Living with urine

Overview

Urinary symptoms are changes in the way you pass urine. You may need to go more often, feel pain or burning, or notice leaks. This article is about managing these symptoms and keeping your bladder and kidneys healthy. If you ever cannot pass urine, have severe pain, or see blood in your urine with fever, call your local emergency number right away.

Yes, urinary symptoms are very common. Most people will have a problem with their bladder or urine at some point in life.

They can affect people of all ages. Older adults, pregnant women, and people with diabetes or an enlarged prostate are more likely to have urinary symptoms.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Passing urine more often than usual
• A sudden, strong urge to go to the toilet
• Pain, burning, or discomfort when passing urine
• Leaking urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or exercise
• Waking up at night to urinate

Symptoms in children

• Bedwetting after being dry at night for a while
• Daytime accidents
• Pain or crying when passing urine
• Unusual-smelling or cloudy urine

Symptoms in older adults

• New or worsening confusion (especially with a urine infection)
• Falling because of rushing to the toilet
• Waking up many times at night to urinate
• Loss of bladder control that is new

Causes

Main causes

• Urinary tract infections
• Overactive bladder (a bladder that squeezes too often)
• Weak pelvic floor muscles
• Enlarged prostate gland in men
• Kidney stones
• Diabetes or nerve problems affecting the bladder

Risk factors

• Getting older
• Pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause
• Being overweight or obese
• Long-term constipation
• Family history of bladder or kidney problems
• Taking certain medicines

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have visible blood in your urine
• You have a high temperature with back pain
• You have pain or burning when passing urine that does not go away
• You feel that your symptoms are getting worse quickly

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have any urinary symptom that lasts more than a few days
• Your symptoms are embarrassing or making it hard to work or socialise
• You have pain when passing urine
• You are waking up more than twice a night to urinate

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional will talk to you about your symptoms and medical history. They may press on your belly and possibly examine your bladder area. They may also ask you to complete a bladder diary for a few days.

Tests that may be done

• A urine sample to check for infection or blood
• Blood tests to check your kidney function
• An ultrasound scan of your kidneys and bladder
• A simple scan after urinating to see if your bladder empties fully
• A pressure test (urodynamics) to see how your bladder stores and releases urine

What to expect at your appointment

Most tests are quick and painless. You will usually need to give a urine sample, and sometimes an ultrasound. After the results, your doctor will explain what they mean and recommend a safe treatment plan.

Treatment

Treatment depends on what is causing your symptoms. Many people improve with lifestyle changes and bladder training. If needed, your doctor may suggest medicines, medical devices, or surgery. You and your healthcare professional will decide together what is best for you.

Self-care at home

• Drink enough water to keep your urine pale yellow
• Cut down on caffeine and alcohol, which can irritate the bladder
• Practise pelvic floor muscle exercises every day
• Go to the toilet at regular times, even if you don't feel the urge
• Avoid heavy lifting if it makes you leak

Medical treatments

Your doctor may prescribe medication to relax your bladder or to treat a bacterial infection. Other treatments include bladder training, pelvic floor therapy, or using a small device to support the bladder. Always take any prescribed medicine exactly as instructed and talk to your doctor about side effects.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is only considered when other treatments have not worked or when the problem is structural. Examples include removing kidney stones, removing part of an enlarged prostate, or a procedure to support the bladder for incontinence.

Living with this condition

Living with urinary symptoms is easier when you plan ahead. Carry a small bag with wipes and a change of underwear. Use absorbent pads or pants if leaking worries you. When you go to a new place, note where the toilets are. These small steps can give you confidence.

Lifestyle tips

• Do moderate exercise like walking most days
• Keep a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the bladder
• Quit smoking to avoid coughing that can cause leaks
• Manage stress with breathing exercises or activities you enjoy
• Stay connected with friends and family to avoid isolation

Diet and exercise

Eat plenty of fibre (like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) to prevent constipation, which can press on the bladder. Limit strong spices and fizzy drinks if they bother you. Exercises like walking and gentle stretching can improve blood flow and muscle tone. Your doctor or a physiotherapist can show you pelvic floor exercises.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Urinary symptoms can feel frustrating, embarrassing, or anxiety-provoking. You might avoid social activities or feel down about waking at night. These feelings are normal, and it's important to know that you deserve support. Speak with a healthcare professional about how your symptoms affect your mood, not just your bladder.

Prevention

You cannot prevent every urinary problem, but you can lower your risk. Drink enough fluids, stay active, keep your pelvic floor muscles strong, and avoid holding on to urine for too long.

Vaccines

There are no vaccines that target urine problems directly. However, staying up to date with recommended vaccines, like the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, can help prevent infections that sometimes affect the kidneys.

Screening programmes

Your doctor may test your urine during routine check-ups. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease, your doctor may recommend regular urine and blood tests to keep your kidneys healthy.

Complications

If left untreated

• Repeated urinary tract infections
• Kidney damage if infections or blockages spread to the kidneys
• Dehydration from avoiding fluids to reduce urination
• Falls and fractures from rushing to the bathroom
• Skin irritation or pressure sores from constant wetness

Long-term outlook

Most people with urinary symptoms can be treated successfully or learn to manage them well. With the right help, you can expect to feel more comfortable and confident. The key is to get advice early and stick to your treatment plan.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.