References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
Painful urination (dysuria) in men can be caused by urinary tract infections, STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhoea, prostatitis, or skin irritation. In younger sexually active men, STIs are a common cause. Testing helps identify the right treatment quickly.
Order a discreet home STI test
Common Causes in Men
| Cause | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Chlamydia | Discharge, burning; often mild or silent |
| Gonorrhoea | Yellow/green discharge, burning; more obvious |
| UTI | Urgency, frequency, cloudy urine; less common in young men |
| Non-specific urethritis | Burning, mild discharge; multiple possible causes |
| Prostatitis | Pelvic pain, difficulty urinating, pain after ejaculation |
| Herpes | Burning from urine touching genital sores |
| Kidney stones | Severe pain, blood in urine |
| Skin irritation | From soaps, lubricants or condoms |
When to Test for STIs
- New or recent sexual partner
- Discharge from the penis
- Burning that doesn’t improve after UTI treatment
- Partner has tested positive
Testing
- Urine sample for chlamydia and gonorrhoea (NAAT)
- Urine dipstick and culture for UTI
- Physical examination if needed
- Throat and rectal swabs if relevant
Treatment
- Chlamydia — doxycycline 7 days
- Gonorrhoea — ceftriaxone injection
- UTI — antibiotics (trimethoprim, nitrofurantoin)
- Prostatitis — longer antibiotic course
- Herpes — antiviral treatment
When to See a Doctor Urgently
- Blood in urine
- Unable to urinate
- Severe pain
- Fever
- Testicular pain or swelling
Read more: Testicular pain and STIs | Chlamydia discharge | What is gonorrhoea?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is painful urination always an STI?
No. UTIs, irritation and other causes are possible.
Should men with UTI symptoms test for STIs?
Yes, especially if sexually active with new partners.
Can I treat this at home?
Proper diagnosis is needed first. See a clinician or get tested.
Related reading
- Abnormal Genital Discharge and Chlamydia
- Asymptomatic STIs: Silent Infections Explained
- Causes of Painful Sex and How to Treat It
- Cold Sores vs Syphilis Sores: How to Tell the Difference
- Common STI Symptoms in Women
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
