There are many reasons why you might experience a burning sensation “down there” without having an infection. It could be due to holding your pee for too long, not changing out of sweaty clothes quickly enough, or not drinking enough water. While the relief of finally peeing can be real, if the burning sensation persists, you may wonder if it’s a UTI after all. UTIs are the most common cause, but it is possible to experience burning after urination without an infection.
According to Karl J. Kreder, MD, MBA, a professor of urology at the University of Iowa, UTIs are typically the first thing to rule out when experiencing a burning sensation after urination. UTIs can be detected through at-home test kits and urine cultures at your doctor’s office. However, if an infection is ruled out, there are other health conditions that could be causing your discomfort.
Some common causes of post-pee burning include interstitial cystitis, pregnancy side effects, bladder or kidney stones, menopause, urethral stricture disease, nonbacterial urethritis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and STIs. Each of these conditions requires specific treatment plans. Seek medical advice if you experience persistent symptoms along with burning after urination.
