Home Care:

Follow prescribed therapy.

Call your health care provider if:

Call your health care provider if:

• There is drainage or a discharge from your penis or vagina
• You are pregnant and are having any painful urination
• You have painful urination that lasts for more than 1 day
• You notice blood in your urine
• You have a fever

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

Your health care provider will perform a physical examination and ask questions about your symptoms and medication history, such as:

• When did the painful urination begin?
• Does the pain occur only during urination?
• Does the pain stop after urination?
• Do you have back pain?
• What other symptoms do you have?
• Have you had a fever higher than 100 degrees F?
• Is there drainage or discharge between urinations?
• Is there an abnormal urine odor?
• Are there any changes in the volume or frequency of urination?
• Do you feel the urge to urinate?
• Have you noticed blood in the urine?
• Are there any rashes or itching in the genital area?
• What medications are you taking?
• Are you pregnant or could you be pregnant?
• Have you had a bladder infection?
• Do you have any allergies to any medications?
• Have you had sexual intercourse with someone who has, or may have, gonorrhea or chlamydia?
• Has there been a recent change in your brand of soap, detergent, or fabric softener?
• Have you had surgery or radiation to your urinary or sexual organs?

A urinalysis will be done. A urine culture may be ordered. If you have had a previous bladder or kidney infection, a more detailed history and physical are needed, and extra laboratory studies may be necessary. A pelvic exam and examination of vaginal fluids are necessary if a female has a vaginal discharge. Men who have discharge from the penis will need to have a urethral swab done.

Treatment depends on what is causing the pain.