Why does pain occur during urination in the context of a UTI?

During a urinary tract infection (UTI), pain during urination, or dysuria, often occurs because urine flows over the affected tissue, which is inflamed and irritated due to the infection. The presence of bacteria in the urinary system can cause irritation and lead to symptoms such as burning, discomfort, or pain while urinating. The inflamed tissues in the bladder or urethra are sensitive; when urine, which may also be concentrated and irritating, passes over these areas, it exacerbates the discomfort experienced by the patient.

In addition to this mechanism, factors such as bladder spasms and nerve irritation also play a role in the discomfort experienced during a UTI, but the primary reason for pain is the inflammatory response of the affected tissues when confronted with urine. Understanding this connection between urine and inflamed tissues helps to clarify why individuals often experience pain during urination when they have a UTI.