Can a UTI cause urethral pain while urinating in a teenager?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am an 18-year-old female, 5 feet 3 inches tall, and weighing 130 pounds. I have been experiencing pain in my urethra (the opening where urine exits the body), both during urination and sometimes even when I am not urinating. I have noticed that when I close my legs tightly or apply pressure to the area, it helps relieve the pain. Occasionally, I feel a bubble-like sensation that seems to ‘pop’ and provides temporary relief. This issue has occurred in the past as well.

I am currently taking the following medications: Levocetirizine (Zyzol), Clonidine, and Fluoxetine. Could this be a urinary tract infection or possibly another condition that I should be concerned about?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. Pain in the urethra (the pee hole), whether during urination or even when not peeing, can have several causes. A common reason in teen girls is a urinary tract infection (UTI), which may cause burning, pressure, or discomfort in the lower area.

Another possibility is urethral irritation, which can happen due to not drinking enough water, using harsh soaps or bubble baths, or wearing tight, non-breathable underwear. The bubble-like ‘pop’ sensation you mentioned may be due to a small air pocket or localized pressure, which can temporarily relieve discomfort, but it is not a lasting solution.

To find out the exact cause, I suggest some basic tests:

A urine routine and microscopy test can help detect signs of infection, like white blood cells, bacteria, or blood.
A urine culture and sensitivity test may be needed to identify which antibiotic will work best if an infection is found.
A pelvic or lower abdominal ultrasound may be recommended if the pain feels deeper or does not improve, to rule out other internal causes.
A physical examination can help check for any visible signs of irritation, redness, or discharge in the area.

If it turns out to be a UTI, treatment with antibiotics like Nitrofurantoin or a combination of Trimethoprim and Sulfamethoxazole (based on test results) can help.

I hope this information helps you.

Thank you.