Urinary Urgency
Understaning Urinary Urgency
Urinary urgency is an overwhelming need to empty your bladder that comes on rapidly and abruptly. It is a common symptom of a urinary tract infection (UTI), though it can also be caused by other medical conditions or medications. Urinary urgency can range from annoying to painful. In most cases, treatment is effective and can help you feel more comfortable.
Causes of Urinary Urgency
Common causes of urinary urgency can include:
- Infection: A urinary tract infection can irritate the lining of your bladder, leading to frequent urges to urinate and an inability to completely empty your bladder.
- Medications: There are many medications, including some diuretics, antihistamines, and antidepressants, that may increase urinary urgency.
- Diagnosed condition: Certain chronic conditions including diabetes, kidney stones, interstitial cystitis, and prostate issues may lead to experiences of urinary urgency
Symptoms of Urinary Urgency
Common symptoms experienced in cases of urinary urgency include:
- Frequent need to urinate
- Inability to delay urination
- Pain or a burning sensation in the bladder or urethra
- Leaking urine or difficulty completely emptying the bladder
- Fever
Diagnosing and Treating Urinary Urgency
The primary means of diagnosing urinary urgency is typically through a physical exam and urine analysis. Treatment is usually dependent on the underlying cause of the condition and may use either antibiotics or other medications to treat a urinary tract infection or to reduce the frequency and intensity of bladder spasms.