What conditions can cause pain in the urethra of the penis?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Pain in the urethra of the penis is a common symptom that may signal an underlying issue such as a urinary tract infection (UTI), sexually transmitted infection (STI), kidney stones, urethritis, or injury to the genital area. The discomfort can range from mild irritation to sharp, burning pain, especially during urination.

Because urethral pain can stem from many causes—some minor, others requiring prompt medical care—identifying the source early is essential. A quick, free, and confidential symptom check can help you understand possible causes based on your specific symptoms and guide your next steps, whether that means self-care, seeing a doctor, or seeking urgent attention.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Pain in the urethra of the penis can arise from various conditions. Infections are a common cause, which can include sexually transmitted infections or urinary tract infections/urethritis

Injuries or trauma to the genital area can also cause urethral pain. This might occur from physical activities or accidents that impact the region.

Another possible source of pain is urogenital pain syndromes, which involve chronic pain conditions affecting the genital and urinary areas. These syndromes can be complex and may require specialized treatment to manage the pain effectively.

If you experience persistent pain in the urethra, it is important to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment. You can start by taking a free AI symptom checker to help identify potential causes and determine next steps.

(References)

Rourke D, Bekkema J, & Rourke KF. (2023). Prospective Assessment of Genital Pain in Patients With .... Urology, 36343864.
Shigehara K, Sasagawa T, Kawaguchi S, Kobori Y, Nakashima T, Shimamura M, et al. (2010). Prevalence of human papillomavirus infection in the .... International journal of urology : official journal of the Japanese Urological Association, 20345431.
Wesselmann U, Burnett AL, & Heinberg LJ. (1997). The urogenital and rectal pain syndromes. Pain, 9469518.

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