Differential Diagnosis for Burning Sensation with Urination in Male
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is the most common cause of dysuria (burning sensation with urination) in males, especially if they have had recent sexual activity or have an underlying condition that predisposes them to UTIs.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Urethritis: Inflammation of the urethra, often caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, can lead to dysuria.
- Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland, which can be acute or chronic, may cause burning sensation during urination among other symptoms.
- Kidney Stones: While more commonly associated with flank pain, small stones in the urinary tract can cause dysuria.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Gonorrhea or Chlamydia: These STIs can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly, including infertility and epididymitis.
- Tuberculosis of the Urinary Tract: Though rare, it can present with chronic dysuria and hematuria, and missing this diagnosis can lead to significant morbidity.
Rare Diagnoses
- Interstitial Cystitis: A chronic condition causing bladder pressure, bladder pain, and sometimes pelvic pain, which can be mistaken for a UTI but does not respond to antibiotics.
- Bladder Cancer: While rare, it can present with dysuria among other symptoms like hematuria, and early detection is crucial for treatment outcomes.
- Schistosomiasis: In endemic areas, this parasitic infection can cause urinary symptoms including dysuria, and is important to consider in travelers or immigrants from these regions.