First Aid: Pain With Urinating (Peeing)

Pain while peeing (urinating) can be caused by different things, including:

• infection in the urinary tract
• irritation or injury of the genital area
• stones (small masses of minerals) in the urinary tract

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common cause of pain during peeing.

Signs and Symptoms

• burning or stinging with peeing
• the urge to pee more often
• bad-smelling, bloody, or discolored pee
• fever or chills
• decreased appetite or activity
• irritability
• nausea or vomiting
• lower back pain or abdominal (belly) pain
• wetting accidents (in potty-trained kids)

What to Do

• Call the doctor if your child has pain while peeing or can’t pee.
• Follow the doctor’s treatment instructions.
• Encourage drinking lots of water and other caffeine-free liquids.
• Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed for discomfort.

Think Prevention!

• Avoid bubble baths and perfumed soaps. Wash the genital area with only mild soap or lukewarm water.
• Change soiled and very wet diapers right away.
• Remind kids to go to the bathroom often.
• Teach girls to gently wipe from front to back and make sure no tiny pieces of toilet paper get left behind.
• Sexually active teens should get tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).