Many patients search for a symptom before they know the name of the condition. This page brings together the most common urinary symptoms in men and women, with a short explanation of each and when it needs a urologist.
Medically reviewed by Prof. Dr. Samir Ahmed Al-Samarrai, consultant urologist. Last reviewed:
Common symptoms
- Blood in urine: red or pink urine, or blood on a urine test, and when it is serious.
- Burning urination: pain or burning when passing urine and its causes in men and women.
- Frequent urination and nocturia: needing to pass urine often during the day or waking at night to urinate.
- Difficulty urinating and weak stream: slow start, weak stream, dribbling and urinary retention.
- Testicular pain: causes of testicular pain and when it is an emergency.
Signs that need emergency care
- Sudden severe pain in a testicle.
- Inability to pass urine with pain and swelling in the lower abdomen.
- Heavy bleeding or clots in the urine.
- High fever with shivering and flank pain.
In these cases call 998 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Signs that need a doctor soon
- Blood in the urine, even once.
- Repeated urinary infections.
- A change in urination lasting more than two weeks, such as a weak stream, frequency or urgency.
- A lump or swelling in a testicle.
- Repeated flank or lower back pain.
Learn more
Frequently asked questions
When should I see a urologist?
If you notice blood in the urine, repeated burning, difficult or frequent urination that affects your life, testicular or flank pain, or any lump in a testicle.
Which urinary symptoms are most serious?
Visible painless blood in the urine, sudden severe testicular pain, complete inability to pass urine, and high fever with flank pain.
Do urinary symptoms differ between men and women?
Some are shared, such as burning and blood in the urine; others are more common in men, such as difficulty urinating due to the prostate, or in women, such as recurrent bladder infections.
Book an examination
If you have any of these symptoms, book an appointment with Prof. Al-Samarrai or Dr. Amer Mousa in Dubai Healthcare City.
This information is for health education and does not replace a medical examination. See our medical content policy.