Urinary urgency is the sudden urge to urinate due to involuntary contractions of the bladder muscle. Urgent urination describes an overwhelming need to get to a restroom immediately and can often be accompanied by pain or discomfort in the bladder or urinary tract.
There are many women’s health conditions that are related to urinary urgency and in which it is only a part of the problem. The underlying causes of urinary urgency can range from minor conditions such as urinary incontinence to severe conditions such as bladder cancer.
Health Conditions That Cause Urinary Urgency
Common causes of urgent urination include:
- Drinking an unusually high amount of liquid (for you)
- Drinking caffeinated or alcoholic beverages
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, when there is pressure on the bladder
- Anxiety
- Diuretics
- Interstitial cystitis, a chronic infection in the bladder
- Overactive bladder
- Vaginal infection
Less common causes of urgent urination include:
- A stroke or other nervous system disorder
- A tumor
- Bladder cancer
- Radiation therapy to the pelvic area
- Damage or injury to the urinary tract
- Diverticulitis
When to See a Doctor for Urinary Urgency
It is possible that the urgent urination is temporary or not of major concern if you don’t have any other symptoms. However, it may be a sign of an underlying health condition if you also experience any of the following symptoms:
- Urinary problems that are affecting your sleep and other parts of your lifestyle
- Blood in your urine
- Urine that is unusually cloudy or have an unusual smell
- Fever, chills, or fatigue
- Vomiting
- Pain in your abdomen or sides
- Sudden weight loss
- Increased appetite or thirst
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
If urinary urgency persists and becomes more frequent, we recommend seeing a women’s health specialist. Your healthcare provider will likely order diagnostic tests to determine the cause of the urinary urgency.
How Advanced Gynecology Can Help: Treatment Options for Urinary Urgency
If you’re experiencing urinary urgency and any of its related symptoms, Advanced Gynecology is here for you.
Our board-certified team of women’s health experts are ready to help with diagnostic care and a range of options for treatment including antibiotics to surgical procedures to hormone therapy. We will help determine the best plan for you based on your personal health history, your current health conditions, and your symptoms.
For more information, schedule an appointment today or call 706-389-9228 to speak with one of our patient coordinators.