’s designed for the aim and to make use of loads of water-based lubricant with a purpose to keep away from damage,” Dr. Chubak says.

After intercourse:

• Pee ASAP. “Urine is a car for elimination of chemical compounds which might be unhealthy to the physique,” Dr. Chubak says. “Urinating to empty the bladder after sounding [and other forms of sex] is essential to scale back the danger of an infection.”
• Be conscious of what your pelvic ground muscle mass are doing. Keep in mind, a decent pelvic ground could make peeing painful. So, as you pee, consciously contemplate these muscle mass: “Are they stretching downward to let the urine out, or are they tightening and interfering with the discharge of urine?” Dr. Chubak says. “If the muscle mass are usually not cooperating, downtraining [aka, relaxing] workout routines are useful practices,” she says. These might embody stretches like glad child pose or deep stomach respiration.

When to see a health care provider

Whereas burning pee after intercourse isn’t nice, it’s not all the time a trigger for concern. (It could possibly be minor pores and skin irritation that goes away by itself.) Alternatively, in case you have stinging pee together with the next signs, Dr. Chubak says it’s most likely finest to see your physician:

• Ache that lasts for a number of days
• Ache that’s unrelieved by over-the-counter medicine (equivalent to NSAIDs or phenazopyridine)
• Ache that’s related to fever

These is likely to be indicators that one thing extra critical is up—like an an infection that requires therapy.

FAQ

Is it regular for pee to burn after intercourse?

“No, however it’s not unusual,” Dr. Chubak says. Once more, “numerous issues may cause transient burning with urination after intercourse,” together with irritation, infections, irritation, and allergic reactions, simply to call just a few, she says. In case your pee sting doesn’t subside inside a day or two, inform your physician. They will study you to see what’s occurring.

Does burning after peeing imply STD?

Generally. Once more, painful pee is usually a symptom of some STIs, together with chlamydia and gonorrhea. However it will also be an indication of different infections (like UTIs, yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and many others.) in addition to sure underlying medical situations (like interstitial cystitis, menopause, or prostatitis). To rule out STIs, see your physician who can take a look at you for any infections.

What does a UTI really feel like after intercourse?

UTIs do not all the time trigger signs. In the event that they do, you will often really feel burning once you pee, pelvic and again ache, and a powerful urge to urinate however solely passing small quantities at a time, per the Mayo Clinic.

How you can keep away from a UTI after intercourse?

It is not all the time potential to keep away from UTIs after intercourse, however these UTI prevention tips from the Mayo Clinic might assist:

• Drink loads of water. This helps dilute urine and encourages you to pee extra typically, permitting micro organism to be flushed from the urinary tract earlier than an an infection can start.
• Strive cranberry juice. Some research present cranberry juice might assist prevents UTIs, although extra proof continues to be wanted to verify this.
• Wipe from entrance to again. This helps forestall the unfold of micro organism from the anus to the vagina and urethra.
• Empty your bladder quickly after having intercourse. Once more, this observe, together with consuming water, may also help flush out micro organism.
• Keep away from irritating female merchandise (like deodorant sprays, douches, and powders). Utilizing them in your genitals can irritate the urethra.
• Change your contraception methodology. Diaphragms, un-lubricated condoms, or condoms with spermicide can contribute to bacterial development.