Urinary urgency, or a sudden need to urinate, can arise from various causes. It may signal a urinary tract infection (UTI), or issues with the bladder or prostate. In some instances, it can also be a side effect of medication.
Urinary urgency happens when pressure in the bladder suddenly increases, making it difficult to hold urine and creating a strong, immediate need to urinate. This condition can occur even if the bladder isn’t full and often leads to more frequent urination than usual. Some people experience urinary urgency occasionally, while others notice it throughout the day.
It can be accompanied by urinary incontinence, where a person involuntarily passes urine. Sudden movements that add pressure to the bladder, like coughing or laughing, may cause urine to leak from the urethra.
Risk Factors for Urinary Urgency
The likelihood of developing urinary urgency can be increased by the following factors:
- A urinary tract infection
- Hormonal changes
- Medication side effects
- Neurological disorders or disruptions in the communication between the brain and bladder
- Weakness or spasms of the pelvic muscle
- Diseases impacting the spinal cord or brain, such as multiple sclerosis and stroke
Causes of Urinary Urgency
While urinary urgency is unlikely to stem from a serious condition, it can significantly disrupt daily life. Various factors can impact bladder function, leading to urinary urgency.
A common cause is overactive bladder (OAB), where the bladder exerts pressure on the urethra to release urine even when it isn’t full.
Another frequent cause is a urinary tract infection (UTI), a common bacterial infection in the urinary tract, often accompanied by a burning sensation during urination and cloudy or bloody urine.
How Urinary Urgency is Diagnosed
To determine the cause of urinary urgency, a doctor will conduct a physical examination, inquire about symptoms, and review the patient’s medical history. The doctor will assess the frequency and timing of urinary urgency, the types of fluids consumed, and any medications taken. In some instances, the patient may need to keep a diary of these factors to aid in diagnosis.
To rule out underlying health conditions like infections, doctors might order tests, such as urine or blood analysis. Imaging and bladder function tests may also be required to check for any bladder damage or dysfunction.
Treatment Options for Urinary Urgency
Treatment for urinary urgency varies based on the underlying cause.
Bladder Training: Timed voiding can be an effective approach to managing urinary urgency. Timed voiding involves keeping a bladder diary and working with a doctor to establish a regular toilet schedule. Gradually increasing the intervals between bathroom visits can help train the bladder to hold urine longer, reducing the frequency of urgency.
Physical Therapy: Doctors often recommend physical therapy to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which support the urethra. Strengthening these muscles can decrease the occurrence of urinary urgency.
Medications: Various medications can treat urinary urgency such as antimuscarinics and beta-3-agonist. The choice of medication depends on the cause; for instance, antibiotics are prescribed if a urinary tract infection is the cause.