Quick Answer
Some urinary symptoms need prompt attention, including blood in the urine, pain or burning with fever, trouble emptying the bladder and sudden loss of bladder control. Other changes, such as needing to go more often, urgency, waking at night to urinate or occasional leaks, are less urgent but still worth discussing, because many have treatable causes.
Who this is for: adults noticing changes in how often, how urgently or how comfortably they urinate.
Symptoms That Need Prompt Attention
- Blood in the urine, whether visible or found on a test, should always be evaluated, even if it happens once and goes away[1]
- Pain or burning with fever, chills, back or side pain, which can signal a kidney infection
- Being unable to urinate, or only passing small amounts despite a full bladder
- Sudden loss of bladder control with numbness in the groin or leg weakness, which needs emergency care
- Severe pain in the lower abdomen, side or back, which may be a kidney stone
Common Symptoms Worth a Visit
- Burning or pain with urination without fever, which may be a urinary tract infection[2]
- Frequent urination during the day
- Urgency, a sudden strong need to go that is hard to delay
- Waking at night more than once to urinate
- Leaking urine with coughing, exercise or urgency
- A weak stream, dribbling or a feeling of not emptying completely, especially in men
- A feeling of pressure or bulging in the vagina
- Increased thirst and frequent urination together, which can be a sign of high blood sugar
Many urinary symptoms have treatable causes.
Possible Causes
Urinary symptoms can come from many sources, including urinary tract infections, overactive bladder, pelvic floor weakness, menopause-related tissue changes, an enlarged prostate, diabetes, kidney stones, certain medications such as diuretics, constipation and, less commonly, bladder or kidney conditions that need specialist care.[1] Caffeine, alcohol and drinking large amounts late in the day can also play a role.
What an Evaluation Includes
An evaluation usually starts with your symptoms, history and medications, and often a urine test to check for infection or blood. Keeping a bladder diary for a few days, noting fluids, bathroom trips and leaks, can be very helpful. Depending on your symptoms, a provider may perform an exam, check blood sugar or kidney function, or refer you to a urologist or urogynecologist for further testing.
How We Evaluate Urinary Symptoms at Lake Forest Regenesis
Allana reviews your symptoms, history and medications, checks for infection and other common causes, and talks through how symptoms are affecting your life. Treatment options are matched to the cause, including pelvic floor treatments offered at the clinic when appropriate, and she will coordinate with a urologist or other specialist when further testing or care is needed.
When to See a Provider
Call 911 or go to the emergency room for sudden loss of bladder or bowel control with numbness or weakness, inability to urinate with severe pain, or high fever with confusion. Seek same-day care for fever with urinary pain, back or side pain, or visible blood in the urine.
Noticing changes in how often or how urgently you go? Allana can check for common causes and choose treatment based on what’s found.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is blood in the urine always serious?
It should always be evaluated, even if it happens once. Sometimes the cause is minor, but it can also signal infection, stones or other conditions.
How many times a day is normal to urinate?
Many people urinate about every three to four hours while awake, but it varies with fluid intake. A change from your usual pattern is worth noting.
Can menopause cause urinary symptoms?
Yes. Lower estrogen can cause urgency, frequency, burning and more frequent infections. Treatments such as vaginal estrogen can help.
Should men worry about a weak stream?
It is common with an enlarged prostate, but it should be evaluated, especially if it is new, worsening or comes with other symptoms.
References
- MedlinePlus. Urinary incontinence. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Read the article
- MedlinePlus. Urinary tract infections. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Read the article
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.
