Women of all ages suffer from various types of urinary problems, which vary as to cause and contributing factors.
A very common problem is urinary frequency when you have to go to the toilet more frequently than normal. This could be due to drinking more fluids and conditions such as diabetes, or instability of the bladder muscles ( overactive bladder). It could also be due to bladder infection (cystitis).
Urinary tract infection
Infection affecting the bladder (cystitis) is a common problem in women of all age groups. Cystitis may be aggravated by holding urine for long periods, low fluid intake, sexual intercourse and ageing. Symptoms are of lower abdominal discomfort, pain during passing urine, passing only small amounts of urine and often dark and blood-stained urine. Treatment is by antibiotics.
Also common, are problems with bladder control such as:
- leaking urine during everyday activities, such as lifting, bending, coughing, or exercising (stress incontinence)
- being unable to hold urine after feeling a sudden, strong urge to pass urine or to reach a toilet in time (urge incontinence)
However, you must see a doctor immediately if you can not pass urine or empty your bladder, see blood in urine, or have symptoms of bladder infection.