Why do I feel burning sensation while urinating?
Chairman
Division of Urology and Renal Transplantation
Medanta Kidney and Urology Institute
Medanta, the Medicity
Q: I am a 29 years old male am facing burning sensation while urinating for the last two months. I consulted a urologist who after some tests diagnosed me with prostatitis. I also feel pain during erection. I have taken a full course of antibiotics - ofloxcin and doxcycilline but this hasn't benefited me. What should I do?
A:Infection is certainly the most common cause of the experiencing burning sensation while passing urine. Urine tests can usually diagnose acute infections. Sexually transmitted diseases are another common cause of such symptoms and need to be ruled out with appropriate tests (tests for gonorrhea, chlamydia and Herpes). Prostatitis is most common cause of chronic discomfort while passing urine, along with perineal, scrotal and low back pain. The most common cause of these complaints is an inflammation of the prostate gland, so called prostatitis. Too frequent or too infrequent ejaculation, sexual arousal without ejaculation, aggressive bike or horse riding, and excessive spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine in the diet can aggravate prostatitis. Even sitting for long periods may aggravate the condition. If infections and prostatitis are ruled out, further evaluation with a CT and an endoscopic examination may be considered to evaluate for anatomical abnormalities (like urethral strictures, stones or polyps).