What is Burning Urine?

Causes of Burning Urine

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)

• UTI is the most common cause of burning urination. A UTI is caused by bacterial infections of the urinary tract.
• Untreated UTIs can spread from the urethra to other urinary structures.
• UTIs can cause painful urination, frequent urination, and changes in urine color.

Trauma

The burning sensation when urinating can also be the result of local injury or irritation due to the placement of the catheter.

Anatomical obstructions or malformations

Another cause could be anatomical obstruction due to an enlarged prostate or a urethral stricture.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

• STDs, such as chlamydia, herpes, and gonorrhea, can cause burning or painful urination.
• These infections, caused by bacteria, may also present with genital sores, vaginal discharge, and groin itching.

Vaginal yeast infections

• Vaginal yeast infection is a common infection which occurs in women; it is also known as thrush.
• This can cause a burning sensation when urinating and can also cause itching and redness around the vaginal area.

Bacterial vaginosis

Burning during urination could indicate bacterial vaginosis

• Bacterial infection mainly affecting women
• Characterized by fishy odour

Vaginal tears

• Vaginal tears can cause painful urination or burning sensation.
• They typically occur during vigorous sex or childbirth, and contact with urine exacerbates the pain and burning.

Hormonal causes

• There are also hormonal causes that can cause a burning urination.
• Postmenopausal effects, such as vaginal dryness, could be odour of the hormonal causes.

Cancer

Cancer of the urethra, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, vaginal cancer, or penile cancer can also cause a burning sensation when urinating or painful urination.

Neurological conditions

Any nerve condition that causes difficulty fully emptying the bladder can also cause painful urination or a burning sensation during urination.

Atrophic vaginitis

• Atrophic vaginitis is a postmenopausal symptom caused by changes in hormone levels.
• This condition results in a thinning of the vulva and vagina, which can result in burning and irritation when urinating, having sexual intercourse, or simply spontaneously.

Unnecessary feminine hygiene products

• Some feminine hygiene products claim to clean the vagina or have a fresh smell.
• They alter the natural pH balance in the vagina.
• The skin of the vagina is very sensitive and easily irritated if it comes into contact with certain chemicals.
• This, in turn, can lead to burning when urinating or painful urination.

Other Causes of Burning Urine?

• Some of the other causes of burning sensation during urination include the following.
• Pain from external injuries in the genitals.
• Medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus and other chronic diseases suppress the immune system.

Risk Factors of Burning Urine

Women are at higher risk of UTIs due to the proximity of the urethra and anus. Other risk factors include:

• Diabetes
• The pregnancy.
• Structural defects of the urinary tract
• Being sexually active
• Any factor that obstructs the flow of urine, for example, kidney stones, an enlarged prostate
• Have a catheter inserted into your bladder
• Poor personal hygiene
• Being postmenopausal
• Using a diaphragm for birth control
• Have a weak immune system

UTIs are common in children and can be caused by constipation, inadequate bladder emptying, and delayed urination. Boys are more prone during childhood, girls after infancy.

Symptoms of Burning Urine

The symptom is chest pain, but it differs from person to person. One can experience:

• Burning urine can accompany other symptoms that vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder, or condition.
• Symptoms that frequently affect the urinary tract can also affect other body systems.

Urinary symptoms that can occur along with urinary burning

Urinary burning can accompany other symptoms that affect the urinary tract, including:

• Bloody or pink urine
• Changes in urine color
• Cloudy urine
• Dysuria and urinary retention
• Bad smell and dark urine
• Frequent urination
• Pain when urinating
• Urgent need to urinate

Other signs that can occur along with urinary burning:

Urinary burning can accompany symptoms related to other body systems, including:

• Abdominal, pelvic, or lower back pain that can be severe
• Fatigue
• Fever and chills
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea with or without vomiting
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Pain in the groin or side
• Eruption
• Redness, warmth, or swelling

What are the Severe symptoms that may indicate a life-threatening condition?

In some cases, urinary burning can be a symptom of a severe condition that needs to be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical attention if you, or someone you are with, have any of these symptoms:

• High fever
• Inability to urinate
• Severe abdominal pain

When to see a doctor?

Make an appointment with your doctor if:

• Your pain when urinating persists
• You have discharge or discharge from your penis or vagina
• You see blood in your urine
• You have a fever
• You have back pain or side pain

Pass a kidney or bladder stone

Diagnose Burning Urine

Doctor's assessment:

Review medical history and symptoms of burning urination

• Conduct physical exam:
  • Abdominal exam
  • External genitalia exam
  • Gynecological exam for women
• Urine sample collected :
  • Urine dipstick test performed to identify underlying cause
  • Indicates presence of bacteria and blood
• Urine culture conducted:
• Identifies bacteria and determines infection type
• Treatment prescribed based on diagnosis

Treatment of Burning Sensation in Urine

If you are experiencing a burning sensation while urinating, it's important to keep yourself hydrated, steer clear of irritants such as caffeine and spicy foods, and think about taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Moreover, drinking cranberry juice might be beneficial in preventing urinary tract infections

Home Remedies of Burning Urine

• Seek medical attention for urinary tract infections or conditions causing painful urination.
• Home remedies can complement medical treatment but not replace it.

Keep hydrated :

• Stay hydrated to alleviate burning sensation or pain during urination.
• Sufficient water intake ensures kidneys flush out potential urinary tract invaders.
• Drink at least 2-3 glasses of water daily in short intervals to combat dehydration and ease symptoms.

Cranberry juice

• Minor urinary tract infections and a burning sensation when urinating can be cured with citrus fruit juices.
• You can drink cranberry juice, which would help you kill the bacteria that cause infections.

Coconut water

• Coconut water can also be a useful home remedy for eliminating the burning sensation when urinating or for urinating with pain.
• It contains many essential electrolytes that are great for keeping your body fluids in proper balance.

Lemon

• Lemon is a home remedy for painful urination.
• Despite its acidity, lemon juice has an alkaline effect on the body.
• Citric acid and antibacterial properties prevent issues.
• Mix juice of one lemon with warm water and honey, and drink daily on an empty stomach.

Baking Soda

• Baking soda relieves the burning sensation during urination.
• Alkaline nature reduces urine acidity, easing discomfort and frequent urge to urinate.
• Balances the body's pH levels.
• Mix one teaspoon baking soda in water, drink on an empty stomach daily for about a week.

Apple cider vinegar

• Apple cider vinegar is a versatile home remedy for various ailments, including a burning sensation during urination.
• Antibacterial and antifungal properties combat urinary infections.
• Rich in enzymes, potassium, and minerals, restoring the body's pH balance.
• Mix 1 tbsp unfiltered raw apple cider vinegar and 1 tsp raw honey in lukewarm water, drink twice daily.
• Alternatively, add 1-2 cups apple cider vinegar to bathwater, and soak for 20 minutes once daily until improvement.

Amla juice

Amla juice is another home remedy for treating urinary tract infections and it can also alleviate the problem of a burning sensation during urination.

Blueberry

• Cranberries are known to be loaded with antioxidants that help kill bacteria and heal infections.
• Therefore, you can take this every day to ease the symptoms of burning urination.

Natural yogurt

• Another helpful home remedy is to take unsweetened yogurt with active cultures.
• Active cultures keep harmful bacteria away and improve the growth of healthy bacteria.
• It helps fight any infection that can cause this condition and helps maintain a healthy vaginal pH balance.
• You have to eat 2-3 cups of natural yogurt each day.

Cucumber

Cucumbers aid in treating burning urination:

• Diuretic nature supports urinary health
• High water content (about 95%) hydrates the body and eliminates toxins
• Cooling property regulates body temperature

Preparation

• Mix one cup of cucumber juice with one tablespoon of raw honey and lemon juice
• Drink mixture twice daily

Additional consumption

• Eat 2-3 cucumbers daily to alleviate symptoms

Coriander seeds

• Coriander seeds are also excellent home remedies that help relieve burning or painful urination.
• The antibacterial properties of these seeds help prevent urinary tract infections.
• Apart from this, coriander seeds also cleanse the excretory system of harmful toxins and aid in normal urination.
• Also, it helps to control excessive body heat that can make the condition worse.
• Boil two teaspoons of coriander seeds in 1 cup of water for a while and let it cool, strain, and drink twice a day.
• You can also add 1 tsp of coriander seed powder with 3 cups of water. Cover it and let it sit overnight.
• The next day, in the morning, add a little jaggery and stir the solution. Drink one cup of this solution three times a day.

Fenugreek seeds

• Fenugreek seeds are an Ayurvedic remedy for painful urination.
• They improve vaginal pH and prevent infections.
• Additionally, they help detoxify the body.
• Mix half a teaspoon of fenugreek powder in buttermilk, drink twice daily.
• Alternatively, mix seed powder with honey, and take 2-3 times daily.
• Soak a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds overnight, strain, add honey, and drink on an empty stomach.

Horseradish

• Horseradish is a home remedy for painful urination.
• Acts as a powerful antibacterial, damaging bacterial cell walls.
• Consume three times daily with water or milk to reduce burning or pain during urination.

Hot compression

• Warm compress relieves painful urination.
• Heat reduces bladder pressure and pain.
• Apply to the lower abdomen for 5 minutes, repeat as needed.
• Heat pads can also alleviate discomfort.