What can be done to prevent the condition?

Preventing painful urination depends on the cause of the pain. Protecting the urinary tract from trauma may decrease the risk of pain. Seeking early care for possible infection may decrease the risk of further pain.

Avoiding irritating bubble bath solutions, wearing cotton-lined underwear, and avoiding tight-fitting clothes may reduce the pain that goes along with allergic reactions or genital irritation. Limiting caffeine intake and practicing safer sex may also reduce a person's risk of having painful urination. Many causes cannot be prevented.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Long-term effects of painful urination will depend on the underlying cause of the pain. Pain caused by a genital injury may heal without any long-term effects. A person with a history of chronic urinary tract infections may need low-dose antibiotics for a long period of time. Some injuries or infections may lead to permanent urinary tract damage or pain. A person who has a tumor in the urinary tract may require surgery and medications over a long period of time. A person with a cancerous tumor may be treated in some cases and may die in other cases.

What are the risks to others?

Painful urination is not necessarily contagious and poses no risk to others. However, if the cause is an infection, such as a sexually transmitted disease, the infection may be contagious.