A burning sensation at the tip of your urethra is usually a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI) or sexually transmitted infection (STI). However, there are some other causes.

A burning sensation when you pee is a common symptom of a urinary tract infection (UTI) that may be affecting your bladder, kidneys, or urethra.

The urethra is a tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.

For people with a penis, it runs from the bladder through the penis. For people with a vagina, it runs from the bladder through the pelvis.

A burning sensation at the end of the urethra may be a sign of a UTI, but it could also indicate the presence of an underlying health condition.

Keep reading to learn more about the possible causes of burning when you pee and how to treat it.

UTIs occur when bacteria enter the bladder through the urethra and spread through the body’s urinary system.

Some risk factors for UTIs include:

UTIs are more common in people with a vagina because the urethra is shorter than those of people with a penis. Bacteria that enter the urethra only need to travel a short distance before reaching the bladder, where they can spread through the urinary tract.

Other symptoms

Some other symptoms of a UTI may include:

Treatment

Treatment for UTIs usually involves a course of antibiotics.

Urethritis, or inflammation of the urethra, is most commonly caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI). A common symptom is burning when you pee.

Simple irritation of the tip of the urethra may also cause urethritis. Some common irritants include:

  • wearing tight clothing
  • having sexual intercourse
  • some physical activities, such as biking
  • deodorants, lotions, soaps, and spermicides
  • some medical procedures, such as catheter insertion

Other symptoms

Some other symptoms of urethritis may include:

  • cloudy urine
  • penile or vaginal discharge
  • irritation at the tip of the penis

Treatment

Treatment for urethritis usually involves antibiotics and lifestyle changes, such as avoiding irritants.

Kidney stones are hard masses of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys and move through the urinary tract. Sometimes, these stones reach the tip of the urethra during urination, which may cause burning pain.

Some risk factors for developing kidney stones include:

  • genetics
  • a sedentary lifestyle
  • eating a diet high in protein and low in fiber
  • not drinking enough water
  • taking certain medications, such as aspirin, antacids, and diuretics

Other symptoms

Other symptoms of kidney stones may include:

  • strong pain in the side, back, and groin
  • fever
  • severe pain that comes in waves
  • vomiting
  • nausea
  • UTI
  • reddish or brown urine

Treatment

Your treatment plan for kidney stones will depend on the size of the stones and your symptoms, but may include:

  • lifestyle and dietary changes, such as drinking more water
  • over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers
  • prescription medications, such as alpha-blockers
  • medical procedures, such as lithotripsy and ureteroscopy

Some natural remedies may also help with kidney stones.

Urethral stricture, or scarring, narrows the urethra and may cause inflammation or infection that causes a burning sensation at the tip. Some causes of scar tissue buildup in the urethra may include:

Often the cause is unknown.

Other symptoms

Urethral stricture is more common in males than females. Some other symptoms may include:

  • inability to completely empty the bladder
  • increased need to urinate
  • spraying or straining during urination
  • UTI
  • weak urine stream

Treatment

Treatment for urethral strictures depends on the type and severity of symptoms, the flow of urination, and the underlying cause.

Treatment may include:

  • antibiotics
  • urethral dilation
  • cystoscopy
  • direct vision internal urethrotomy
  • suprapubic cystostomy
  • endoscopy

Prostatitis, or swelling of the prostate gland, can cause burning at the tip of the urethra when peeing.

In many cases, the causes of prostatitis are unknown. However, it could be caused by a UTI.

Other symptoms

Some other symptoms of prostatitis may include:

  • bloody urine
  • difficulty urinating
  • more frequent urge to urinate
  • pain in the testicles, bum, or penis
  • pain when ejaculating
  • fever

Treatment

Treatment for prostatitis usually includes antibiotics.

According to the National Cancer Institute, some cancer treatments that target the pelvis, colon, bladder, and rectum may cause urinary problems, including a burning sensation when you pee.

Some of these treatments may include:

Other symptoms

Some other urinary symptoms caused by cancer treatments may include:

  • blood in urine
  • difficulty urinating
  • frequent urge to urinate
  • difficulty fully emptying your bladder when you pee
  • leaking pee when you cough

Treatment

Speak with your doctor if you experience urinary problems after receiving treatment for cancer. They could help modify your treatment plan to prevent symptoms.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) could cause burning and discomfort at the tip of the urethra when you pee. Some more common STIs include:

Other symptoms

Some other symptoms of STIs may include:

  • vaginal or penile irritation or soreness
  • discharge that is yellow, green, gray, clear, or cloudy
  • lumps, bumps, rash, or blisters in the genital area
  • genital itching

Treatment

Treatment for STIs will depend on the type of infection you have. A healthcare professional may recommend:

  • oral or injection antibiotics
  • topical medications
  • surgery, such as cryosurgery

It’s important to note there’s no cure for herpes, but a doctor may prescribe medications and recommend home remedies to relieve symptoms.

A doctor will perform a physical examination to check for signs of infection. They will also ask you questions about your symptoms and medical history.

They will also most likely perform several tests, which may include:

A doctor may refer you to a specialist, such as a gynecologist or obstetrician, to help treat the cause of your symptoms.

Why does my urethra burn but there’s no infection?

You may experience burning at the tip of the urethra due to irritation from sexual intercourse, masturbating, wearing tight clothing, or using certain detergents. Kidney stones and some cancer treatments may also cause a burning sensation when you pee.

What is an inflamed urethra but no STI?

An inflamed urethra not caused by an STI may be caused by trauma, certain activities like masturbating and sexual intercourse, or irritants like soaps.

Burning at the tip of the urethra is usually a cause for concern whether or not it’s caused by a UTI or STI.

If your symptoms last more than a few days, speak with a doctor. They can provide a proper diagnosis and develop a treatment plan for you.