Just Wondering: Why Does It Burn When I Pee After Sex?

When it comes to good sexual hygiene, peeing after sex is right up there with washing your private parts before knocking boots. Keeping your genitals clean—before and after sex—prevents bad bacteria from building up, while peeing can flush out germs before they spread to your urinary tract, according to Planned Parenthood. So if you feel a burn when you pee after sex? That may sound some alarms.

First of all, don’t panic: A burning sensation after sex is common, and doesn’t automatically mean you have a serious problem (though it can be sign of some underlying health conditions).

Here, Barbara M. Chubak, MD, an associate professor in the department of urology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, answers all your burning questions, including what’s up with burning pee after sex, how to prevent it, and when to see your doctor.

Top reasons it burns when you pee after sex

Why does it hurt to pee after sex? Here are some culprits:

1. Your genital skin is irritated

If you had sex or didn’t use enough lube, your private parts might feel a little chafed from all the friction. This irritation can make peeing after sex painful. Normally, “our genital skin is structured to tolerate contact with the urine without pain,” Dr. Chubak says. “But irritation of the skin around the urethral meatus can compromise its barrier function and make it less tolerant of exposure to the chemical irritants in urine,” she says. In other words, your irritated skin is more susceptible to the sting of urine.

How to treat it:

Luckily, the burning should go away after a day or two. In the meantime, give your genitals a chance to heal. Maybe save the sexy time for a later date.

2. You had an allergic reaction

Recently changed the brand of condoms, lube, spermicide, or soap you use? Your burning pee could be an allergic reaction or sensitivity to something in these products, according to Columbia Health. And believe it or not, sperm can cause burning sensations. It’s rare, but sometimes the proteins in your partner’s semen can trigger an immune reaction, affecting the skin around your genital area (and anywhere else semen touches, like your hands or mouth), per the Mayo Clinic.

While anyone can get an allergic reaction from semen, it’s more common in people with vaginas. Along with burning skin, you may also have the following symptoms, per the Mayo Clinic:

• Change in skin color
• Burning or swelling where semen contacts skin or vaginal tissues
• Hives
• Itching
• Difficulty breathing, in severe cases (Seek immediate medical attention if this is the case.)

How to treat it:

If you’re allergic to lube or latex, toss that product to the curb. If you think semen is the culprit, reach out to your doctor to discuss medication or treatment options.

3. You have a UTI

Always getting UTIs after sex? Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are notorious for causing burning pee. Sex tends to trigger UTIs because the friction from all the skin-to-skin rubbing can spread bacteria, per UW Medicine. While tons of bacteria already live on your skin (and in your anus) without causing issues, they can create problems when they travel to your urinary tract.

People with vaginas are more prone to UTIs because their urethras (i.e., pee tubes) are shorter and closer to their anus. Other common UTI symptoms include the following, per the Mayo Clinic:

• A strong urge to urinate that doesn’t go away
• Urinating often, and passing small amounts of urine
• Urine that looks cloudy
• Urine that appears red, bright pink or cola-colored (signs of blood in the urine)
• Strong-smelling urine
• Pelvic pain, especially in the center of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone

How to treat it:

If you suspect you have a UTI, don’t let it slide. See your doctor who can prescribe an antibiotic. Left untreated, the infection can spread to your kidneys, possibly causing permanent kidney damage or sepsis—a potentially life-threatening complication of an infection, according to the Mayo Clinic.

4. It’s a sexually transmitted infection (STI)

An STI could be responsible for the stinging pain when you pee post-sex. Both bacterial STIs (like chlamydia, trichomonas, and gonorrhea) and viral STIs (like herpes simplex virus) can cause a burning sensation when you urinate, per Columbia Health.

How to treat it:

If your pain while peeing doesn’t go away after a day or two, consider getting an STI test. You don’t want to unintentionally spread an STI to your partner. Once you have a diagnosis, your doctor can prescribe an appropriate medication, like antibiotics, to treat the infection. Left unchecked, a bacterial infection can develop into a UTI or prostatitis, i.e., inflammation of the prostate gland (more on this later), per Columbia Health.

5. Your have an inflamed urethra

An inflamed, swollen urethra might be making your pee feel stingy. This is called urethritis—i.e., inflammation of the urethra usually caused by an infection. “Urethritis can be caused by many bacteria, including STIs like gonorrhea and chlamydia, and UTIs such as E. coli and other bacteria that normally live in the digestive tract,” Dr. Chubak says.

“During sexual activity, bacteria can be pushed into the urethra,” she says. “This is typically not an immediate cause of burning right after sex, but will manifest symptoms within days.” Other signs of urethritis may include the following, per the Cleveland Clinic:

• Pain or burning during intercourse (dyspareunia)
• Itchiness at the tip of the urethra
• Penile discharge, including pus, and/or blood
• Pelvic pain

How to treat it:

Antibiotics are the top treatment for urethritis, so you’ll need to go to the doctor. NSAIDs (like Ibuprofen) can help relieve pain while you’re healing.

6. You have interstitial cystitis (IC)

Like an inflamed urethra, an irritated bladder can make your pee burn, too. “Interstitial cystitis (inflammation of the bladder in the absence of any infectious cause) is not in itself a cause of burning after urination, but is frequently associated with hypertonicity (or a failure of relaxation) of the pelvic floor muscles,” Dr. Chubak says. “If the pelvic floor muscles are tense and unable to stretch to create space for the urine to flow out of the bladder without resistance, it can cause burning pain with urination,” she says.

People with IC may be more prone to burning after sex. “Sex, and especially orgasm, is an intense pelvic floor muscle exercise,” Dr. Chubak says. “If the muscles are tired right after sex and relatively inflexible, this failure of muscle relaxation can cause pain, as well as hesitancy of urination and difficulty with bladder emptying,” she says.

Other common symptoms of interstitial cystitis include the following, per Johns Hopkins Medicine:

• Frequent urination
• Urgency with urination
• Feelings of pressure, pain, and tenderness around the bladder, pelvis, and the area between the anus and vagina or anus and scrotum (perineum)
• Pain during sex
• Worsening symptoms are your period

IC is not an infection, but because some symptoms overlap with UTI, it can be hard to tell the difference, Dr. Chubak says. That’s why it’s best to see your doctor if you’re unsure.

How to treat it:

Sadly, IC can’t be cured and is not always easy to treat. Treatments vary from person to person, but may include options like diet changes (limiting or eliminating foods—like alcohol, tomatoes, spices, chocolate, citrus, caffeine, and high-acid foods—that may irritate the bladder), bladder training, and medicine. In more severe cases, you may need surgery, per Johns Hopkins Medicine.

7. It’s urethral sounding

“Urethral sounding, in which a foreign object is placed inside the urethra, is a source of sexual pleasure for some,” Dr. Chubak says. When done properly (more on this later), it can be safe. But if you don’t use enough lube or properly clean the object (like a sex toy) beforehand, it’s possible to irritate or injure the urethra, she says. And this can lead to painful peeing.

How to treat it:

You can make sounding safe (and avoid harming the urethra) by making sure you use clean toys and lots of lube, Dr. Chubak says. For safe urethral sounding, consider:

• Sterilizing toys beforehand
• Using the right-sized toy for you
• Doing it slowly and gently

Top reasons if you have a vagina

Having a vagina puts you at higher risk for certain issues that can make your pee sting. This can include:

1. pH balance disruption

Your vagina has a delicate pH balance. So when something throws it off, your pH can rise and result in irritation, Dr. Chubak says. “The barrier function of the skin that covers the vulvar vestibule and vagina can be compromised not only by mechanical abrasion (as mentioned above) but also by changes in its hormonal environment,” Dr. Chubak says.

One major cause of hormonal changes is menopause, which causes a drop in estrogen. This can affect the functioning of the genitals, pelvic floor, bladder, and urethra. Changes to your vaginal microbiome (like less healthy bacteria) can also affect your hormone levels, she says. On top of this, medications, cleansers, and infections can also disturb vaginal pH, too.

How to treat it:

Avoid products that can mess with your vagina’s pH, like harsh or scented soaps. If you think hormone changes, infection, or a medication is the culprit, tell your doctor ASAP. You can work together to identify the root cause.

2. Hormonal birth control

While the pill is a great way to prevent pregnancy, it can come with side effects—one of them being vaginal irritation. “A side effect of oral contraceptive pills can be a relative reduction in genital sex-hormone levels, similar to genitourinary syndrome of menopause,” Dr. Chubak says. As we learned, menopause “compromises the barrier function of the skin,” she says.

How to treat it:

If you’re getting unpleasant side effects from the pill, let your doctor know. They can prescribe a different type of pill or birth control option.

3. Bacterial vaginosis

A burning feeling when you pee is a common sign of bacterial vaginosis (BV). This vaginal infection happens when the bad bacteria in your vagina grow out of control and disrupt the healthy balance of your genital microbiome. Anything that changes your vagina’s natural balance (like douching or unprotected sex) can tip the scales toward imbalance, per the Mayo Clinic.

About 80 percent of people with BV are asymptomatic, so they don’t even know they have it. But for the small percentage of people who do get symptoms, a stinging sensation while peeing is common. Other symptoms can include the following, per the Mayo Clinic:

• Thin vaginal discharge that may be gray, white, or green
• Foul smelling, “fishy” vaginal odor
• Vaginal itching
• Burning during urination

How to treat it:

Wondering how to stop vaginal burning from BV? See your doctor for antibiotics. If untreated, BV can make you more susceptible to STIs and can affect pregnancy, per the Mayo Clinic.

4. Yeast infection

Similar to BV, a yeast infection happens when a type of yeast in your vagina (called candida) overgrows and causes problems (like irritation and burning when you pee). An overgrowth of yeast can happen whenever something changes in your vagina’s environment. Common examples include menstruation, pregnancy, certain meds, diabetes, or a weak immune system, per Planned Parenthood:

Yeast infections can also be uncomfortable, especially the longer they’re untreated. Symptoms may including the following, per Planned Parenthood:

• Itching, burning, and/or redness in or around the vagina
• Discomfort or pain during sex
• Fissures or sores on your vagina or vulva (in extreme cases)
• Thick, white, clumpy vaginal discharge that usually doesn’t smell (or only smells slightly different than normal)
• A creamy, whitish coating in and around your vagina

How to treat it:

Most yeast infections can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) anti-fungal medicines (like Monistat and other brands). If symptoms don’t resolve with OTC meds, see your doctor who might need to prescribe a stronger drug.

5. Vaginal dryness

Ever thought why does my vagina burn after sex? You could be dealing with vaginal dryness. This is typically from a drop in estrogen, which can happen during menopause or if you’re breast- or chestfeeding. When estrogen is low, your vaginal and vulvar tissue can get thinner and drier, per University Hospitals. This can lead to urinary symptoms like pain while peeing and frequent UTIs.

How to treat it:

While vaginal dryness is incredibly common among postmenopausal people (up to 50 percent experience it, per University Hospitals), it’s not a normal part of aging. That means, you don’t have to just “suck it up.” Let your doctor know what you’re going through. You can discuss treatment options together—including meds and lifestyle changes.

Top reasons if you have a penis

There are a few reasons why someone with a penis would have burning pee after sex. This includes:

1. Prostatitis

Burning pee could be connected to prostate issue—the tiny, walnut-sized gland located just below the bladder in people with penises. It may be prostatitis—or inflammation of the prostate—that causes difficult or painful urination. Some cases develop from bacterial infections, while other times, the reasons aren’t clear, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms often include frequent urination, cloudy or bloody urine, pain in the abdomen or lower back, and pain in the scrotum, among others.

How to treat it:

Treatment will depend on the cause. If it’s from bacteria, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic. They may also suggest alpha-blockers to relax the bladder and surrounding muscles while you heal, per the Mayo Clinic.

2. Penile injury

Though less common, a penile fracture could cause pain while peeing. Technically the penis doesn’t have bones, but you can “break” it by bending it forcefully when it’s erect (ouch), according to the Cleveland Clinic. This can happen by accident, say, if your penis slips out during sex and thrusts against your partner’s body instead of going back in. While painful urination isn’t a common symptom, it is possible, says Dr. Chubak, along with bruising, swelling, and extreme pain.

How to treat it:

To reduce your risk of future problems (think: getting an erection and peeing without pain), your doctor may recommend surgery to repair a penile fracture.

Preventing burning pee after sex

You can’t always avoid burning pee after sex, but you can try to reduce your risk. Here’s what to do before, during, and after sex:

Before sex:

• Keep your genital skin healthy: “Wash with water, avoiding unnecessary chemical exposure with irritant soaps,” Dr. Chubak says.
• Treat underlying conditions: Once you treat the root cause, your stinging pee should go away. Until then, it’s probably safer to abstain from sex. Not only may sex be uncomfortable for you, but you may also pass on an active infection to your partner.
• Chat with your partner. Learn about your partner’s STI status (and disclose yours) before you do the deed. This way, you can take proper precautions to lower your chances of catching (or transmitting) an infection.

During sex:

• Use lubricant as needed. This helps to “keep things slippery” and “can be helpful to prevent abrasion of the skin from friction,” Dr. Chubak says.
• Use protection. “If you are uncertain of your partner’s STI status, use condoms to protect against infection,” Dr. Chubak says.
• Avoid irritating ingredients. If you have irritation after sex, steer clear of condoms with spermicides and warming, tingling, or scented lubricants, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Instead, try latex condoms (without spermicide) and water-based, fragrance-free lubricants for sensitive skin.
• Follow safe urethral sounding practices. “It is important to use a clean object that is designed for the purpose and to use plenty of water-based lubricant in order to avoid injury,” Dr. Chubak says.

After sex:

• Pee ASAP. “Urine is a vehicle for elimination of chemicals that are unhealthy to the body,” Dr. Chubak says. “Urinating to empty the bladder after sounding [and other forms of sex] is important to reduce the risk of infection.”
• Be mindful of what your pelvic floor muscles are doing. Remember, a tight pelvic floor can make peeing painful. So, as you pee, consciously consider these muscles: “Are they stretching downward to let the urine out, or are they tightening and interfering with the release of urine?” Dr. Chubak says. “If the muscles are not cooperating, downtraining [aka, relaxing] exercises are helpful practices,” she says. These may include stretches like happy baby pose or deep belly breathing.

TIP

Need a little help in this arena? A pelvic floor therapist can teach you how to relax your pelvic floor muscles.

When to see a doctor

While burning pee after sex isn’t pleasant, it’s not always a cause for concern. (It could be minor skin irritation that goes away on its own.) On the other hand, if you have stinging pee along with the following symptoms, Dr. Chubak says it’s probably best to see your doctor:

• Pain that lasts for several days
• Pain that’s unrelieved by over-the-counter medication (such as NSAIDs or phenazopyridine)
• Pain that’s associated with fever

These might be signs that something more serious is up—like an infection that requires treatment.

FAQ

Is it normal for pee to burn after sex?

“No, but it is not uncommon,” Dr. Chubak says. Again, “various things can cause transient burning with urination after sex,” including irritation, infections, inflammation, and allergic reactions, just to name a few, she says. If your pee sting doesn’t subside within a day or two, tell your doctor. They can examine you to see what’s going on.

Does burning after peeing mean STD?

Sometimes. Again, painful pee can be a symptom of some STIs, including chlamydia and gonorrhea. But it can also be a sign of other infections (like UTIs, yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, etc.) as well as certain underlying medical conditions (like interstitial cystitis, menopause, or prostatitis). To rule out STIs, see your doctor who can test you for any infections.

What does a UTI feel like after sex?

UTIs don’t always cause symptoms. If they do, you’ll usually feel burning when you pee, pelvic and back pain, and a strong urge to urinate but only passing small amounts at a time, per the Mayo Clinic.

How to avoid a UTI after sex?

It’s not always possible to avoid UTIs after sex, but these UTI prevention tips from the Mayo Clinic may help:

• Drink plenty of water. This helps dilute urine and encourages you to pee more often, allowing bacteria to be flushed from the urinary tract before an infection can begin.
• Try cranberry juice. Some studies show cranberry juice may help prevents UTIs, though more evidence is still needed to confirm this.
• Wipe from front to back. This helps prevent the spread of bacteria from the anus to the vagina and urethra.
• Empty your bladder soon after having sex. Again, this practice, along with drinking water, can help flush out bacteria.
• Avoid irritating feminine products (like deodorant sprays, douches, and powders). Using them on your genitals can irritate the urethra.
• Change your birth control method. Diaphragms, un-lubricated condoms, or condoms with spermicide can contribute to bacterial growth.

—reviewed by Andrea Braden, MD, OB/GYN