Health Tip: Causes of Painful Urination

(HealthDay News) — Painful urination (dysuria) is the pain or discomfort associated with going to the bathroom, says Cleveland Clinic.

It doesn’t refer to how often you urinate, although dysuria can be accompanied by frequent urination. Often, dysuria is associated with urinary tract infection.

Other causes of painful urination include vaginal infection, inflammation of the urethra, prostate disease, and in rare cases, cancer. Inflammation is often triggered by sexual intercourse, douches, soaps, scented toilet paper, contraceptive sponges or spermicides.

Because dysuria can be a sign of an underlying condition, both men and women who have painful urination should seek prompt medical attention.