When you feel a constant urge to urinate, the first thing that comes to mind is urinary tract infection (UTI), a common condition that mainly affects women who were the majority in this discussion. UTI has been suggested by the member who joined the discussion and replied first. She also asked the discussion starter:
Have you had any blood at all in your urine?
This member reported having a little bit blood one morning, but other than the blood and urge to urinate, she didn't really have other symptoms.
Other symptoms of UTI mentioned in the discussion include:
- frequent urination
- dwindling amounts of urine though you feel like you have a lot of it remained in your bladder
- pain during and even after urination
- burning sensation when urinating
- smelly/foul urine
- cloudy urine
- a tinge of blood in urine
Other participants who joined the discussion also reported feeling the need to go to the bathroom even after they just urinated. Many decided to wait until the problem resolves on its own, however, it is crucial to make an appointment with a doctor or urologist, especially if the frequent urination and strong, constant urge to empty the bladder has been caused by UTI.
Many participants visited their doctors who performed a physical exam and laboratory tests, namely the urine test. In many cases, the tests didn't show any sign of a bacterial infection, thus excluding UTI as a possible culprit.
If there is no infection present this could be interstitial cystitis. Do ask to be referred to a urologist for help.
Interstitial cystitis, a chronic bladder health issue, has been also mentioned as a possible cause for a constant urge to urinate. Signs and symptoms of interstitial cystitis may resemble those of a chronic urinary tract infection, such as pain, frequent urination, and constant urge to urinate, however, there's usually no infection.
As suggested in the discussion, interstitial cystitis is an incurable disorder and can be a recurring problem throughout life. One participant said that she was recommended a surgery called hydrodistention to confirm that she has interstitial cystitis. Her doctor said the surgery can cure people of the cystitis
Possibly this pressure might be a kidney stone or stones?
One participant in the discussion reported having kidney infection caused by 3 kidney stones, which was mistaken for a bladder infection, due to almost indistinguishable symptoms.
...until you pass a stone or have horrific pain known as renal colic.
Diverticulitis was also named as one of the possible causes because this condition also has similar pains as kidney stones/infections and bladder infections. Other conditioned reported were a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, and hypercalciuria among others.
The participants also mentioned some medications that could help alleviate the symptoms, such as antidepressants and medications called Cystitat and Elmiron for people with interstitial cystitis. Several members recommended a medication called AZO (phenazopyridine hydrochloride). Others said that anyone should make an appointment before starting using any over the counter medications.
Is there anything you can take at home to make the constant peeing stop?
Natural remedies have been mentioned as well, mostly cranberry juice, plenty of water, white vinegar in water, honey, baking soda, etc. The people with this problem have been also advised to stay away from anything acidic in their diet, including tomatoes and anything with tomatoes in it (pizza, spaghetti, etc), orange juice, oranges, lemon, etc. Several participants recommended using Ashwagandha (aka Indian Ginseng, Winter Cherry), which is not recommended by the FDA.
What do experts say?
Frequent urination and constant urge to urinate are often associated with the disorders and conditions of the urinary tract, although they may be a sign of other conditions such as metabolic or neurological conditions.
Urinary System Conditions
Of urinary tract conditions that may cause frequent urination, the two are the most prominent, including urinary tract infection (UTI) and interstitial cystitis.
Urinary Tract InfectionA urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that can occur in any part of the urinary system, including kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. However, most UTIs involve the lower urinary tract, i.e. the bladder and the urethra. The most common cause of UTI is bacteria that enter the urethra, usually from improper wiping after urination, or even sexual intercourse. Women are at greater risk of developing a UTI than are men, especially women with the shorter urethra, which allow bacteria quick access to the bladder.
Signs and symptoms of UTI include:
- A strong, persistent urge to urinate
- A burning sensation when urinating
- Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
- Cloudy urine
- Red, bright pink or cola-colored urine, which may be a sign of blood in the urine
- Strong-smelling urine
- Pelvic pain, in women
Different types of UTI may result in more-specific signs and symptoms, depending on which part of the urinary tract is affected. UTI can also cause serious complications if it spreads to the kidneys.
Interstitial CystitisInterstitial cystitis, also known as a painful bladder syndrome, is a condition similar to UTI, but it's not caused by the infection. The signs and symptoms of interstitial cystitis are similar to those of UTI and may vary from person to person. These include:
- Pain in the pelvis
- Perineum pain (between the vagina and anus in women and between the scrotum and anus in men)
- A persistent, urgent need to urinate
- Frequent urination, often of small amounts, throughout the day and night
- Pain or discomfort with a full bladder that subsides after urinating
- Pain during sexual intercourse
Interstitial cystitis most often affects women. There's no cure, but some therapies may provide relief.
In men over 40, benign prostate enlargement can be a main cause of frequent urination with small amounts and strong urge to urinate.
Non-Urinary Conditions
Other conditions, not related to the urinary tract may also cause a strong urge to urinate and frequent urination. These may include:
Anxiety and stressMany people feel the urge to go to the restroom when they are anxious or stressed. Both anxiety and stress are common causes of frequent urination, mostly because they increase muscle tension and hyperactivity of peripheral nerves.
DiabetesHigh blood sugar can cause an increase in the amount of urine produced, resulting in urgency, frequent urination, and possibly incontinence. Many people with diabetes may experience bladder problems and even urinary tract infections. Women with diabetes have up to a 70% greater risk of developing urinary incontinence.
Neurological conditionsDifferent neurological disorders such as stroke, brain tumors, spinal cord injuries, and degenerative diseases can cause urgent and frequent urination since the function of the bladder is regulated by the nervous system.
Some lifestyle habits, such as alcohol and coffee consumption can also cause frequent urination. Some medications can also cause urgent and frequent urination.
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4457377/
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5027397/
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4819151/
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4080853/
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5116264/
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4556137/
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4622039/
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK132842/
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26150035
Discussion highlights
What symptoms have been reported?
- I, too, have pressure on my bladder and I feel like I have to urinate all the time (usually at night when I am trying to sleep) and I also feel like I have to have a bowel movement.
- Towards the end of peeing it's not a burning sensation but more of a pressure on bladder/stopped my pee in mid-flow sensation.
- indicating that I need to pee more basically but nothing comes out!
- I have had these sensations for 3 years and it still has not subsided.
- A dull uncomfortable burning in the urethra and a constant urge to pee even when your bladder is completely empty.
What medications and home remedies helped relieve the symptoms?
- so I got given a 3 day course of antibiotics for cystitis.
- If by the next month it does not improve, he will prescribe some medication.
- in the meantime, i have also been taking a couple of OTC drugs called Cystex, and Uristat.
- I believe Uristat is like a drug called Peredium (not sure if i spelled that right), that doctors prescribe for the "frequent urge to have to go all the time".
- I also tried the generic form of AZO (phenazopyridine hydrochloride).
- I just heard from a friend who has suffered from urinary tract infections for years that it's suppose to be apple cider vinager with water, which doesn't taste bad at all.
- Put 2 tablespoons of white vinegar in a glass of water and drink it.
- I tried TONS of cranberry pills, vitamin C and probiotics.
- Actually Vinegar DOES help a LOT!
- The best treatment would be to drink water and cranberry juice.
Verification Claims & Medical Studies
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I spoke to my mum about it, and apparently I could have somehing called Cystitis, which is common in women, mainly teenage, and involves bacteria in the urinary tract- which is caused because women have a shorter urethra, which means bacteria outside the body are more liable to get inside.
https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007%2F978-1-62703-092-2.pdf -
i may need to have a surgery called hydrodistention surgery to confirm that i have interstitial cystitis.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3015716/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4708540/ -
Vinegar is acidic, doing that will make the passing of urine more uncomfortable and sting.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4631220/ -
I also tried the generic form of AZO (phenazopyridine hydrochloride).
https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007%2F978-3-319-48464-8.pdf -
Most synthetic sugars are diuretics.
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/are-sweeteners-safe/
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/aspartame-facts/
In conclusion
Frequent and urgent urination is more uncomfortable than a reason to worry. However, if it lasts for a prolonged period of time or if it's accompanied by other bothersome symptoms, you should visit your physician in order to achieve a proper diagnosis.