Urinary urgency is a common symptom of many urinary and bladder conditions. It’s the feeling that you need to pee urgently, even when there is no or little urine in your bladder. This can be a very uncomfortable and embarrassing symptom, and it can be difficult to know what to do if you can’t hold your pee for very long. In this article, we’ll look at what urinary urgency is, what causes it, and what treatments are available.
What is Urinary Urgency?
Urinary urgency is a sudden, strong need to urinate, even when there is little or no urine in your bladder. It’s a symptom of many urinary and bladder conditions, and is the most common symptom of overactive bladder syndrome. It can be accompanied by other symptoms such as frequent urination, incontinence, and pain when urinating.
What Causes Urinary Urgency?
There are a number of potential causes of urinary urgency. These include:
• Urinary tract infection (UTI): UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract, leading to inflammation of the bladder, urethra, or kidneys. This can cause pain, burning, and urgency when you urinate.
• Overactive bladder syndrome (OAB): OAB is a condition in which the bladder muscles contract involuntarily, even when there is little or no urine in the bladder. This leads to a feeling of urgency and frequent urination.
• Interstitial cystitis (IC): IC is a condition in which the bladder wall becomes inflamed and irritated, leading to pain and urgency when you urinate.
• Neurological conditions: Neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and stroke can damage the nerves in the bladder, leading to involuntary contractions and a feeling of urgency.
• Prostate enlargement: Enlargement of the prostate can cause obstruction of the urinary tract, leading to difficulty in passing urine and a feeling of urgency.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as diuretics, can increase urine production and lead to a feeling of urgency.
What Treatments are Available for Urinary Urgency?
The treatment for urinary urgency will depend on the underlying cause. If the cause is an infection or a condition such as IC, then medications such as antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed. If the cause is neurological, then medications such as antispasmodics or anticholinergics may be used to relax the bladder muscles and reduce the feeling of urgency.
If the cause is prostate enlargement, then surgery may be necessary to reduce the size of the prostate. In addition, lifestyle changes such as reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, drinking more water, and avoiding holding your urge to urinate can help to reduce the feeling of urgency.
Conclusion
Urinary urgency is a common symptom of many urinary and bladder conditions, and can be very uncomfortable and embarrassing. It’s important to speak to your doctor if you’re experiencing this symptom, as they will be able to diagnose the underlying cause and recommend the appropriate treatment. In addition, lifestyle changes such as reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, drinking more water, and avoiding holding your urge to urinate can help to reduce the feeling of urgency.
