These three conditions all cause burning or pain when passing urine, but they affect different parts of the urinary system and have different causes and treatments. Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder, urethritis of the tube that carries urine out, and prostatitis of the prostate gland in men. Getting the right diagnosis matters, because the treatments differ.
Cystitis is usually a bacterial bladder infection and is very common in women. Urethritis in men and women is most often caused by a sexually transmitted infection such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia or Mycoplasma genitalium, though irritation from soaps or injury can also cause it. Prostatitis affects men: it may be a sudden bacterial infection, a long-lasting infection, or — most commonly — a long-term pelvic pain condition without infection.
| Cystitis | Urethritis | Prostatitis | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where | Bladder | Urethra | Prostate (men) |
| Who | Mostly women | Sexually active men and women | Men, often 30–50 |
| Usual cause | Bowel bacteria (E. coli) | STIs; sometimes irritants | Bacteria, or no infection (chronic pelvic pain) |
| Key symptoms | Burning, frequency, urgency, cloudy urine, lower tummy pain | Burning, discharge from the penis or vagina, itching at the opening | Pain in the perineum, testicles, penis or lower back; painful ejaculation; weak flow |
| Main test | Urine dipstick and culture | Urine or swab test for STIs | Urine tests, examination; sometimes semen or other tests |
| Treatment | Short antibiotic course | Antibiotics chosen for the STI; partners treated | Several weeks of antibiotics if bacterial; pain relief, physiotherapy and other measures if not |
Prostatitis is different from an enlarged prostate (BPH), which causes a slow stream and getting up at night in older men, and from prostate cancer. See a doctor to tell them apart.
A urine test — ideally with culture before antibiotics start — is the key first step. Men with urinary symptoms, anyone with discharge, and anyone with a new sexual partner should also be tested for STIs; partners need treatment too, or the infection returns. Complete the full antibiotic course, and avoid sex until you and your partner have finished treatment. Don't use leftover antibiotics or buy them without a prescription — resistance is common and the wrong drug can let an infection spread. Paracetamol or ibuprofen and plenty of fluids ease discomfort.
Ayurveda describes painful, burning urination as Mutrakrichra (eight types) and obstruction of urine flow as Mutraghata, which includes Vatashthila — a firm swelling at the neck of the bladder that later authors compare with the enlarged prostate. The burning, frequent urination of cystitis and urethritis corresponds to the Pittaja type. Hot, spicy and sour food, alcohol, dehydration and suppressing urination are listed causes; care relies on cooling, diuretic herbs, fluids and a light diet.
Herbs may ease discomfort but don't cure bacterial infections or STIs. Use them only alongside proper testing and treatment, tell your doctor what you take, and use licensed products from a qualified practitioner.
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Reviewed against NHS: Cystitis, NHS: Non-gonococcal urethritis, NHS: Prostatitis, NCCIH: Ayurvedic Medicine, and Ministry of Ayush pharmacovigilance. These links support education and do not replace individual medical advice.