Featured
The average person pees 6 to 7 times a day. It’s a task that many of us don’t think about, but it’s a very important task. Urinating is the body’s way of filtering out excess water and other fluids. A pee problem could be a sign of various health serious problems from prostate cancer to diabetes. By getting a problem checked out early, you may be able to get treatment before too much damage is caused. Below are just some of the urinary problems you shouldn’t ignore.
Urinary problems you shouldn’t ignore
Trouble urinating
Get the feeling you need to pee, but can’t seem to go? Perhaps the flow of urine is very weak, or perhaps you need to really strain to get anything out? This is a serious problem that should be checked out immediately. It could be due to a variety of issues including weakened bladder muscles, a urinary tract stone or a UTI. Trouble urinating can also be a sign of prostate cancer in men, which is perfectly treatable if caught early. This guide to prostate cancer explains some of the other symptoms to look out for.
A constant need to go
It’s possible to experience the opposite problem – which is peeing too much. This can lead to an interrupted night’s sleep and dehydration if it is not controlled. Diuretics like coffee and alcohol are common causes of frequent urination. However, it can also be a symptom of various health conditions like diabetes (check out some of the other symptoms of diabetes here). If you’re certain it’s not due to coffee or alcohol, see a doctor to determine the cause.
Burning sensation
Pain when urinating is most commonly caused by a UTI (urinary tract infection). This is when bacteria get into the urinary tract. A UTI can usually be cleared up with antibiotics, but you’ll need to get these prescribed by a doctor. Pain while urinating can sometimes be caused by other issues such as prostate conditions.
Unusual colour
Healthy urine should be clear with a yellow tinge. The darker and more yellow your urine, the more dehydrated you are – this can usually be sorted out by drinking more water. If your urine is red, it could be a sign of blood in the urine, and you should see a doctor – this could be a sign of kidney stones or even cancer. Milky white urine is also not healthy and is usually a sign of a UTI. Urine can turn other colours too ranging from blue to green. This is sometimes due to medication, but can have other causes, and is worth seeing a doctor about.
Incontinence
Incontinence is the inability to hold one’s bladder, which can lead to embarrassing involuntary urination. It’s more common than many people realise – especially among moms with a weakened pelvic floor or older people with weaker bladder muscles. For most people, it’s mild and may only result in occasional leakages. However, other people may not be able to hold their bladder at all. If you’re concerned about it, it’s worth seeing a doctor, as it could be due to a medical problem such as an infection or prostate issues.
