What is dysuria?

Dysuria is defined as painful or difficult urination. This term encompasses a range of discomforts experienced during the act of urination, which may include sensations of burning, stinging, or a general feeling of pain. It often indicates an underlying condition that affects the urinary tract, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI), inflammation, or irritation of the bladder or urethra.

The other terms mentioned describe different urinary symptoms. Frequent urination refers to the need to urinate more often than usual, which is not necessarily accompanied by pain or difficulty. Urinary incontinence involves the involuntary loss of urine, reflecting a different issue related to bladder control. Blood in urine, known as hematuria, indicates the presence of blood in the urine, which is a sign of various medical conditions but does not specifically relate to the pain or difficulty associated with urination. Understanding these distinctions enhances the recognition of urinary symptoms and their clinical significance.