Burning when urinating after sex: 5 common reasons

Painful urination (dysuria) often manifests as a burning sensation and can be a sign of an underlying health condition. A burning sensation during urination can also occur after sex and may affect both men and women. It can have various causes, but is often triggered by urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are more common in women. In addition to UTIs, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can also be associated with painful urination. In this article, we’ll cover the five most common reasons for a burning sensation when urinating after sex. Understanding what can cause painful urination after sex can help you make more informed decisions about your health.

Table of Contents

• Why is urinating after sex important?

• Causes of a burning sensation when urinating after sex

  1. Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

  2. Sexually transmitted infections

  3. Allergic reactions and skin irritation

  4. Injuries

  5. Lack of moisture

• Summary

Why is urinating after sex important?

In general, it is recommended to urinate within 30 minutes after sex. This offers the following important benefits:

• Urinating after sex flushes out potential germs and bacteria that may have entered the urinary tract during intercourse.

• This helps prevent infections like UTIs—but does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

• This is especially important for women, as the urethra, which leads to the bladder, is shorter and located closer to the anus, making it easier for bacteria to enter and travel upward (Cleveland Clinic, 2022).

Sidebar: The urinary system

Kidneys: Filter the blood and produce urine to remove waste products and excess water from the body.
Ureters: Carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
Bladder: Stores urine until it is expelled from the body.
Urethra: Carries urine from the bladder out of the body.
Source: adapted from Cleveland Clinic, 2023

Causes of a burning sensation when urinating after sex
The illustration shows the most common causes of burning during urination after sex:

1 – Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection affecting parts of the urinary system such as the urethra, bladder, ureters, or kidneys. Women are especially vulnerable to UTIs due to their shorter urethra. In addition to poor hygiene or a weakened immune system, sexual intercourse can also increase the risk of a UTI. If bacteria remain in the urethra, they can ascend and cause a bladder infection. Possible symptoms include:

• Burning or pain during urination

• Frequent urge to urinate

• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

• Lower abdominal pain

• Blood in the urine

• General discomfort

If bacteria persist and inflammation is not treated, the infection can spread further and lead to ureteritis, often accompanied by discharge, or to kidney infection, which causes high fever, nausea, and flank pain near the kidneys (Mayo Clinic, 2022).

How is a UTI treated?

UTIs can be effectively treated with antibiotics. It’s important to take the medication as prescribed and for the full duration (Cleveland Clinic, 2023). 

How can I prevent a UTI?

• Urinate before and after sex: Helps flush bacteria from the urethra.

• Natural hygiene: Avoid perfumed products when cleaning the genital area.

• Wipe from front to back: Prevents transferring bacteria from the anus to the urethra.

• Change menstrual products regularly: Reduces the risk of infection.

• Stay well hydrated: Keeps the urinary tract flushed.

• Wear comfortable underwear: Use breathable cotton fabrics and avoid tight trousers to reduce friction.
  
  Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2023

2 – Sexually transmitted infections

A burning sensation when urinating after sex can also occur due to a sexually transmitted infection (STI), including chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and herpes.

Chlamydia
Chlamydia is one of the most common bacterial STIs and is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. The infection is transmitted through vaginal, anal, and oral sex and can affect both men and women. It is often referred to as a “silent infection” because 50–70% of cases are asymptomatic, which can lead to unintentional spread and complications such as pelvic inflammation, pregnancy issues, or infertility. Abnormal discharge (often fishy-smelling), burning and frequent urination, and pain during sex are symptoms and should be checked (NHS, 2021).

Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea, also known as “the clap,” is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is transmitted through vaginal, anal, and oral sex and can infect the urethra, rectum, and throat. Symptoms include pain and burning during urination, unusual discharge from the urethra or rectum, and, in women, possible spotting between periods. If left untreated, it can lead to infertility and other complications (Mayo Clinic, 2024).

Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is another common STI but is caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. It infects the urogenital tract—meaning the urinary and genital organs. Only about 30% of infected people show symptoms, which may include vaginal or urethral discharge, itching, burning, painful urination, and pain during sex (NHS, 2021).

Herpes
Genital herpes (HSV-2) is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus and transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. It causes painful blisters and sores in the genital and anal areas as well as pain during urination, though it may also be asymptomatic. HSV-1, which mostly affects the mouth, can also cause genital herpes through oral sex. While herpes can be managed, it cannot be cured. The virus stays in the body and may reactivate due to stress or a weakened immune system (NHS, 2023). 

Get tested regularly
Since STIs often cause no or only mild symptoms, regular testing is essential in addition to practicing safe sex (e.g., using condoms), to protect both yourself and your sexual partners.

Homed-IQ offers a range of discreet home STI tests that do not require visiting a doctor. If you’re experiencing symptoms like painful urination after sex or simply want to check in on your sexual health, a Basic 4 STI Test, Comprehensive STI Test, or Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Test can provide valuable insights. For more information about STIs and testing, visit our blog section on sexually transmitted diseases. Take control of your sexual health today.

3 – Allergic reactions and skin irritation

Allergic reactions and skin irritation can also cause a burning sensation after sex. Three main triggers are:

• Latex allergy: This occurs when the body reacts to proteins in natural latex. Symptoms may include rash, itching, or even breathing difficulties. Latex condoms can trigger these symptoms, including painful urination and discomfort during sex. If symptoms always occur after latex exposure, consider testing for an allergy and try latex-free alternatives (Eske, 2019). Homed-IQ offers a comprehensive allergy test that can be done at home and screens for latex and many other allergens.

• Lubricants: Some people react sensitively to ingredients like glycerin or parabens found in lubricants. These can irritate vaginal tissue, and the irritation may extend to the urethra, causing a burning sensation during urination. Hypoallergenic lubricants can help prevent this.

• Spermicides: These are found in some non-hormonal contraceptives and are designed to kill sperm. They can also cause allergic reactions such as itching, burning, and irritation, potentially affecting the urethra and causing painful urination. If symptoms occur, talk to a doctor about alternative contraceptive methods.

Source: Mayo Clinic, 2024

4 – Injuries

Vaginal injuries can lead to a burning sensation during urination after sex. These injuries often result from excessive force, pressure, or friction during intercourse or other sexual activities. When the protective vaginal lining is compromised, micro-tears or abrasions may occur. Urine passing over these sensitive, injured areas can cause pain and burning.

If such injuries occur, it’s important to allow your body time to heal. Prioritize open communication with your partner(s) and ensure sufficient lubrication during sex to prevent injury. Be gentle with yourself to maintain the vagina’s natural protective barrier (STD, 2022).

5 – Lack of moisture

Vaginal discharge is important for lubrication and cleansing of the vagina and plays a key role in preventing infections. A lack of moisture may result from:

• Entering menopause and the hormonal changes associated with it (vaginal atrophy)

• Hormonal birth control (e.g., the pill)

• Certain medications such as antidepressants or antibiotics

• Prolonged stress

• Smoking

Dryness increases the likelihood of tiny tears and irritation during sex and raises the risk of infections like UTIs, which can cause pain when urinating after sex. In addition to using lubricants, it may be helpful to seek medical advice—especially if symptoms are severe—to explore treatment options like hormone therapy (Harvard Health, 2022; Cleveland Clinic, 2023). 

Summary

Urinating after sex is important because it helps flush out bacteria that may have entered the urethra during intercourse, thereby lowering the risk of UTIs. A burning sensation after sex can have various causes, including UTIs, STIs, allergic reactions, injuries, and vaginal dryness. These symptoms often result from bacterial infections or physical irritation. Understanding the causes is crucial to taking appropriate steps for prevention and treatment.