Urination Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice

Q: Urination Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice

Hello： I usually drink a lot of water and frequently use the restroom, but due to work, I occasionally have the habit of holding my urine (not for too long). <br>Recently, I have noticed that sometimes when I urinate, I feel a sense of fullness or pressure in my bladder (abdomen)

Urinary issues

Hello, Doctor.
I have some questions related to urination that I'm unsure about whether they are normal.
I tend to drink a lot of water and frequently use the restroom, but due to work, I occasionally have the habit of holding my urine (not for too long).
Recently, I've noticed that sometimes when I urinate, I feel a sense of fullness or pressure in my bladder (abdomen), and the flow is slow or requires some effort to initiate.
The urine volume varies, but it doesn't feel like the burning sensation associated with a urinary tract infection, nor is there any pain.
It resembles the discomfort experienced from holding urine for too long, but sometimes this issue occurs even when I haven't held it (the volume seems to be a bit less).
The color of my urine is normal, and there are no bubbles; this doesn't happen every time I urinate, as there are also normal and smoother instances.
I haven't paid much attention to the frequency, but it might occur once every 2-3 days (not entirely sure).
Last year, during a health check-up, I had a trace of blood in my urine (1+), but the doctor advised not to worry too much, as all other values were normal.
It might be related to my ovulation period, and I haven't followed up with a urologist since then.
Due to long hours of sitting at work, I occasionally experience constipation and abdominal bloating.

Could you please tell me if constipation and bloating can affect bladder function? Is there a need for further examination regarding my urination habits? This month, I have experienced menstrual cramps and lower back pain, along with sharp pains in my lower abdomen (bladder area).
After taking painkillers, the symptoms improved.
Should I be particularly concerned about this? Thank you for your patient response, Doctor.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/04/04

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: I usually drink a lot of water and frequently use the restroom, but due to work, I occasionally have the habit of holding my urine (not for too long).
Recently, I have noticed that sometimes when I urinate, I feel a sense of fullness or pressure in my bladder (abdomen), and the flow is slow or requires effort to void.
The urine volume varies, but it does not have the burning sensation typical of a urinary tract infection, nor does it hurt.
It feels somewhat like the discomfort from holding urine for too long, but sometimes this issue occurs even when I haven't held it (the urine volume seems to be a bit less).
The color of my urine is normal, and there are no bubbles.
This does not happen every time I urinate; there are also normal and smoother instances.
I haven't paid much attention to the frequency, but it might happen once every 2-3 days (not entirely sure).
Last year, I had a health check-up, which showed trace blood in the urine (1+), but the doctor said it wasn't a major concern, and all other values were normal.
It might be related to my ovulation period, and I haven't followed up with a urologist since then.

Regarding the urine test, it may not always detect red blood cells, white blood cells, or bacteria, so it is recommended to test for urine when symptoms are present, preferably outside of menstruation.
Due to long periods of sitting at work, I also occasionally experience constipation and abdominal bloating.
I would like to ask if constipation and bloating can affect bladder urination? Is there a need for further examination regarding my urination habits? Generally, a urine test can help determine if further investigation is necessary.
This month, I have experienced menstrual cramps and lower back pain, along with sharp pain in the lower abdomen (bladder area).
After taking pain medication, it improved.
Should I pay special attention to this? If there is discomfort during urination, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2023/04/04

More Info

When it comes to urinary issues, it is essential to understand the underlying causes and when to seek medical advice. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a combination of urinary symptoms, abdominal discomfort, and menstrual pain. Let's break down your concerns and provide some guidance.

Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Frequent Urination and Urgency: You mentioned that you drink a lot of water and often need to urinate. This is generally normal, but if you find yourself feeling a strong urge to urinate frequently, it could indicate a condition known as overactive bladder. This can be exacerbated by habits like holding in urine due to work commitments.

2. Bladder Discomfort: The feeling of pressure or fullness in the bladder area, along with a slow urine stream, can be concerning. While it may sometimes feel like a result of holding urine for too long, it could also indicate bladder dysfunction or even a urinary tract infection (UTI), even if you do not experience the typical burning sensation associated with UTIs.

3. Urine Characteristics: You noted that your urine color is normal and that you do not see bubbles, which is a good sign. However, the presence of blood in your urine during a previous check-up (urine occult blood 1+) should not be overlooked, even if your doctor advised you not to worry. It is essential to monitor this, especially if it recurs.

4. Constipation and Abdominal Bloating: Your concerns about constipation and bloating are valid. These gastrointestinal issues can indeed affect bladder function. The bladder and bowel share space in the pelvis, and if the bowel is distended or impacted, it can put pressure on the bladder, leading to urinary symptoms.

5. Menstrual Pain: The pain you experience during your menstrual cycle, along with lower abdominal pain, could be related to conditions like endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease, which can also impact bladder function.

When to Seek Medical Advice
Given your symptoms, it would be prudent to seek medical advice if:
- You experience persistent bladder discomfort or changes in urination patterns.

- You notice any recurrence of blood in your urine.

- Your abdominal bloating and constipation do not improve with dietary changes or over-the-counter remedies.

- Your menstrual pain becomes severe or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

Recommended Actions
1. Consult a Urologist: Since you have experienced urinary symptoms and a previous finding of blood in your urine, a visit to a urologist is advisable. They can perform tests such as a urinalysis, urine culture, and possibly imaging studies to rule out any underlying issues.

2. Gastroenterologist Consultation: If constipation and bloating persist, consider consulting a gastroenterologist. They can help assess your bowel health and recommend dietary changes or treatments to alleviate these symptoms.

3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their severity, and any associated factors (like diet, hydration, and menstrual cycle). This information can be valuable for your healthcare providers.

4. Lifestyle Modifications: Ensure you maintain a balanced diet rich in fiber to help with constipation. Staying hydrated is essential, but also try to avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, which can irritate the bladder.

5. Pain Management: For menstrual pain, over-the-counter pain relievers can be effective. However, if the pain is severe or persistent, further evaluation may be necessary.

Conclusion
While some of your symptoms may be related to lifestyle factors, it is essential to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Given your history and current symptoms, seeking medical advice from specialists in urology and gastroenterology would be a proactive step. Early intervention can lead to better management of your symptoms and overall health.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Urination Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice

In the past week, I've been experiencing unusual urination. I often have to wait for a while on the toilet before I can urinate, and sometimes I feel the urge to urinate but can't seem to do so. After a little while, I can finally urinate, but when I have a strong urge ...

Dr. Liu Jianting reply Urology
Young people shouldn't be like this! How have you been feeling lately? If you're worried, it's best to visit a urologist for an examination.

Understanding Urinary Issues: When to Seek Further Medical Help

Doctor, I have a long-standing habit of holding in my urine. Last month, I went for an examination, and the doctor said I had a urinary tract infection. I was prescribed medication (for bacterial infection and frequent urination), and I was told there was no need for a follow-up ...

Dr. Du Mingyi reply Urology
There's no need to be overly anxious; it's unlikely for someone in their 20s to have cancer. It's more likely a common urinary tract infection, which is quite frequent among young women. Try to avoid holding in urine. If there are symptoms of depression or anxiety,...

Understanding Frequent Urination: When to Seek Medical Attention

I have been experiencing frequent urination for about 2 to 3 years, and I feel like my bladder is smaller than others. Before my cystitis on June 9th of this year, I would sometimes drink a sip of water and then have a large amount of urine just 10 minutes later. Additionally, I ...

Dr. Li Yilun reply Urology
Frequent urination is defined as more than 8 times a day for women or more than once at night. In young women, common causes include infections and inflammation. If symptoms persist and become chronic, the underlying causes can be more complex. If the infection is treated but fre...

Understanding Urination Issues: When Medical Tests Show No Clear Cause

Symptoms: After urination, I need to apply pressure with my hand to fully empty my bladder, but I still experience urinary leakage. In the past two years, I have visited four hospitals for examinations, which included: 1. Urinalysis 2. Urine flow rate 3. Post-void residual volume...

Dr. Lin Hexing reply Urology
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your question and provide the following suggestions: Since you have undergone various examinations at a major hospital and all results are normal, I am unable to provide you with specific answers. I recommend seek...