Why Do I Feel Like I Have to Pee But Can’t? Common Causes and Simple Home Remedies
Over-the-counter meds, stress and tight muscles may be to blame
The urge to go to the bathroom is one thing, but feeling like you have to go and not being able to is another (incredibly frustrating) issue. If you’ve experienced this dilemma, you’ve likely wondered: “Why do I feel like I have to pee, but nothing comes out?” We asked experts to explain the most common causes of this occurrence, tips on how to mitigate discomfort and when to see a doctor.
Why do I feel like I have to pee when my bladder is empty?
There are multiple potential reasons you might feel a frequent urge to urinate but not be able to do so. Here, the health conditions that may trigger a constant urge to pee.
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
When you have a UTI and the urinary tract is inflamed due to bacteria, urinating may be accompanied by pain or a burning sensation. Even when you feel like you have to relieve yourself urgently, this inflammation might make it difficult to fully empty your bladder, explains Michael Chichak, MD, Medical Director at MEDvidi.
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Bladder outlet obstruction
The outflow of urine from the bladder may become blocked due to several reasons. For women, pelvic organ prolapse (POP) may be a cause, says Dr. Chichak. The blockage results in decreased urine flow, which can in turn lead to bladder overfilling and causing a frequent urge to pee.
Neurogenic bladder dysfunction
Nerve damage from diabetes or spinal injury interrupts the flow of communication between the bladder and brain, Dr. Chichak explains. This can cause loss of bladder control and make it difficult to finish urinating.
Medication side effects
Other factors that lead to the inability to fully empty the bladder are taking antihistamines, decongestants and even some antidepressants. These medications may inhibit muscle contraction of the bladder, Dr. Chichak says, which can significantly slow normal flushing and increase the chances of urinary challenges.
A tight pelvic floor
Another common reason you may not be able to pee even when they have the urge is tight pelvic floor muscles, explains Carri Dominick, PT, Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist with Recharge Therapy.
“Normally, the sphincter around the urethra and the pelvic floor muscles are closed when it’s not time to pee. Then when we go to pee, the sphincter and the pelvic floor muscles relax,” she explains. “If people have tight pelvic floor muscles, they may have difficulty relaxing those muscles in order to let the urine flow.”
If you have tight muscles in addition to an overactive bladder, the tight muscles could be putting pressure on the bladder. This creates a false sensation of needing to pee even when little to no urine is in the bladder, Dominick notes.
What to do if you feel like you always have to pee
Having these symptoms once or twice in a month isn’t a serious issue, especially when no other symptoms are present, Dr. Chichak says. That said, the first step toward treating frequent urination is to schedule a visit with your doctor. He or she can pinpoint the underlying cause and suggest appropriate treatment, such as antibiotics for UTI or pelvic floor exercises for overly tight muscles.
You should also “visit your doctor if the issue continues, becomes painful, burns, involves blood in the urine or any other worrisome symptoms,” Dr. Chichak advises.
In the meantime, these tips can help stop sudden urges to pee when your bladder isn’t actually full.
Take a deep breath
It’s important to stay calm when you feel blocked, as stress can exacerbate the sensation, Dr. Chichak explains.
If you feel like you have to pee but can’t due to a tight pelvic floor, Dominick suggests starting by taking some deep breaths to relax the muscles.
You can also use these techniques if you have the sensation of needing to pee but know your bladder is not full, says Dominick. You can learn to manage this feeling over time by deep breathing when you know it isn’t time to go and by peeing on a regular basis, but not too often, she adds.
Turn on the tap
Warm running water or soaking in warm water along with some gentle lower abdominal massage can relax your muscles and stimulate bladder activity, Dr. Chichak says.
“I also advise patients to sometimes do a few kegel exercises, but to focus on the sensation of relaxing the muscle after squeezing it,” Dominick offers. “This is also to help relax the muscles so urine can flow.”
Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water regularly is crucial for bladder health. Just remember that consuming large amounts too soon can cause discomfort and pressure, cautions Dr. Chichak. So be sure to evenly space out your sips throughout the day.
You’ll also want to cut back on bladder irritants like some caffeinated drinks and spicy meals to reduce the risk of feeling like you have to pee.
When to seek urgent care
Severe lower back or side pain, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, fever, chills or an inability to urinate at all may indicate a more serious condition such as an infection, kidney stones or urinary retention, adds Gowri Reddy Rocco, MD, Founder & President at Optimum Wellness And Longevity Inc.
“In such cases, seeking medical attention is essential to rule out underlying issues and prevent complications,” she says.
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