Urinary Urgency Issues: Causes and Concerns - Urology

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Experiencing urination without the urge to urinate can be concerning, and there is a fear that it may harm the body?


Hello, Doctor.
I am Xiao He.
Previously, I had difficulty urinating due to a lack of relaxation in the sphincter (mild benign prostatic hyperplasia).
I found this out during a visit to the China Medical University outpatient clinic.
I took medication for about a month and a half (I am no longer on medication), and now I can urinate normally, but I do not have the urge to urinate! Usually, I only realize I need to urinate when I feel a slight fullness in my bladder, and I can then urinate.
I have not engaged in masturbation for four months.
After this period, when I did masturbate for the first time, I noticed that the urge to urinate was reduced.
At that time, I thought it wouldn’t be a problem, as I hoped to return to a normal life.
I found that masturbation did not cause difficulty in urination, which made me very happy.
(The first time I visited the urology department at China Medical University was because I experienced difficulty urinating after masturbating the next day and had to exert effort.)
A week later, I masturbated again and later realized that I had no urge to urinate.
I can urinate normally in the morning, exceeding 100 mL (it seems to be over 150 mL as well), but during work hours, I am unsure if I exceed 100 mL.
I only go when I feel a sense of fullness (which is not particularly obvious).
I am very worried that this might affect my health.
Doctor, what is going on?

Xiao He, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/02/19

Dr. Cai Zhuorong reply Urology


It is recommended that you undergo further examination.

Reply Date: 2023/02/19

More Info


Understanding urinary urgency issues can be complex, especially when they are intertwined with previous medical conditions and treatments. Based on your description, it seems you have experienced a range of urinary symptoms, including difficulty in urination due to a lack of relaxation in the sphincter muscle, which may be related to mild prostatic enlargement. You mentioned that after treatment, you were able to urinate normally but have since developed a diminished sense of urgency, only feeling the need to urinate when your bladder is quite full.

Firstly, it’s important to understand that urinary urgency and frequency can be influenced by various factors, including bladder function, neurological control, and even psychological aspects. In your case, the initial issue with urination could have been due to a combination of physical obstruction (from the prostate) and possibly some degree of bladder dysfunction. The medications you took may have helped alleviate the obstruction, allowing for normal urination.

However, the subsequent lack of urgency you are experiencing could be indicative of a few different issues. One possibility is that your bladder's sensory nerves may not be functioning optimally. The bladder is equipped with stretch receptors that signal to the brain when it is full, prompting the urge to urinate. If these receptors are not sending signals effectively, you may not feel the need to urinate until the bladder is significantly distended. This condition is sometimes referred to as "bladder hypo-sensitivity."
Another factor to consider is the psychological aspect of urination. Anxiety or stress related to urination, especially if you have had previous difficulties, can sometimes lead to altered perceptions of urgency. It’s also worth noting that the act of masturbation can sometimes stimulate the bladder and cause a temporary change in urinary sensations, which may explain why you felt a change in urgency after that experience.

You expressed concern about the potential long-term effects of these urinary changes on your health. While it is understandable to worry, it is crucial to remember that many urinary issues can be managed effectively. The key is to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider. They can conduct further assessments, such as urodynamic studies, to evaluate how well your bladder is functioning and whether there are any underlying issues that need to be addressed.

In terms of treatment, if your bladder is indeed hypo-sensitive, your doctor may suggest bladder training exercises, which involve scheduled voiding to help retrain your bladder and improve your sense of urgency. Additionally, pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegel exercises, can strengthen the muscles involved in urination and may help improve your overall bladder control.

Lastly, if you continue to experience anxiety or distress regarding your urinary symptoms, it may be beneficial to speak with a mental health professional. They can provide support and strategies to help manage any psychological factors that may be contributing to your urinary issues.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may be concerning, they are not uncommon, and many effective strategies exist to help manage them. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider will be essential in monitoring your condition and ensuring that you receive the appropriate care.

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