Burning when you pee after sex is common in people with vaginas and is usually caused by irritation, infection, or a reaction to products used during sex. Because it can sometimes signal a urinary tract infection (UTI) or sexually transmitted infection (STI), it is important to pay attention to other symptoms and see a clinician if it does not quickly improve.

Most common causes

• Urinary tract infection (UTI): Sex can push bacteria toward the urethra and bladder, leading to burning with urination, the urge to pee often, peeing small amounts, and possibly lower belly pain or cloudy, strong-smelling urine. UTIs are very common in women because the urethra is short, and they often show up within a day or two after sex.

• Vaginal or urethral irritation from friction: Rough sex, long sex, or sex when you are not well-lubricated can cause tiny tears or raw skin at the vaginal opening or urethra, which then sting when urine touches them. This is more likely if you feel external soreness or burning on the skin rather than deep inside when you pee.

Other possible reasons

• Vaginal dryness or hormonal changes: Dryness from birth control, breastfeeding, menopause, certain medications, or stress can increase friction, leading to microtears and burning with urination after sex. You may also notice pain during penetration or a feeling of dryness or tightness.

• Allergy or sensitivity: Condoms (especially latex), spermicides, lubricants, fragranced washes, or bath products can irritate the vulva and urethral opening, causing burning and redness that worsens when you pee.

• Infections of the vagina or STIs: Yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and herpes can all cause burning with urination and burning after sex. You might also see unusual discharge, odor, itching, sores, or pelvic pain with these conditions.

When to seek urgent care

See a doctor or urgent care as soon as you can (within 24 hours or same day) if:

• Burning when you pee lasts more than a day or two, is getting worse, or keeps coming back.

• You have fever, chills, back or side pain, nausea, or vomiting (could mean kidney infection and needs urgent treatment).

• You notice blood in your urine, pain in your lower abdomen or pelvis, or pain during sex.

• You have new discharge, odor, sores, blisters, or you have had unprotected sex with a new or multiple partners (possible STI).

Things you can do now

These tips do not replace medical care, but they may help reduce burning and prevent future problems:

• Drink plenty of water and pee regularly; always pee soon after sex to help flush bacteria from the urethra.

• Use water-based or silicone-based lube during sex, go slower, and stop if you feel pain or strong friction.

• Avoid scented soaps, douches, and harsh products on the vulva; wash with lukewarm water and a gentle, unscented cleanser if needed.

• If you suspect a UTI or STI, do not self-treat with leftover antibiotics; get proper testing and a prescription from a clinician instead.

Because burning when you pee after sex has several possible causes, including some that need prescription treatment, consider contacting a healthcare provider, urgent care, or an online clinic for a urine test and, if appropriate, STI screening, especially if this is new, severe, or keeps happening.