Low Urine Specific Gravity and Urgency After Urination - Urology

Share to:

After urination, there is still a sensation of urgency, and the urine specific gravity test results are low?


Hello Doctor: I have a persistent feeling of needing to urinate even after I finish, but I only pass a few drops.
After urination, I usually feel uncomfortable, and there is a slight presence of blood.
I have indeed been drinking very little water these past two days and am currently taking antibiotics for a urinary tract infection.
However, the urinalysis shows low specific gravity.
Can urinary tract infections cause low specific gravity, especially in the context of low fluid intake? The following test results are abnormal; should I schedule a follow-up appointment with a specialist? Thank you.
Bacteria 1+ (203) HWBC 49 HBlood Trace HWBC esterase 1+ SP.
Gravity 1.002 L

Niu Bao, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/06/03

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology


Hello: The report seems to indicate inflammation.
As for whether the specific gravity is low, it can also be related to the amount of water consumed before the test.
However, urine tests are also dependent on the proper collection of urine samples.
Generally, it is advisable to repeat the test if necessary.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2024/06/03

More Info


Low urine specific gravity, as indicated by a measurement of 1.002, suggests that your urine is quite dilute. This can occur for several reasons, including high fluid intake, certain medical conditions, or even the effects of medications. In your case, you mentioned that you have been drinking very little water, which typically would lead to more concentrated urine, not dilute. This discrepancy could indicate an underlying issue that warrants further investigation.

The presence of urgency after urination, where you feel the need to urinate again shortly after having just done so, combined with the sensation of incomplete bladder emptying (only a few drops of urine) and the presence of blood, raises concerns for a urinary tract infection (UTI) or other urinary tract issues. The fact that you are currently on antibiotics suggests that your healthcare provider is treating you for a suspected UTI, which is a common cause of these symptoms.

In terms of your specific questions regarding urine specific gravity and its relation to urinary tract infections, it is important to note that while UTIs can sometimes lead to changes in urine concentration, they typically do not cause low specific gravity on their own. Instead, low specific gravity can be associated with conditions such as diabetes insipidus, chronic kidney disease, or excessive fluid intake. Given that you are experiencing symptoms of a UTI, it is crucial to monitor your condition closely.

The presence of bacteria in your urine (1+) indicates a possible infection, and the trace blood could be a sign of irritation or inflammation in the urinary tract, which can occur with UTIs. The elevated white blood cell count (49) further supports the likelihood of an infection, as this is a common response of the body to fight off pathogens.

Given your symptoms and the lab findings, it is advisable to follow up with your healthcare provider or a urologist. They may want to conduct further tests, such as a urine culture, to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection and determine the appropriate antibiotic treatment. Additionally, they may perform imaging studies or a cystoscopy if they suspect any structural abnormalities in the urinary tract.

In summary, your low urine specific gravity, along with the urgency, incomplete emptying, and blood in the urine, suggests a potential urinary tract infection or another underlying condition. It is essential to seek further evaluation and treatment from a healthcare professional to address these symptoms effectively. Staying hydrated is also crucial, but be sure to follow your doctor's recommendations regarding fluid intake, especially while on antibiotics.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Low Urine Specific Gravity: Causes and Concerns

Hello, the urinalysis report shows that all results are normal, but the urine specific gravity is low (1.003). What could be the reason for this? I had a concussion from a car accident three months ago (which has since healed); could this be related? Thank you.


Dr. Chen Bozhang reply Family Medicine
Hello, internet user: The normal reference range for urine specific gravity in a urinalysis is 1.005 to 1.030. A low urine specific gravity indicates that there may be excess fluid in the body, the use of diuretics, or specific kidney/endocrine issues. To determine the underlying...

[Read More] Understanding Low Urine Specific Gravity: Causes and Concerns


Understanding Urgency and Incontinence: Causes and Solutions

Hello Doctor, due to my work, I occasionally hold my urine. About a year ago, I started to feel an urgent need to urinate as soon as I felt the urge, and sometimes I even experience urinary incontinence. There was a period when it seemed to improve, but recently it has returned, ...


Dr. Chen Jiansheng reply Urology
Symptoms are very similar to overactive bladder; it is recommended to consult a urologist and have regular follow-ups for a period of time.

[Read More] Understanding Urgency and Incontinence: Causes and Solutions


Understanding Urinary Issues: Overcoming Anxiety and Urgency

Currently, aside from experiencing urgency to urinate, I find that I often have difficulty urinating before bed or at school, as it takes a long time to start. Additionally, when I am at school, I feel my heart racing and become anxious, which makes it even harder to urinate. How...


Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
Anonymous: Hello, I believe it may be caused by psychological factors. It could also be due to inflammation or irritation from stones. Of course, it might also be a result of autonomic nervous system dysregulation. My suggestions are: 1. Drink plenty of water and relax. 2. Exerci...

[Read More] Understanding Urinary Issues: Overcoming Anxiety and Urgency


Understanding Frequent Urgency with Little Urine Output: Causes Explained

I often feel a sense of urgency to urinate, but when I go to the bathroom, I notice that the urine volume is not particularly high, and it seems to lack force. What could be the reason for this?


Dr. Chen Zhihong reply Urology
Subject of the Issue: Frequent Urgency to Urinate, Yet... Response to the Issue: For young individuals, symptoms such as urgency, frequent urination, and low urine volume are often caused by factors such as work stress, nervous tension, and an impatient personality. These factor...

[Read More] Understanding Frequent Urgency with Little Urine Output: Causes Explained


Related FAQ

Weak Urination

(Urology)

Holding Urine

(Urology)

Diuresis

(Urology)

Urination

(Internal Medicine)

Urinalysis

(Urology)

Postoperative

(Urology)

Urine Occult Blood

(Urology)

Defecation

(Urology)

Nocturnal Enuresis

(Urology)

Premature Ejaculation

(Urology)