Pain while peeing (urinating) can be caused by different things, including:
- infection in the urinary tract
- irritation or injury of the genital area
- stones (small masses of minerals) in the urinary tract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common cause of pain during peeing.
Signs and Symptoms
- burning or stinging with peeing
- the urge to pee more often
- bad-smelling, bloody, or discolored pee
- fever or chills
- decreased appetite or activity
- irritability
- nausea or vomiting
- lower back pain or abdominal (belly) pain
- wetting accidents (in potty-trained kids)
What to Do
- Call the doctor if your child has pain while peeing or can't pee.
- Follow the doctor's treatment instructions.
- Encourage drinking lots of water and other caffeine-free liquids.
- Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed for discomfort.
Think Prevention!
- Avoid bubble baths and perfumed soaps. Wash the genital area with only mild soap or lukewarm water.
- Change soiled and very wet diapers right away.
- Remind kids to go to the bathroom often.
- Teach girls to gently wipe from front to back and make sure no tiny pieces of toilet paper get left behind.
- Sexually active teens should get tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
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