A number of conditions can cause painful urination, also called dysuria. In women, urinary tract infections are a common cause. In men, urethritis and certain prostate conditions often cause painful urination.

Medical conditions and other factors that can cause painful urination include:

1. Bladder stones
2. Cervicitis
3. Chlamydia trachomatis
4. Cystitis (which is inflammation of the bladder)
5. Genital herpes
6. Gonorrhea
7. Having a recent urinary tract procedure done, including any that used urologic tools for testing or treatment
8. Interstitial cystitis
9. Kidney infection
10. Kidney stones
11. Medicines, such as those used in cancer treatment, that can irritate the bladder as a side effect
12. Prostatitis
13. Reactive arthritis
14. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
15. Soaps, perfumes and other personal care products
16. Urethral stricture
17. Urethritis (infection of the urethra)
18. Urinary tract infection (UTI)
19. Vaginitis
20. Yeast infection (vaginal)