Do you suddenly have to run to urinate? Let's talk about Urinary Urgency

When you are at some important work, or when you are riding the bus, do you suddenly have an unbearable feeling that you need to run to urinate? Not only that, but do you also feel afraid that you will go for a while before you even run to the bathroom? This is actually a problem that many people have, but are a little embarrassed to talk about in society. But this is not something that should be ignored anymore. So, let's talk about this in detail and simply today.

What is Urinary Urgency?

Simply put, Urinary Urgency is the sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate. After this urge, you have very little time to find a bathroom. Sometimes, that time is not enough, and you may even leak a small amount of urine without even realizing it. In medical terms, we call this urinary incontinence .

There are many possible causes for this. But the good news is that most of these causes are not serious. And a qualified doctor can diagnose the cause and give you the treatment you need.

Why is this happening? What are the main reasons?

There are several main and common causes of urinary urgency. Let's take a look at what they are.

Can this happen without a UTI?

Yes, absolutely. You can experience this sudden urge to urinate even without a UTI. Here are some other reasons why it might be happening:

• Vaginitis: Infections in the vagina in women can also cause the bladder to become irritated and become like this.
• Cystitis: This condition can occur due to swelling or inflammation of the bladder walls due to other causes, even without an infection.
• Menopause: As women go through menopause , the hormone estrogen in their bodies decreases. This can cause the tissues in the vagina and urinary tract to thin, which can affect bladder control.
• Diseases affecting the nervous system: Conditions such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis (MS) can damage the nerves that control bladder function, leading to urinary urgency.

Other habits and reasons that increase this condition

Sometimes, although these are not the main cause, they can make urinary urgency worse.

• Some triggers: Some people experience sudden urge to urinate when they hear the sound of running water, wash their hands, or are in a cold environment.
• Diuretic medications: Some medications (for example, some medications for high blood pressure) cause the body to remove water and salts, causing the body to need to urinate more frequently.
• Alcohol and caffeinated drinks: Alcohol, coffee, and tea affect the body's hormone vasopressin . This hormone controls the amount of urine produced in the body. So when that hormone is low, the bladder fills up quickly.
• Smoking: Smoking can reduce the amount of urine the bladder can hold (bladder capacity).
• Certain foods: Acidic foods like oranges and tomatoes, carbonated drinks, and artificial sugars can also irritate the bladder in some people.
• Obesity: If your body mass index (BMI) is over 25, which means you are overweight, that weight puts more pressure on your bladder and pelvic floor muscles. When these muscles become weak, it becomes difficult to control your urine.
• Vaginal prolapse: This condition can also occur due to the prolapse of the uterus or vaginal walls in women, putting pressure on the bladder.

How do you control this situation?

The good news is that there are many treatments and management options available, depending on the cause.

Here are some treatment options:

• Lifestyle changes: Drinking a little more water, cutting down on alcohol and coffee, quitting smoking, and controlling your weight can all help. Keeping a food and drink diary can help you identify what triggers your condition.
• Bladder training: This involves going to the bathroom at regular intervals (e.g. every two hours) rather than waiting for the urge to urinate. This will empty the bladder before it fills up.
• Kegel exercises: These are also called pelvic floor exercises . These exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles help control urination. A physiotherapist can show you exactly how to do these.
• Medications: Your doctor will prescribe medications depending on the cause of your condition. For example, you may be given antibiotics for a UTI, alpha-blockers to relax the muscles in your bladder for an enlarged prostate, or other medications to relax the muscles in your bladder for OAB.
• Medical procedures and surgeries: In some cases, treatment options include inserting a urinary catheter to empty the bladder, botulinum toxin (Botox®) injections for OAB, nerve stimulation, or prostate reduction surgery.

When should I see a doctor?

If your urinary urgency is affecting your daily life, work, or social relationships, you should definitely see a doctor. It is especially important to seek medical advice immediately if you have this condition along with the following symptoms:

How does a doctor find the cause?

When you see a doctor, he will do things like this to find the cause:

• Ask about your medical history and current symptoms.
• A physical examination will be performed (this may include a pelvic exam for women or a digital rectal exam for men).
• Referral for a urinalysis and urine culture test.
• You may be referred for an imaging test, such as an ultrasound scan , to see the amount of urine remaining in the bladder after urination.
• Sometimes, you may be referred for urodynamic testing, which measures bladder function, or a cystoscopy, which uses a small camera to look inside the bladder.

Urinary Urgency, Urinary Heaviness, Frequent Urination, Urinary Tract Infections, Overactive Bladder, Prostate, Women's Health