What are the causes of painful urination?

The main causes of painful urination include: 1. **Urinary tract infections**: Such as urethritis and cystitis, caused by bacteria ascending through the urethral opening to infect the urethra and bladder. This is the most common cause of painful urination. During infection, bacteria in the urine irritate the mucous membrane of the urethra, causing pain. 2. **Urinary stones**: Such as ureteral stones and bladder stones. These stones can irritate surrounding mucous membranes or nerves, leading to painful urination. 3. **Other causes**: Such as prostatitis, urethral stricture, and pyelonephritis, which may also cause painful urination. In addition, recent urological procedures or surgeries, such as urinary catheter placement or cystoscopy, may cause temporary painful urination.