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

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, forestall it, and when to see your physician.

High causes it burns once you pee after intercourse

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

1. Your genital pores and skin is irritated

In the event you had intercourse or did not use sufficient lube, your non-public components would possibly really feel a bit 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 perform 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 inclined to the sting of urine.

Associated Tales

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 attractive time for a later date.

2. You had an allergic response

Just lately modified the model of condoms, lube, spermicide, or cleaning soap you utilize? Your burning pee might be an allergic response or sensitivity to one thing in these merchandise, in accordance with Columbia Well being. And imagine it or not, sperm could cause burning sensations. It is uncommon, however typically the proteins in your accomplice’s semen can set off an immune response, affecting the pores and skin round your genital space (and wherever else semen touches, like your fingers 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 shade
• Burning or swelling the place semen contacts pores and skin or vaginal tissues
• Hives
• Itching
• Issue respiratory, in extreme circumstances (Search instant medical consideration if that is so.)

deal with it:

In the event you’re allergic to lube or latex, toss that product to the curb. In the event you assume semen is the offender, attain out to your physician to debate treatment or remedy choices.

3. You may have 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 Drugs. Whereas tons of micro organism already dwell in your pores and skin (and in your anus) with out inflicting points, they’ll create issues after they journey to your urinary tract.

Folks with vaginas are extra susceptible 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 robust urge to urinate that does not go away
• Urinating usually, and passing small quantities of urine
• Urine that appears cloudy
• Urine that seems purple, brilliant pink or cola-colored (indicators of blood within the urine)
• Robust-smelling urine
• Pelvic ache, particularly within the middle of the pelvis and across the space of the pubic bone

deal with it:

In the event you suspect you may 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, presumably 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 might be accountable for the stinging ache once you pee post-sex. Each bacterial STIs (like chlamydia, trichomonas, and gonorrhea) and viral STIs (like herpes simplex virus) could cause a burning sensation once you urinate, per Columbia Well being.

deal with it:

In case your ache whereas peeing doesn’t go away after a day or two, think about getting an STI take a look at. You don’t wish to unintentionally unfold an STI to your accomplice. After you have a prognosis, your physician can prescribe an acceptable treatment, 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 normally brought on by an an infection. “Urethritis may be brought on by many micro organism, together with STIs like gonorrhea and chlamydia, and UTIs comparable to E. coli and different micro organism that usually dwell within the digestive tract,” Dr. Chubak says.

“Throughout sexual exercise, micro organism may be pushed into the urethra,” she says. “That is sometimes not a right away 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

deal with it:

Antibiotics are the highest remedy for urethritis, so you will have to go to the physician. NSAIDs (like Ibuprofen) may help relieve ache whilst you’re therapeutic.

6. You may have 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 regularly related to hypertonicity (or a failure of rest) of the pelvic flooring muscle mass,” Dr. Chubak says. “If the pelvic flooring muscle mass are tense and unable to stretch to create house for the urine to circulate out of the bladder with out resistance, it may possibly trigger burning ache with urination,” she says.

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

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

• 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.

deal with it:

Sadly, IC can’t be cured and isn’t at all times straightforward to deal with. Remedies range from individual to individual, however might embody choices like food plan modifications (limiting or eliminating meals—like alcohol, tomatoes, spices, chocolate, citrus, caffeine, and high-acid meals—that will irritate the bladder), bladder coaching, and drugs. In additional extreme circumstances, it’s possible you’ll want surgical procedure, per Johns Hopkins Drugs.

7. It is urethral sounding

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

deal with it:

You may make sounding secure (and keep away from harming the urethra) by ensuring you utilize clear toys and many lube, Dr. Chubak says. For secure urethral sounding, think about:

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

High causes when you’ve got a vagina

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

1. pH steadiness disruption

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

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

deal with it:

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

2. Hormonal contraception

Whereas the capsule is an effective way to stop being pregnant, it may possibly include uncomfortable side effects—considered one of them being vaginal irritation. “A facet impact of oral contraceptive drugs could be a relative discount in genital sex-hormone ranges, just like genitourinary syndrome of menopause,” Dr. Chubak says. As we realized, menopause “compromises the barrier perform of the pores and skin,” she says.

deal with it:

In the event you’re getting disagreeable uncomfortable side effects from the capsule, let your physician know. They’ll prescribe a unique kind of capsule or contraception possibility.

3. Bacterial vaginosis

A burning feeling once you pee is a typical signal of bacterial vaginosis (BV). This vaginal an infection occurs when the unhealthy micro organism in your vagina develop uncontrolled and disrupt the wholesome steadiness of your genital microbiome. Something that modifications your vagina’s pure steadiness (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 share 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

deal with it:

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

4. Yeast an infection

Just 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 at any time when one thing modifications in your vagina’s atmosphere. Widespread examples embody menstruation, being pregnant, sure meds, diabetes, or a weak immune system, per Deliberate Parenthood:

Yeast infections may 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 normally doesn’t scent (or solely smells barely completely different than regular)
• A creamy, whitish coating in and round your vagina

deal with it:

Most yeast infections may 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 have to prescribe a stronger drug.

5. Vaginal dryness

Ever thought why does my vagina burn after intercourse? You would be coping with vaginal dryness. That is sometimes 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 College Hospitals. This will result in urinary signs like ache whereas peeing and frequent UTIs.

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 standard a part of getting old. Meaning, you do not have to simply “suck it up.” Let your physician know what you are going by. You may talk about remedy choices collectively—together with meds and way of life modifications.

High causes when you’ve got a penis

There are a number of the explanation why somebody with a penis would have burning pee after intercourse. This contains:

1. Prostatitis

Burning pee might be related to prostate situation—the tiny, walnut-sized gland positioned just under the bladder in individuals with penises. It could 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 usually embody frequent urination, cloudy or bloody urine, ache within the stomach or decrease again, and ache within the scrotum, amongst others.

deal with it:

Therapy will depend upon the trigger. If it is from micro organism, your physician will prescribe an antibiotic. They could additionally counsel alpha-blockers to loosen up the bladder and surrounding muscle mass whilst you heal, per the Mayo Clinic.

2. Penile harm

Although much less frequent, a penile fracture may trigger ache whereas peeing. Technically the penis doesn’t have bones, however you possibly can “break” it by bending it forcefully when it’s erect (ouch), in accordance with the Cleveland Clinic. This will occur by chance, say, in case your penis slips out throughout intercourse and thrusts in opposition to your accomplice’s physique as an alternative of going again in. Whereas painful urination is not a typical symptom, it’s attainable, says Dr. Chubak, together with bruising, swelling, and excessive ache.

deal with it:

To scale 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 may’t at all times keep away from burning pee after intercourse, however you possibly can attempt to cut back your danger. This is what to do earlier than, throughout, and after intercourse:

Earlier than intercourse:

• Maintain your genital pores and skin wholesome: “Wash with water, avoiding pointless chemical publicity with irritant soaps,” Dr. Chubak says.
• Deal with underlying circumstances: When you deal with the basis trigger, your stinging pee ought to go away. Till then, it’s in all probability safer to abstain from intercourse. Not solely might intercourse be uncomfortable for you, however you might also move on an lively an infection to your accomplice.
• Chat together with your accomplice. Find out about your accomplice’s STI standing (and disclose yours) earlier than you do the deed. This fashion, you possibly can 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 “may be useful to stop abrasion of the pores and skin from friction,” Dr. Chubak says.
• Use safety. “If you’re unsure of your accomplice’s STI standing, use condoms to guard in opposition to an infection,” Dr. Chubak says.
• Keep away from irritating components. When you have irritation after intercourse, avoid condoms with spermicides and warming, tingling, or scented lubricants, in accordance with the Cleveland Clinic. As a substitute, attempt latex condoms (with out spermicide) and water-based, fragrance-free lubricants for delicate pores and skin.
• Comply with secure 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 in an effort to keep away from harm,” Dr. Chubak says.

After intercourse:

• Pee ASAP. “Urine is a automobile for elimination of chemical compounds which are unhealthy to the physique,” Dr. Chubak says. “Urinating to empty the bladder after sounding [and other forms of sex] is necessary to scale back the danger of an infection.”
• Be conscious of what your pelvic flooring muscle mass are doing. Keep in mind, a decent pelvic flooring could make peeing painful. So, as you pee, consciously think about 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 usually are not cooperating, downtraining [aka, relaxing] workouts are useful practices,” she says. These might embody stretches like completely happy child pose or deep stomach respiratory.

When to see a health care provider

Whereas burning pee after intercourse isn’t nice, it’s not at all times a trigger for concern. (It might be minor pores and skin irritation that goes away by itself.) Alternatively, when you’ve got stinging pee together with the next signs, Dr. Chubak says it’s in all probability finest to see your physician:

• Ache that lasts for a number of days
• Ache that’s unrelieved by over-the-counter treatment (comparable 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 remedy.

FAQ

Is it regular for pee to burn after intercourse?

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

Does burning after peeing imply STD?

Typically. Once more, painful pee could be a symptom of some STIs, together with chlamydia and gonorrhea. Nevertheless it may also be an indication of different infections (like UTIs, yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and so forth.) in addition to sure underlying medical circumstances (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 at all times trigger signs. In the event that they do, you will normally really feel burning once you pee, pelvic and again ache, and a robust urge to urinate however solely passing small quantities at a time, per the Mayo Clinic.

keep away from a UTI after intercourse?

It is not at all times attainable to keep away from UTIs after intercourse, however these UTI prevention suggestions from the Mayo Clinic might assist:

• Drink loads of water. This helps dilute urine and encourages you to pee extra usually, 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 substantiate 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 follow, together with ingesting water, may 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 technique. Diaphragms, un-lubricated condoms, or condoms with spermicide can contribute to bacterial development.