Editor’s note: We at PS recognize that people of many genders and identities have vaginas, not just those who are women. For this particular story, we interviewed experts who generally referred to people with vaginas as women.
Painful urination after sex is a surefire way to dampen the mood and squash any chance you and your partner had of going for round two. But if you find yourself typing “burning pee STD” into Google, know that while it can be uncomfortable and frustrating, it isn’t uncommon to experience burning when you pee after sex. It’s not always a sign of an STI or an infection (think: a urinary tract infection, or UTI).
In fact, painful urination could be the result of something much less concerning but just as common, like vaginal irritation, which can often be managed at home without a doctor’s visit or antibiotics. It’s important that you get to the bottom of it, though, so you can take steps to prevent the pain moving forward. PS asked ob-gyns why it happens and how to stop burning sensation after urinating.
Experts Featured in This Article:
Mare Mbaye, MD, is a board-certified ob-gyn in New York City.
Shieva Ghofrany, MD, FACOG, is a board-certified ob-gyn and cofounder of health and wellness platform Tribe Called V.
Why Does It Burn When I Pee After Sex?
“A burning sensation when peeing after sex — medically known as dysuria — can have several causes, which can range from something as mild as external irritation related to the skin around the opening of your urethra to something more internal like a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or UTI,” says Mare Mbaye, MD, an ob-gyn in New York City. Here’s a break down of the most common culprits.
Infection
“Pee is the power washer for the urethra (a tube where pee comes out of your body). If you pee after sex, germs in your urethra get the flush before they can cause a urinary tract infection (UTI),” according to the Cleveland Clinic. But if it burns when you pee after sex, it could be a sign that you’ve already contracted a UTI already. Treatment may include antibiotics, but they’re not always necessary. “While antibiotics are very important if you have a UTI, often the irritation and dysuria symptoms will dissipate with copious amounts of water and won’t require antibiotics,” Shieva Ghofrany, MD, FACOG, board-certified ob-gyn and cofounder of Tribe Called V, and advisory board member for PS’s Condition Center.
In other cases, painful urination can caused by a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis. And in some instances, it could be a sign of an STI. If the pain lasts more than a few hours, you should contact your doctor to have a urinalysis and STI test done, Dr. Ghofrany says.
Lack of Lubrication
More often, the labia, vagina, or urethra become irritated due to a lack of stimulation or foreplay. For example, a lack of lubrication during sex increases the likelihood of abrasions or microtears in the skin. When you then go to pee, you might find that it burns. That said, “if it’s just ‘mechanical’ irritation like dryness or sensitivity, then it may last only a few minutes with the first urination after sex,” Dr. Ghofrany tells PS.
Allergies or Irritation
This is one of the more unexpected causes, but painful urination after sex can also be associated with a condom allergy, eczema, or a reaction to semen or saliva. If you suspect a condom allergy, there are alternatives options to try. But you can also flag it to your healthcare provider. The same goes for if it’s eczema or you’re having a negative reaction to semen or saliva; your ob-gyn will be able to assess your symptoms and recommend the best course of action.
How to Prevent Painful Urination After Sex
Prevention is possible, but the solution depends on what’s triggering the irritation in the first place, Dr. Ghofrany explained. For example, latex allergies are a common culprit. If that’s the case, switching to nonlatex condoms may help prevent burning after sex.
If a lack of lubrication seems like the most likely explanation, you may need to incorporate more foreplay or use a lubricant. Just be careful which you choose, because lubricants can also cause irritation. While the right ingredients can be highly individual depending on your and your partner’s specific allergies or sensitivities, Dr. Ghofrany recommends water-based lubricants if you’re using condoms, and oil-based lubricants, such as coconut oil or olive oil, if you’re not.
Dr. Mbaye added that it’s best to avoid flavored lubricants, which can be especially irritating for sensitive skin types, noting that the lubricants with the fewest ingredients tend to be the safest options. She also recommends practicing good hygiene down there, which can help prevent painful urination. “Making sure to clean with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soaps will also decrease your risk,” Dr. Mbaye adds.
Again, you should reach out to your doctor if your symptoms don’t improve or if you’re concerned that the burning may be a sign of a UTI, an STI, or, in rare cases, a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis. A UTI is the most common of these infections, but the doctors PS spoke with assured that they’re all treatable with prescription medications, which is why it’s important to see someone.
Emily Weaver is an entertainment and lifestyle contributor for PS. Her writing focuses on celebrity relationships, movie and book news, and product shopping guides. Her bylines include PEOPLE, Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, HelloGiggles, Scary Mommy, and more.
