Painful urination, or pain when you pee, can be caused by various conditions, often related to infections, inflammation, or irritation in the urinary tract or genital area. Common causes include:

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), which is a bacterial infection affecting the bladder, urethra, or kidneys. UTIs are more common in people with a shorter urethra, such as women.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and genital herpes.
• Inflammation or infection of the prostate in men (prostatitis).
• Cystitis (inflammation of the bladder), including interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome.
• Urethritis (inflammation of the urethra).
• Kidney stones, which can cause discomfort during urination due to obstruction.
• Irritation from soaps, perfumes, lotions, or other personal care products.
• Other causes such as vaginitis, yeast infections, or complications from medical procedures.

Pain location and when the pain occurs during urination can give clues about the cause. For example, pain at the start of urination often indicates an infection, while pain after urination may suggest bladder or prostate issues. If you experience painful urination, especially with symptoms like fever, abnormal discharge, blood in urine, or persistent pain, it's important to see a healthcare provider for diagnosis and appropriate treatment, as some causes require antibiotics or other specific therapies.