[22F] Experiencing frequent urination and bladder pressure

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Overactive Bladder (OAB): This condition is characterized by a sudden urge to urinate that's difficult to control, and frequent urination, especially at night. It can also cause incontinence, or the involuntary loss of urine.

  • Treatment for OAB can include lifestyle changes, pelvic floor exercises, medications, or in some cases, surgery.

• Bladder Stones: These are hard masses of minerals in your bladder. They can cause frequent urination, trouble urinating, and incontinence.

  • Treatment for bladder stones usually involves their removal by a healthcare professional.

• Interstitial Cystitis (IC): This is a chronic condition characterized by bladder pressure, bladder pain and sometimes pelvic pain, ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain. It can cause a frequent urge to urinate and incontinence.

  • Treatment for IC can involve lifestyle changes, physical therapy, medications, nerve stimulation, or in some cases, surgery.

• Urethral Stricture: This is a narrowing of the urethra that can cause decreased urine stream, incomplete bladder emptying, and incontinence.

  • Treatment for urethral stricture can involve dilation, urethroplasty, or in some cases, a urethral stent.

• Side Effects of Medication: Certain medications, including Bupropion, can sometimes cause frequent urination.

  • If this is the case, your healthcare provider may adjust your medication regimen.

What you can do

It would be best to consult a healthcare professional about your symptoms so that they can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary. In the meantime, you can try the following to help manage your symptoms:

1. Limit drinks that can irritate your bladder, such as coffee, alcohol, and acidic juices.
2. Maintain a healthy weight.
3. Practice pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises) to help control urination.
4. Keep a bladder diary, noting when and how much you urinate, to help your healthcare provider diagnose your condition.

What you should look out for

Reasons to seek immediate medical attention:

• If you notice blood in your urine
• If you develop severe lower abdominal pain
• If you are unable to urinate at all
• If you develop a fever (temperature over 100.4°F) or chills

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate and helpful information, I am an AI and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and treatment.