Do you feel the urge to urinate frequently? This sensation is not normal, even after consuming liquids, and may indicate an issue with your urinary system, such as overactive bladder or infections. Learn more.
The frequent urge to urinate is bothersome and can affect the quality of life of those who experience it. This constant need to go to the bathroom, urgently and unexpectedly, not only disrupts daily activities but can also generate anxiety and discomfort. And more: it’s not normal!
The condition may be a warning sign for urinary system diseases, ranging from minor issues to severe health problems. Therefore, the frequent urge to urinate should not be ignored, and medical help should be sought.
Below, check out the main problems that cause frequent urination and their symptoms.
Urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine and can be related to the frequent urge to urinate. It occurs due to muscular, neurological problems, or the natural aging process.
There are different types of incontinence: stress incontinence, which occurs when coughing, laughing, or lifting weight, and urge incontinence, characterized by a sudden urge to urinate often, but not being able to make it to the bathroom in time.
In some cases, urinary incontinence can be a sequel to surgery, especially pelvic surgeries such as radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer.
Overactive bladder
Overactive bladder is one of the most common reasons for the frequent urge to urinate.
This condition occurs when the bladder muscles contract excessively, even when the amount of urine present does not require emptying. It is caused by neurological factors, urinary tract infections, or even excessive fluid intake and stimulants such as caffeine.
In addition to frequent urination, the condition can be accompanied by difficulty holding urine, leading to episodes of urinary incontinence.
Urinary infection
Urinary infection, characterized by the presence of bacteria in the urinary tract, causing inflammation and irritation, tends to make individuals feel the need to relieve themselves more frequently.
Besides the frequent need to urinate, urinary infection can also be accompanied by pain when urinating and, in more severe cases, blood in the urine.
Treatment is done with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor to prevent the infection from spreading to other organs, like the kidneys, which could cause more serious complications.
Medication use
Some medications can cause frequent urination as a side effect.
This is the case for diuretics, commonly used to treat high blood pressure. These medications can cause excessive urine production.
Some antidepressants, antipsychotics, and painkillers can also interfere with bladder control, leading to more frequent urination.
Enlarged prostate
In men, a common cause of frequent urination is a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate – which is not cancerous.
An enlarged prostate can press against the urethra and interfere with urinary flow, resulting in more frequent urination, a weak urine stream, and the sensation that the bladder is never completely empty.
This condition is more common in older men and may require medication or surgery.
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer can also be associated with frequent urination in men over 50 in some cases.
In addition to other symptoms of prostate cancer, the disease can increase urinary frequency, cause pain when urinating, blood in the urine, and discomfort in the pelvic area.
Diabetes
Frequent urination may also be an indicator of diabetes, as excess glucose in the blood makes the kidneys work harder to filter and absorb the sugar. When they can’t keep up, the excess glucose is excreted in the urine, leading to increased urine production and a frequent urge to urinate.
Additionally, diabetic patients often drink a lot of water. This intense thirst, fatigue, and weight loss may indicate that the symptoms need to be checked by a doctor.
I just urinated and still feel the urge: what could it be?
Feeling like you need to urinate right after using the bathroom may indicate an issue in your urinary system. This sensation can be caused by:
- Urinary infection
- Overactive bladder
- Kidney stones
Frequent urge to urinate but little output: what could it be?
If you feel the urge to urinate frequently but notice only a small amount of urine, possible conditions include:
- Urinary infection
- Enlarged prostate
- Prostate cancer
- Overactive bladder
- Irritation in the urethra or bladder
Frequent urge to urinate at night: possible causes
If the urge to urinate occurs when you should be sleeping, it is called nocturia and may be related to:
- Diabetes
- Enlarged prostate
- Excessive fluid intake before bedtime
When to see a doctor?
If excessive urination is interfering with your quality of life – for example, causing you to avoid leaving the house – or if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain when urinating, blood in the urine, or urinary incontinence, it is crucial to see a doctor.
A urologist is the most suitable doctor in this case, as they treat the urinary system and may work with other specialists to investigate the causes.
Early diagnosis can help select a more appropriate treatment and reduce the risk of complications.
The frequent urge to urinate can be more than a passing inconvenience and may indicate conditions requiring medical attention. It is important to be aware of changes in your urinary patterns and seek medical advice when needed for proper evaluation. Consult a urologist to investigate the causes and treat possible conditions affecting the urinary system.
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