Frequent Urination: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

Q: Frequent Urination: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

Hello： 1. There are many causes of frequent urination. Given that you have been experiencing this for 10 months, it may be necessary to arrange for a bladder function test. Please visit a medical center that has urodynamic equipment. 2. As for the urinary trac

Frequent urination

Dear Doctor: I noticed that I have a frequent urination problem around May of last year (2004).
After urinating, I immediately feel the urge to urinate again.
My water intake and daily routine have remained the same as before.
However, because of this, I even started drinking more water, but there has been no improvement.
I was studying abroad and returned home in June without seeking medical attention.
I am unsure if this is related to the fact that I often held my urine during the winter of 2003, and I frequently engaged in masturbation without ejaculation at that time.
This is only a guess on my part.
I am currently very troubled by this issue.
It is quite inconvenient because after I urinate, I clearly feel that I still have to go, but I cannot urinate.
I have to exert a lot of effort to urinate, and by the end, the amount is so little that it feels like a trickle, but I know there is still urine.
I need to first exert pressure on my abdomen and then use the contraction technique we typically use to hold our urine to push the remaining urine out.
I have to repeat this process until I can no longer get any out.
However, after leaving the restroom, I still feel the urge to urinate.
I might have to go to the bathroom five times or more within thirty minutes.
I can choose not to go, but that would mean holding my urine again.
So, I really have to keep running to the restroom.
I don’t know what to do! At night, when I am about to go to bed, I still have to get up to go to the bathroom because I can't fully empty my bladder.
Not every time is the urine volume small, but even when the volume seems normal, I still feel the urge to go after using the restroom.
When I urinate, it often feels obstructed, as if there is something inside that prevents it from coming out.
I have to wait for a while before I can go back to the restroom, and this is really troubling me.
Please help me!
Question 2: Last Monday, February 14th, I suddenly experienced a sharp, needle-like pain in the back of my left waist, which spread from that point.
This pain lasted until last Sunday.
Each episode of pain lasted about 10 seconds and occurred unpredictably.
Initially, it happened about once a day, but by last Thursday, it suddenly increased to three or four times a day.
On February 20th, this past Sunday, I experienced the pain more frequently and with shorter intervals.
Therefore, I went to the emergency room, where they only performed blood and urine tests.
I only received the blood report, which showed two abnormal values: one was ERCS (RBC) at 6.41, which is high, and MPV at 7.1, which is low.
I know that RBC refers to red blood cells, but I am not sure what MPV means.
They advised me to schedule an appointment with a urologist.
I sincerely ask the doctor for your assistance in understanding my situation.
I have tried to provide detailed information to help you understand, and I appreciate your help.
Thank you!

hen kunrao, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/02/26

Dr. Chen Xiuyi reply Urology

Hello: 1.
There are many causes of frequent urination.
Given that you have been experiencing this for 10 months, it may be necessary to arrange for a bladder function test.
Please visit a medical center that has urodynamic equipment.
2.
As for the urinary tract stones you mentioned, it is essential to first consider whether there is hematuria in the urine test, which would necessitate an X-ray examination such as an Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP) to confirm the diagnosis.
Sincerely, Dr.
Chen Hsiu-Yi, Urology.

Reply Date: 2005/02/26

More Info

Frequent urination, especially when accompanied by a sensation of incomplete emptying, can be a distressing condition that significantly impacts one's quality of life. Your symptoms suggest a complex interplay of factors that may include urinary tract issues, potential psychological components, and possibly lifestyle habits. Let's break down the potential causes, symptoms, and solutions to your situation.

Causes of Frequent Urination
1. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): UTIs are one of the most common causes of frequent urination. They can cause irritation in the bladder, leading to a constant urge to urinate, even when the bladder is not full. Symptoms often include burning during urination, cloudy urine, and sometimes blood in the urine.

2. Bladder Overactivity: Conditions like overactive bladder syndrome can lead to frequent urination and a strong urge to urinate. This condition is characterized by involuntary contractions of the bladder muscle, which can occur even when the bladder is not full.

3. Prostate Issues: In men, prostate enlargement or inflammation can lead to urinary symptoms, including frequent urination and difficulty in starting or stopping urination.
4. Psychological Factors: Anxiety and stress can exacerbate urinary symptoms. The fear of needing to find a restroom can create a cycle of anxiety that leads to more frequent urination.

5. Lifestyle Factors: High fluid intake, especially of diuretics like caffeine and alcohol, can increase urine production. Additionally, habits like holding in urine for extended periods can lead to bladder dysfunction over time.

Symptoms to Monitor
- Urinary Urgency: A strong, sudden urge to urinate that may be difficult to control.

- Incomplete Emptying: The sensation of needing to urinate again shortly after using the restroom.

- Pain or Discomfort: Any pain during urination or in the lower abdomen or back should be evaluated.

- Changes in Urine Appearance: Cloudy urine, blood in urine, or strong odors can indicate infection or other issues.

Solutions and Recommendations
1. Medical Evaluation: Since you have already undergone some tests, it is crucial to follow up with a urologist. They may recommend further tests, such as a bladder diary, urinalysis, or imaging studies to assess bladder function and rule out any underlying conditions.

2. Hydration Management: While staying hydrated is essential, consider moderating your fluid intake, especially before activities where restroom access may be limited. Keeping a diary of your fluid intake and urination patterns can help identify triggers.

3. Behavioral Techniques: Bladder training exercises can help. This involves gradually increasing the time between urinations to train your bladder to hold more urine.
4. Pelvic Floor Exercises: Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can improve bladder control. Kegel exercises, which involve tightening and relaxing the pelvic muscles, can be beneficial.

5. Medication: If diagnosed with overactive bladder or another specific condition, medications may be prescribed to help manage symptoms. These can include anticholinergics or beta-3 agonists.

6. Psychological Support: If anxiety is a significant factor, consider speaking with a mental health professional. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help manage anxiety related to urinary symptoms.

7. Follow-Up on Pain Symptoms: The sharp pain in your left flank could indicate a kidney issue, such as stones or infection. Ensure that this is thoroughly evaluated by your healthcare provider, as it may require specific treatment.

Conclusion
Your symptoms of frequent urination and discomfort are complex and may involve multiple factors. It is essential to work closely with healthcare professionals to identify the underlying causes and develop a comprehensive treatment plan. By addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of your condition, you can find relief and improve your quality of life. Remember, you are not alone in this, and there are effective strategies and treatments available to help you manage your symptoms.

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