Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek urgent emergency care if you cannot pass urine and your lower abdomen feels painful or swollen.
Also get emergency help if you become confused, faint, severely weak, or have difficulty breathing.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Arrange same-day medical advice if painful urination occurs with:
Fever, chills, or pain in your side or back
Nausea or vomiting that makes drinking difficult
Pregnancy or possible pregnancy
New testicular pain or swelling
A weakened immune system or significant kidney disease
Symptoms in a baby or young child
These situations may need prompt testing and treatment.
And for anyone, someone who:
has abdominal pain that is severe, constant, or getting worse
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Book an appointment if the pain continues beyond a day, keeps returning, or occurs with visible blood, genital discharge, sores, pelvic pain, or changes in urine flow.
Visible blood should be assessed even if the pain settles.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Urination - painful. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.