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Burning, stinging, or pain when you urinate (dysuria) is one of the most common urinary symptoms. Often caused by a UTI, but can have other causes.
There are several possible causes. Here are the most common ones:
The most common cause in women. Bacterial infection of the bladder or urethra.
You might suspect this if you have:
Inflammation of the bladder, often bacterial.
You might suspect this if you have:
Inflammation or infection affecting the urinary opening.
You might suspect this if you have:
Chlamydia or gonorrhea can cause burning when urinating.
You might suspect this if you have:
Stones passing through the urinary tract cause severe pain.
You might suspect this if you have:
Important: This information is for general guidance only and should not be used to self-diagnose. A doctor can properly assess your symptoms and provide appropriate advice.
Call 000 or go to Emergency immediately
Dysuria (burning on urination) in an otherwise healthy woman is UTI until proven otherwise — the positive predictive value of this symptom is over 90%. This is one of the most straightforward telehealth consultations: the symptom pattern (burning, frequency, urgency, sometimes blood in urine) is so characteristic that urine testing is not required before starting treatment in uncomplicated cases. In men, burning on urination is more complex — UTIs in men always warrant investigation as they suggest an underlying structural or functional issue. I also consider STI screening in sexually active patients with dysuria, particularly if there is urethral discharge. The key red flags I screen for are flank pain, fever, and rigors — these suggest the infection has reached the kidneys (pyelonephritis) and may need more aggressive treatment.
Medical certificate guidance: A UTI can make concentration difficult and require frequent bathroom trips. Most people can work with mild symptoms, but severe burning, urgency, or associated fever warrants 1-2 days off. With antibiotics, significant relief usually comes within 24-48 hours.
All clinical decisions are made by AHPRA-registered doctors following our clinical governance framework. We never automate clinical decisions.
No — while UTI is the most common cause in women, other causes include STIs, vaginal irritation, kidney stones, or prostatitis in men. If symptoms don't improve with treatment, further investigation is needed.
Simple UTIs typically need antibiotics to clear the infection. Drinking lots of water may help symptoms but won't eliminate the bacteria. Untreated UTIs can spread to kidneys.
See a GP in person if you have fever/chills, blood in urine, severe back pain, vomiting, are pregnant, are male, or have recurrent UTIs.
With appropriate antibiotics for a UTI, most people feel relief within 24-48 hours. If symptoms worsen or don't improve after 2 days, contact your doctor.
If your symptoms are keeping you from work or study, you can request a medical certificate through InstantMed. A doctor will review your symptoms and issue a certificate if clinically appropriate — typically for 1 to 3 days depending on severity. You don't need to be dramatically unwell; feeling genuinely too rough to function is reason enough.
Yes. Australian-registered doctors can assess your symptoms and issue valid medical certificates via telehealth. You fill in a detailed health questionnaire, a doctor reviews it, and if appropriate, your certificate is delivered digitally. No waiting room required.
You complete a structured health questionnaire covering your symptoms, duration, severity, and relevant medical history. The reviewing doctor uses this information — the same clinical reasoning they'd apply in a face-to-face consult — to determine whether a certificate, advice, or referral is appropriate.
A medical certificate covers the period stated on the document. If your symptoms worsen or don't improve as expected, you should see a GP in person or visit your nearest emergency department if it's urgent. Your certificate doesn't replace ongoing care — it's a point-in-time clinical assessment.
In some cases, yes. If a doctor reviewing your request determines that a common, non-restricted treatment is appropriate, they may issue a prescription as part of a consultation. Not all symptoms require or qualify for a prescription — the doctor will advise you on next steps.
Medical certificates are typically issued in under 30 minutes, available 24/7. Other requests are reviewed within 1–2 hours during operating hours (8am–10pm AEST, 7 days). You'll receive an email notification once your request has been reviewed.
If your symptoms suggest something that requires a physical examination, diagnostic tests, or specialist referral, the doctor will let you know and recommend appropriate next steps. Your safety is the priority — telehealth is a great option for many things, but it's not a replacement for hands-on assessment when that's what's needed.
No Medicare card is required for medical certificates. If you're requesting a prescription or consultation, a valid Medicare card is needed. Our service is private and does not attract a Medicare rebate, though any prescriptions issued can still attract PBS subsidies at the pharmacy.
Our Australian-registered doctors can assess your symptoms and provide advice, treatment, or medical certificates if needed.
Get UTI treatment onlineThis information is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health. Content on this page has been reviewed by AHPRA-registered Australian doctors but does not replace a personalised medical consultation.