6 Bladder Symptoms That You Shouldn’t Ignore

November is Bladder Health Awareness Month, which encourages people to learn more about their organs and recognize symptoms of dysfunction. If you’re having worrisome bladder symptoms, it might be time to talk to a specialist.

At Women’s Health Care Center of Houston, with two locations in Houston, Texas, our team of women’s health and reproduction specialists help women find out what’s causing bladder issues like urinary incontinence.

In recognition of Bladder Health Awareness Month, here are six bladder symptoms you should never ignore. Instead, bring them up with your practitioner at your next well-woman exam.

Common bladder symptoms that should be taken seriously

Bladder problems are relatively common, especially among women who have given birth to children and/or undergone menopause. Here are some signs that medical intervention might be necessary.

1. Urgent urination or incontinence

If you experience sudden leaks or can’t hold your bladder until you make it to the toilet, that is called incontinence. There are two types of urinary incontinence: stress and urge. Stress incontinence occurs when pressure is put on the bladder, like during a sneeze or a cough. Urge incontinence is when you’re abruptly overcome by the need to urinate.

2. Painful or burning sensations

Urination should be painless and relatively easy. If you’re experiencing sharp, burning pain while peeing, it might indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI) or bladder stones.

3. Blood in urine or urine discoloration

Blood in the urine should always be a concern, as well as unusual coloration. If your urine is bloody, orange, or smells foul, it might be an indication of a serious health issue. Visit our office, and we can test your urine and perform other diagnostic exams to discover the cause.

4. Frequent need to urinate

If you’re pregnant, drinking more water than usual, or consuming large amounts of irritants like caffeine, you’re going to need to pee more often. However, if you’re going to the restroom far more frequently than usual, it might be a symptom of bladder problem or of another health issue like diabetes.

5. Weak stream and failure to empty bladder

When you pee, it should be easy to maintain a strong stream that empties your bladder. If you experience difficulty urinating or feel the need to keep going after you’ve finished, you might have a weak pelvic floor or another form of bladder dysfunction.

6. Pain after urination

If you’re experiencing abdominal or pelvic pain after going to the restroom, it might be a sign of internal inflammation. Any kind of deep pain warrants further diagnostics, so try to describe your pain and its frequency as comprehensively as possible to your provider so we can diagnose you accurately.

Diagnosing the cause

At Women's Health Care Center of Houston, we work towards ensuring the health and comfort of every patient. If you’re struggling with problems like urinary incontinence, we can help you regain control over your bladder.

If absorbent pads and Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor fail to address your incontinence, we might recommend you for sling surgery. This procedure supports your bladder with a synthetic sling, reducing leaks.

Other bladder problems can be addressed during a well-woman exam, where you’ll have a chance to discuss your concerns and request testing. To schedule an appointment, call 713-365-2900 or visit our contact page for more information.