What term is used to describe difficult or painful urination?

Dysuria is the term that specifically refers to difficult or painful urination. It is often characterized by discomfort, burning, or straining during the act of urination, and can be indicative of various medical conditions, including urinary tract infections, inflammation, or other underlying health issues.

In contrast, hematuria refers to the presence of blood in the urine, which may signify bleeding within the urinary tract but does not inherently relate to the pain of urination. Oliguria denotes a reduced urine output, usually defined as less than 400 milliliters per day, indicating possible kidney issues or dehydration. Anuria describes an even more severe condition where there is little to no urine production, often due to acute kidney failure or severe dehydration.

Thus, the correct term for painful urination is dysuria, as it specifically addresses the discomfort associated with the urinary process.