The evaluation of painful urination begins with a complete history and physical examination, including a pelvic exam for females.

Physical findings in someone with painful urination may include:

• Lower abdominal tenderness
• Tenderness over the back or flank
• Fever

Tests are necessary to make the diagnosis of painful urination.

Tests that may be used to evaluate painful urination include:

• Urinalysis
• Urine culture
• Complete blood count
• Kidney profile
• Abdominal ultrasound:
• Can determine the amount of urine in the bladder before and after urinating

Less commonly performed tests that may be used to evaluate include:

• Cystoscopy:
• A scope is used to examine the bladder
• Cystourethrogram:
• An x-ray study of the bladder and ureters
• Intravenous pyelogram (IVP):
• An x-ray study of the entire urinary tract
• CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis
• Prostate ultrasound

For more information:

• Bladder infection evaluation
• Urinary tract infection evaluation
• Sexually transmitted disease evaluation
• Prostatitis evaluation
• Interstitial cystitis evaluation
• Vaginitis evaluation
• Urinary retention evaluation
• Urethral syndrome evaluation
• Kidney stone evaluation