Urination Problems

Urination is the body's way of ridding waste stored in the kidneys. Urination issues can arise suddenly or develop gradually over time so it is important to pay attention to the signals that your body gives you. While some urination problems resolve themselves, they can be a sign of a more serious infection or condition that a physician should evaluate.

Painful Urination

• Painful urination, or dysuria, is a common urinary problem that is usually easy to treat. Vaginal infections and sexually transmitted diseases are common causes of painful urination. When urine flows over an infected or irritated area it can cause a burning or stinging sensation. If the pain feels internal as opposed to external, a urinary tract infection is the most likely cause. Urinary tract infections are more common with age and in people who are sexually active. They are also common during pregnancy. According to Health Square, about 20 percent of women will experience a urinary tract infection at some point. Most vaginal and urinary tract infections will clear up with antibiotic use, and warts and genital herpes outbreaks can be controlled and minimized through medications as well. Painful urination accompanied by a fever or back pain should always be evaluated by a doctor to rule out a serious kidney infection. Bladder tumors and narrowing or scarring of the urethra are less common causes of painful urination.

Bloody Urine

• Always see a doctor if there is blood in your urine, as this can be a sign of a serious medical condition. Kidney stones, blood clots and tumors are all possible causes for bloody urine. Certain drugs and toxic chemicals can damage the kidneys causing bloody urine. Abdominal pain, fever and painful urination accompanied by bloody urine may point to a serious infection or tumor.

Frequent Urination

• Frequent urination is a common urination problem that is usually harmless, but can point to a previously undiagnosed condition. Frequent urination without an increase in the amount of urine may be a sign of a urinary tract infection, sexually transmitted disease or pregnancy. Women who have been through multiple pregnancies or who are going through menopause may experience decreased bladder support, resulting in more frequent urination. Stress and caffeine consumption can also cause increased urination. Children with an overactive thyroid often experience frequent urination as a first symptom. Frequent urination with an increase in the amount of urine may point to diabetes or kidney disease, though it is also caused by a simple increase in liquids and is common in people who take water pills for high blood pressure.

Involuntary Urination

• Involuntary urination includes urine dribbling or leaks. Leaks are common when there is increased pressure on the bladder, such as during a sneeze, laugh or while lifting. Involuntary urination is common in women who have been through multiple pregnancies and those who are currently pregnant. Leaking and dribbling of urine may also arise with aging as the bladder muscles weaken. Medications to help control sudden urges and leakage are available. It is best to consult with your doctor if you experience involuntary urination over a period of time that does not get better on its own.

Difficult Urination

• Difficult urination can be in the form of a urine flow that starts and stops or a decreased stream of urine that causes you to take longer than normal to empty your bladder. In men, the most common cause of difficult urination is a blockage of the urethra due to an enlarged prostate. In women, the most common cause is an overactive bladder, which causes the sensation of needing to urinate without enough urine being present to actually void the bladder. Damage to the nervous system, often found in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis patients may also be responsible for difficulty urinating. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience a complete stoppage of urine despite the urge to urinate.