Problems Urinating for Women

Urination problems can be an indication of many ailments in women, ranging from the mild to the severe and untreatable. The key to handling a urination issue is ensuring that you recognize what is abnormal, and then consult with a physician as soon as possible.

Stress Incontinence

• Stress incontinence is a loss of bladder control, and it is most common in women over 50 years old and those who have recently given birth. This loss of control can range from small amounts of urine being released during laughing or sneezing, to strong, seemingly uncontrollable urges to urinate. Stress incontinence caused by child birth is usually temporary, and can be alleviated by wearing protective undergarments and doing Kegel exercises.

  Women who are experiencing this condition after menopause can also perform Kegels, but may be prescribed topical estrogen creams. In extreme cases, surgery may be recommended.

Diabetes

• Urination problems can be an indication of diabetes, but not a cause. The problem women will typically experience is needing to urinate frequently--this can get to the point where daily activities are interrupted due to the need to use the bathroom so often. However, the need to urinate is typically due to a great increase in fluid intake caused by extreme thirst--this is a symptom of diabetes. Any woman who has been extremely thirsty and urinating heavily should visit visit their doctor to rule out the possibility of diabetes. This is especially important if diabetes runs in your family.

Kidney Stones

• Kidney stones are painful, and are typically accompanied by hematuria, or blood in the urine. Before a woman passes a kidney stone, they will have blood in the urine, but it may be microscopic--unless a urine sample is looked at under a microscope by a physician, the condition can go undetected. The pain experienced during urination will depend upon the size of the stone. If you have pain during urination, it is imperative that you visit a physician. Left unchecked, kidney stones can get stuck in the urinary tract or kidneys.

Bladder Infection

• Bladder infections, also known as urinary tract infections (UTIs), can be caused by a number of things, including poor personal hygiene or being sexually active with a partner who has poor personal hygiene. Bladder infections are a common cause of urinary problems including painful or burning feelings during urination, and dark, bloody or cloudy urine. Prevent bladder infections by drinking plenty of water, ensuring you wipe from front to back when using the restroom, urinating after sexual intercourse, and not holding back your urine when you feel the urge to use the restroom.

STDs

• Some sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, such as gonorrhea, can cause pain or discharge during urination. Some women may also experience a stronger smelling urine than they would normally have. If you suspect that you may have an STD and it is causing you urination problems, you must go to a doctor or health clinic. Letting these problems go unattended can lead to damage of your reproductive organs in the long run, and STDs simply cannot be treated at home.