Painful urination, cystitis and prostatitis: causes, red flags, who to see
Pain and burning when urinating usually point to a urinary tract infection — unpleasant, but very treatable. Men should see a urologist; for women either a urologist or a gynecologist works.
Common causes
- Cystitis — bladder inflammation
- Urethritis, including from sexually transmitted infections
- Kidney and bladder stones
- In men — prostatitis, inflammation of the prostate gland
- Irritation from hygiene products
When to seek urgent help
Do not wait for a scheduled visit if you have any of these signs:
- Pain with high fever and chills
- One-sided low back pain with fever
- Blood in the urine
- Inability to urinate despite the urge — call 103
- Painful urination during pregnancy
Ambulance: 103 (103 from a mobile) · Unified rescue service: 911
Your specialist
Urologist
What to bring to the visit
- A description of symptoms: onset, frequency of urges, urine color
- Previous urine test and ultrasound results, if any
- A list of medicines you take
- Details of similar episodes in the past
Frequently asked questions
Cystitis: what are the signs and which doctor should I see?
Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder. Acute cystitis usually causes burning or pain when peeing, frequent urges with little urine, a feeling that the bladder is not empty and lower tummy pain; urine may be cloudy or strong-smelling, and blood in the urine is a reason to seek help urgently. Urethritis and other conditions can feel the same, so a urine test is needed: men should see a urologist, women a urologist or a gynecologist.
Should a woman see a urologist or a gynecologist?
Both work. If the symptoms are only urinary — burning, frequent urges — a urologist; if there is discharge or lower abdominal pain, start with a gynecologist.
Prostatitis or cystitis in men: what are the signs and who should I see?
Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland and can cause pain or burning when peeing, frequent urges, difficulty peeing, and pain in the pelvis, genitals or lower back. Men can get cystitis too, and symptoms do not always tell them apart — see a urologist. With a high fever and chills, seek help urgently; if you cannot pee at all, call 103.
How is cystitis treated, and can I manage without a doctor?
Treatment is prescribed by a doctor after an examination and a urine test; for recurring cystitis, sometimes also after a urine culture and an ultrasound. Do not take medicines, especially antibiotics, without a prescription. Women can see a urologist or a gynecologist, men a urologist; with fever, chills or low back pain, do not wait for a routine appointment.
Fever and low back pain with cystitis: is it urgent?
Yes. This can be a kidney infection (pyelonephritis), when the infection has spread up from the bladder to the kidneys. Do not wait for a routine appointment: see a doctor the same day, and if you feel very unwell or cannot pee, call 103.
Can I just drink cranberry juice and wait?
A neglected infection can climb to the kidneys. A urine test and an examination take little time — do not postpone the visit.
The information on this page is for reference only and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis in person. If your condition worsens, call 103.