It may feel like a dragon in your drawers; it’s painful urination. Fancy name dysuria, painful urination can be the result of many things from everyday allergies to more serious issues that necessitate a trip to the ER. If you’re feeling a little fiery down low when you go, you definitely want to keep reading to see what’s causing it, how to fix it, and then how to prevent it in the future.

Painful Urination Trigger #1: Allergic Reaction

Allergic reactions are responsible for a lot of issues men face, and this is no different. When some foreign agent comes into contact with the genital region – laundry detergent, soap, or even a partner’s body lotion – and your body doesn’t like it, it can result in an allergic reaction. This could cause a man to experience a fiery, unpleasant urinary experience. Medication can also cause an allergic reaction.

Fix-It: Wash the offending area well with water and air dry. Try to keep it aired out to put less pressure on the allergic reaction. Take an antihistamine if itching, rash, or swelling occurs.

Painful Urination Trigger #2: Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

UTIs are a common reason a man may have pain during urination. They happen when bacteria get into the urinary tract, which could be the bladder, urethra, or kidneys. Look for cloudy or blood-tinged urine, pain in the side and back, and low-grade fever.

Fix-It: Most times, UTIs can be remedied in a few days with antibiotics. Drink plenty of water to help the bacteria move out of the system as soon as possible.

Painful Urination Trigger #3: Kidney Stones

A buildup of uric acid and/or calcium, kidney stones are just that – stones in your kidneys. These stones can get lodged where urine and the bladder meet, which can cause pain during urination. Kidney stones can be intensely painful, both having them and trying to pass them.

Fix-It: Well, there’s no easy way to do it, a man has to pee them out. Full disclosure: the pain can be excruciating. If the stones are too big, a doctor may have to use shock wave lithotripsy to break them into smaller pieces that still have to be urinated out.

Painful Urination Trigger #4: Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS)

When the bladder feels both pain and pressure concurrently, it could be Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS). It almost always shows up with lower urinary tract issues too, which can last up to six weeks or more without a known cause. Men with medical issues like fibromyalgia, IBS, or other chronic pain issues are most susceptible.

Fix-It: A chronic issue, BPS has no cure. See your doctor for diagnosis and a treatment plan.

Painful Urination Trigger #5: Prostatitis

Prostatitis is a bacterial infection that can lead to pain during urination. Symptoms include an evening urge to urinate, genital aches, and difficulty ejaculating.

Fix-It: You’ll need to head to the doctor for antibiotics to clear things up. It’s important to note that it can take up to three months to be truly rid of prostatitis.

How to Prevent Painful Urination in Men

Preventing pain during urination comes down to a few basic steps. First, be sure to drink plenty of water each day to help flush your kidneys specifically, but your whole system in general. Also, when you gotta go, don’t wait. Third, practice safe sex practices to keep any foreign bacteria out of your system. Be sure to call a doctor if you ever notice things are not “business as usual” in the area – don’t wait!

Finally, keep your penis as clean as possible. Wash it daily with warm water and a mild cleanser like baby wash. Rinse well and air or pat dry, never rub. Get extra protection by applying a specially formulated penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin). This special lotion, made expressly for delicate penile skin is irritant-free, anti-bacterial, and calming for your most gentle kind of skin.