Getting hot down there? Has peeing become something equivalent to medieval torture? It’s time to figure out what’s going on. Painful urination in men can be the result of many things. Painful urination, dysuria for the medical-term lovers, affects the bladder and all the other parts that have a role in urination. Here are seven causes of painful urination; the most common may be surprising.

#1: Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

There is a common misconception that UTIs are only experienced by the fairer gender, but it’s not true. In fact, UTIs are the most common reason for painful urination in men. They are caused by bacteria that takes up shop in the urinary tract, which can actually encompass a wide area that includes the bladder, urethra, and kidneys. UTIs are usually accompanied by cloudy or blood-tinged urine, a fever, and unexplained pain in the side and back. In most cases, a UTI can be cleared up with antibiotics and takes just a few days before it’s totally gone.

#2: Urethritis

Urethritis is the inflammation of the urethra (this is the tube that carries the urine out of the body), which is most often caused by bacteria. Antibiotics are used for treatment.

#3: Allergic Reaction

One of the other more common, and often overlooked, reasons for painful urination in men is an allergic reaction. This could be to anything the penis comes in contact with physically or any new meds. This includes new body lotion, latex condoms, laundry detergent, or even the perfume or lotion a sexual partner wears. See a doctor immediately if new medication may be to blame. Otherwise, wash the area gently, rinse well, and air dry. Take an antihistamine if there is any swelling, itching, or rash.

#4: Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS)

A lesser known cause, BPS is a chronic bladder issue, meaning it has no cure. Usually the bladder will experience pressure and pain simultaneously. BPS is nearly always complemented by lower urinary tract symptoms that last six weeks or longer without an acknowledged cause. Symptoms can be intermittent or long-standing and vary from mild to severe. Other chronic issues BPS is linked to are irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and other chronic pain problems.

#5: Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Most likely the worst-case scenario that pops into a man’s head when he feels the burn, several STIs are known to cause painful urination in men. The STIs linked to fiery pees are chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and genital herpes. Get to a doctor or clinic immediately for testing and be sure to mention any other unusual symptoms as well.

#6: Kidney Stones

Kidney stones form in the kidneys (obviously) and are a buildup of calcium or uric acid, which forms stones. When the stones get lodged in the area where urine meets the bladder, it causes painful urination. A man usually has to pass the kidney stones by urinating them out. If they are too big to pass, then a doctor may need to use shock wave lithotripsy to break them into smaller pieces so they can be passed. Either way, a man will have to pee them out, which can be exceptionally painful. This is often called the male equivalent of childbirth.

#7: Prostatitis

Prostatitis is a bacterial infection that can also cause painful urination in men. Symptoms that accompany prostatitis include an urge to urinate that is especially persistent in the evening, aches in the genital region, and trouble ejaculating. Antibiotics can clear it up, but it can take up to three months to be fully rid of this infection.

How to Fix and Prevent Painful Urination in Men

For any and all of these causes, call a physician and schedule an appointment for as soon as possible. Then start drinking as much water as can be tolerated to dilute the urine and bring down the pain. Additionally, some ibuprofen can also help with pain management. Next, be sure to clean the penis well and moisturize it well, as it may be inflamed. It’s suggested that a man use a specially formulated penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) rather than just any old lotion, as the penis has very delicate skin that can be easily irritated. Choose a crème with a natural, soothing, and non-irritant base such as shea butter. Also, cremes with a combination of vitamins such as A, B, C, D, and E will provide the penis with antibacterial defense as well as calming and healing properties.