Consistent pain while urinating is usually the sign of a problem. There are several reasons for painful urination including:

• Urinary tract infections that can cause irritation, burning, or pain during urination

• A sexually transmitted infection in the genital area can spread into the urinary tract and be the cause of pain

• Cystitis, an inflammation of the bladder, is very common, especially in women; just as prostatitis, or inflammation of the prostate gland, is very common in men

• Stones in the kidneys, ureters, or bladder are another cause of urinary pain

• Some drugs, especially those used in cancer treatment, can irritate the urinary tract and bladder

• Radiation therapy for cancers in and around the pelvis can irritate the urinary tract and bladder, as well

Since the sexual and the urinary organs are in close proximity, an infection in the genital area can spread into the urinary tract and be the cause of pain 

However, the most common cause of pain for women while urinating is a urinary tract infection (UTI). Urinary tract infections can occur in the kidneys, the bladder, or in the tubes that move urine through and out of the body: the ureters and urethra.

UTIs can often be easily treated if found in time and diagnosed correctly. A doctor will need a description of your symptoms and if you frequently have UTIs. Tell them if you have a fever, back pain, blood in your urine, or pus or discharge from either the urinary or the genital openings. The doctor will also need to know if you are pregnant or if you have any chronic medical issues (like diabetes). They also need to know about any recent surgeries, especially if you needed to use a catheter to pass urine.

A simple urine test may help determine whether or not you have a UTI. A urine test consists of collecting urine in a sterile cup and testing it for bacteria, virus, and yeasts. Other diagnostic tools include X-rays, ultrasound, or computed tomography (CT). These can help determine if the urinary tract is blocked or if stones are causing the discomfort. A cytoscope, a flexible thin tube with a camera on the tip, may also be used to look inside the bladder.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are usually treated with antibiotics, most commonly trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX). Other antibiotics that may be used are quinolone, penicillin, cephalosporin, beta-lactam, tetracycline, and for very severe infections, aminoglycoside.

Once treatment has begun, UTI symptoms may be eased or completely disappear within a few days. Even so, it is very important to continue taking the medication as prescribed to completely get rid of the bacteria and prevent reinfection. If you suffer from frequent UTIs, your doctor may prescribe a long course of antibiotic treatment, up to six months. If a doctor does prescribe an antibiotic, always take the entire prescription to prevent reinfection.

Sometimes a UTI requires more intensive treatment. Patients who have had recent surgery for kidney stones or other urinary issues, and people with diabetes, cancer, or spinal cord injury may require hospitalization for treatment with antibiotics and fluids. The same may be true for pregnant and elderly patients.

The best thing you can do for good urinary health is to drink plenty of water to help keep your system flushed and clean of bacteria.

Urinary tract infections can sometimes recur with maddening frequency. A woman can help herself stay healthy by following a few simple hygiene habits, like cleaning the genital area before and after intercourse, and urinating before and after intercourse. After using the toilet, always wipe from front to back to prevent fecal germs from infecting the urethra. Avoid douching, and do not use sprays, powders, or deodorants on the genitals, as these can irritate tender tissue.

Someone who frequently suffers UTIs may want to shower instead of taking a bath because moisture can cause irritation, which can lead to infection. A woman who is menstruating should change her sanitary pads every time she uses the restroom. Some doctors also believe that tampons increase the risk of UTI. Where clothing is concerned, especially underwear, natural fibers like cotton are better than synthetics, which have less “breathable” fibers and are more likely to trap moisture.

Then again, dryness can also be a factor in UTIs. Menopausal women may experience vaginal dryness and hormonal changes that can trigger an infection. For these women, a doctor may prescribe an estrogen cream that can be applied locally.

A doctor will also advise a smoker to quit – smoking makes a woman’s bladder more prone to infections, in addition to a host of other potential health complications.

More than anything, drink plenty of water because it can help wash away the bacteria that causes infections. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as these can irritate the urinary tract. Someone who does not have a family history of kidney stones may want to consider developing a cranberry juice habit. Cranberries contain chemicals that prevent E. coli, the bacteria responsible for most UTIs, from sticking to the cells that line the urinary tract.

Sexually transmitted infections are another common cause of pain during urination. Since the sexual and the urinary organs are in close proximity, an infection in the genital area can spread into the urinary tract. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be caused by bacteria such as Chlamydia and gonorrhea, yeast like candida, or viruses such as herpes. Someone exposed to an STI, in addition to pain and discomfort while urinating, may see a milky or yellowish discharge from the genitals. Other symptoms to watch for include a change in menstrual bleeding and pain during intercourse. Also, a herpes infection can cause body aches, fever, and sores/scabs around the genital area.

A few simple precautions can help you avoid sexually transmitted infections. Always use condoms. Consider using a dental dam to protect your mouth during oral sex. And lubrication can prevent dryness, which can cause micro tearing of vaginal or anal tissue allowing infectious agents an easy point of entry.

Of course, the only guaranteed way to avoid an STI is to abstain from sex.