What causes a burning sensation and stabbing pain at the urethral opening after urination?

Generally, a burning sensation and stabbing pain at the urethral opening after urination may be caused by local irritation, spicy food stimulation, urethritis, cystitis, urethral stones, or other factors. Symptomatic treatment through general care and medication may be needed. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and undergo appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Specific explanations are as follows:

1. Local Irritation

Using irritating hygiene products, such as toilet paper, condoms, vaginal washes, medical alcohol, or cleaning agents containing fragrances or chemicals, may cause local irritation at the urethral opening, resulting in a burning sensation accompanied by symptoms like itching and swelling. It is recommended to avoid these irritating substances and switch to mild, non-irritating hygiene products.

2. Spicy Food Stimulation

Consuming spicy, acidic, or high-caffeine foods and beverages may irritate the urethra, causing local inflammatory responses, a burning sensation, and stabbing pain. Symptoms may include increased frequency of urination and urgency. It is recommended to avoid consuming strongly irritating foods and beverages and to drink more water to dilute urine and reduce urethral irritation.

3. Urethritis

Urethritis refers to an inflammatory reaction of the urethral mucosa. Unhygienic sexual activity and poor local hygiene are factors that easily induce urethritis, leading to local congestion, edema, and erosion. Urine irritation of these affected areas causes burning and stabbing sensations. It is recommended to follow medical advice in using medications such as Cefradine Capsules, Cefixime Dispersible Tablets, and Roxithromycin Capsules to alleviate symptoms.

4. Cystitis

Bacteria may travel up the urethra to the bladder, causing an inflammatory reaction in the bladder mucosa. The inflammation leads to congestion and edema of the bladder mucosa, with urine irritating these affected areas, causing burning and stabbing sensations. Symptoms may include frequent urination, urgency, and lower abdominal pain. It is advisable to maintain a light diet, drink plenty of water, keep the external genital area clean, and avoid sexual activity.

5. Urethral Stones

Urethral narrowing, infection, foreign bodies, and other factors may lead to small stones in the urethra, irritating the urethral mucosa and causing local inflammation and pain, resulting in burning and stabbing sensations at the urethral opening after urination. Symptoms may include difficulty urinating, interrupted urine flow, and hematuria (blood in urine). It is recommended to follow medical advice in using medications such as Paili Tonglin Oral Liquid, Paili Granules, and Urolithiasis Pills for treatment.

In daily life, it is recommended to maintain adequate water intake, which helps support urinary system health.

References

[1] Zhang Ziyang, Li Zige, Wang Shufen, et al. A Case of Gonococcal Urethritis Complicated with Paraurethral Gland Inflammation [J]. Chinese Journal of Leprosy and Skin Diseases, 2024, 40(12): 887-888.

[2] Feng Jianbo, Zhao Yanyan, Zhang Huixian, et al. A Case of Ureteritis Associated with Toripalimab [J]. Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology, 2025, 34(01): 105-110.