[Painful micturition (dysuria, algiuria)].

Painful micturition is one of the most common symptoms of urological diseases. The term "dysuria" is descriptive for micturition which the patient perceives as unpleasant. Usually, dysuria is combined with other symptoms such as pollakisuria (increased frequency of micturition) and urge (non suppressible compulsion of micturition). The symptoms may arise acutely or progress slowly and are often strictly linked to the act of micturition. The patients frequently complain of a burning pain at the beginning or during micturition. Therefore the anamnesis may already give the first clue for localization of the disease. The most common cause of painful micturition is an inflammation of the lower urinary tract. However, tumours, obstructive conditions and other less common urologic diseases must also be considered Basic diagnostics with urine analysis and culture can easily be done by almost all general practitioners. In doubtful cases, however, a special urologic examination is mandatory.