Bladder Issues: Symptoms, Concerns, and Solutions

Bladder issues

Hello, I often experience urinary retention while sleeping at night, holding it until the urge disappears, possibly because I fell asleep, and I only urinate after getting up, which can be around 10 hours.
I usually don't drink much water, and during the day, I urinate infrequently, sometimes waiting 5 to 6 hours before feeling the need to go to the bathroom.
It seems like the sensation of bladder distension due to the urge has diminished, and I don't feel a strong urgency.
Recently, I've been drinking more water, about 1000 ml or more.
A few days ago, I noticed some urine on my underwear for two days, which was yellow and somewhat foul-smelling, but that has stopped now.
However, my urine color has been light yellow, including the first urine in the morning.
After using the bathroom, I drink a cup of water, and not long after, I feel the urge to urinate, although sometimes it feels quite normal.
Previously, when my bladder was quite full, I would feel a distended sensation, and after urinating, there would be a feeling of relief, but now it seems absent.
I would like to ask if there is a problem with my bladder, and is the urine color normal? Could there be any issues with my kidneys? Thank you.

Kang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/05

Dr. Lin Wenxu reply Urology

First of all, it's important to remind you that holding in urine is a bad habit that can lead to acute cystitis, and chronic retention of urine may also cause difficulties in urination.
As for the color of urine, it is related to the amount of water intake; typically, when hydration is insufficient, the urine appears dark yellow or tea-colored, whereas adequate hydration results in light yellow or even colorless urine.
Regarding the function of the bladder and kidney health, it is advisable to consult a physician at a hospital for a more comprehensive examination.

Reply Date: 2016/03/05

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your question regarding bladder issues and urinary symptoms. It sounds like you are experiencing a range of concerns related to your urinary habits, and I’d like to help clarify some of these issues.

From what you've described, it seems you have been experiencing prolonged periods of holding urine overnight, which can lead to discomfort and potentially affect bladder function over time. The bladder is a muscular organ that can stretch to accommodate urine, but habitual over-distension (holding urine for too long) can lead to changes in bladder sensitivity and function. This might explain why you are noticing a diminished urge to urinate, as the bladder may become less responsive to the sensation of fullness.

Your experience of having less frequent urination during the day and sometimes waiting several hours before feeling the need to go could indicate a few things. It’s important to consider factors such as hydration levels, bladder capacity, and overall urinary health. Drinking around 1000 mL of water daily is generally a good practice, but if you are still experiencing infrequent urination, it might be beneficial to increase your fluid intake further, especially if you are active or live in a hot climate.

Regarding the yellowish color and slight odor of your urine, this can be influenced by several factors, including hydration status and dietary choices. Darker urine often indicates dehydration, while lighter urine typically suggests adequate hydration. If you notice that your urine is consistently dark yellow or has a strong odor, it may be a sign that you need to drink more fluids. However, if the odor persists or if you notice any changes in the color that are concerning, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

The fact that you have experienced some leakage of urine could be indicative of a few conditions, such as urinary incontinence or an overactive bladder. It’s essential to differentiate between these conditions, as they require different management strategies. If you find that this leakage continues or worsens, it would be prudent to seek medical advice.

As for your concerns about kidney health, while changes in urinary habits can sometimes be related to kidney function, they are often more directly associated with bladder issues. However, if you experience any additional symptoms such as back pain, swelling, changes in appetite, or fatigue, it would be wise to consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation.

In summary, your symptoms could be related to a combination of factors, including bladder function, hydration status, and possibly lifestyle habits. Here are a few recommendations:
1. Increase Fluid Intake: Aim to drink more water throughout the day to ensure you are well-hydrated. This can help improve urine color and frequency.

2. Regular Bathroom Visits: Try to establish a routine for urination, even if you don’t feel a strong urge. This can help maintain bladder health and prevent over-distension.

3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your urinary habits, color, or odor. If you notice persistent issues, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

4. Consult a Specialist: If your symptoms persist or worsen, consider seeing a urologist or a healthcare provider specializing in urinary health. They can provide a more comprehensive assessment and recommend appropriate treatments.

Remember, it’s always better to address these concerns sooner rather than later, as early intervention can often lead to better outcomes. Take care, and I hope you find relief from your symptoms soon!

Similar Q&A

Understanding Bladder Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Solutions

Hello Doctor: Due to work-related reasons at the end of last year, I drank coffee to stay alert and often had to hold my urine. There were three or four instances where I could hardly urinate, and the stream was very thin, accompanied by some abdominal pain. Currently, it seems t...

Dr. Li Yilun reply Urology
There are many causes of urinary obstruction, with urinary tract infection being one of them. Since the urinalysis results are normal, urinary tract infection can be initially ruled out. However, abnormal urination habits, such as prolonged retention of urine, can indeed lead to ...

Understanding Urinary Difficulties: Causes and Treatment Options

Hello, doctor. I apologize for bothering you again! I know that my bladder is full of urine and I want to urinate, but I always feel very tense and can't seem to do it. Additionally, I find it easier to urinate when I have a bowel movement, but sometimes I have to apply pres...

Dr. Lai Ronghao reply Urology
Hello: Your issue requires scheduling urodynamic testing, cystoscopy, medical history review, physical examination, and urinalysis to determine the cause and to provide further treatment based on the findings. Please visit our Urology outpatient clinic for further examination and...

Understanding Kidney and Bladder Issues: Seeking Clarity on Symptoms

Hello, on July 2nd, I woke up from a nap in my office and suddenly had to use the restroom over twenty times that afternoon. I experienced significant pain in my genital area, with a sensation of wounds and bleeding. Even after urinating, I still felt the urge to go. The next day...

Dr. Song Zhixian reply Urology
Acute cystitis is characterized by symptoms such as bladder pain, painful urination, and increased frequency of urination. In more severe cases, hematuria may occur. The condition is commonly caused by Escherichia coli and can be treated with oral antibiotics. Holding urine and s...

Understanding Urination Issues: Common Symptoms and Concerns

1. During the day, I drink a lot of water, and when I see the toilet, I can't hold my urine, often accidentally leaking in my pants. 2. Sometimes when I feel a strong urge to urinate, I expect a large volume, like a waterfall, but in reality, the flow is more like a weak fau...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: 1. Drinking a lot of water during the day leads to frequent urges to urinate, and sometimes I can't hold it and accidentally wet my pants. --> This may indicate a bladder issue. 2. Sometimes when I feel an urgent need to urinate, I expect a large volume to be relea...