URINATION PROBLEMS

Urination is the passing of urine from the body. Urine carries waste from the kidneys. It is stored in the bladder until passed from the body through a tube called the urethra. Common problems in this system include frequent, painful, difficult, and uncontrolled urination.

Frequent urination has several causes, such as:

drinking more fluids than usual
being anxious, nervous, or excited
side effects of medicines, alcohol, and caffeine
pregnancy
diabetes
disorder of the prostate gland
inflammation of the bladder or urethra
a bladder tumor or stone
vaginal or prostate gland inflammation or infection and
urinary infection

A burning or a scalding feeling and general discomfort in the lower abdomen or urinary pathway may be felt with urination. Because of the pain, less urine may be passed than when there is no pain.

Involuntary urination is the lack of bladder control. Symptoms include:

urine leaks with increases in pressure during a sneeze, laugh, lifting, or while bending over
not enough time to reach a toilet once the urge to urinate is felt
urine dribbling that continues after urinating or
constant leakage of urine

Difficult urination occurs when urine flow is decreased or stopped despite the urge to urinate. Symptoms include:

a decreased urine stream that takes longer than usual to empty the bladder
a urine flow that stops and starts and stops and starts or
inability to urinate (requires immediate medical attention)

Depending on the cause of urinary symptoms, your healthcare provider will order the appropriate treatment. It is always important to drink plenty of liquids, especially water. Until you see your provider, avoid alcohol, any caffeinated beverages, citrus juices, and spicy foods as they can irritate the bladder and make your symptoms worse.

Seek same day medical advice for bloody, painful urination, or urinary frequency or urgency. Always seek medical evaluation for any changes in urination patterns that do not get better within a day or two.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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