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Urinary problems in women

Women may have frequent urgency, urine leakage, burning or difficulty emptying the bladder. Infection is one possibility, but the pelvic floor, prolapse, medicines, nerves and other bladder problems can also play a part.

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Women may have frequent urgency, urine leakage, burning or difficulty emptying the bladder. Infection is one possibility, but the pelvic floor, prolapse, medicines, nerves and other bladder problems can also play a part.

  • Passing urine more often than usual, in small amounts, with a strong urge that is difficult to delay.
  • Urine leakage with urgency or when coughing, laughing, sneezing, lifting or moving.
  • Drink normal amounts spread throughout the day; too little makes urine concentrated, and too much can increase urgency.
  • Limit caffeine and alcohol if your diary shows that they clearly worsen symptoms.
  • Make an appointment for new, recurring or troublesome urinary problems and for urine leakage that limits your activities.
  • For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.

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Further reading

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U
Urinary problems in menMen may have difficulty starting, a weak stream, dribbling afterwards, a frequent urge to pass urine or passing urine at night. An enlarged prostate is a common cause, but infection, medicines, bladder problems and prostate cancer should be considered depending on the pattern.
B
Bladder infectionA bladder infection, or cystitis, is usually a bacterial infection of the bladder. It may cause burning when passing urine, frequent urges and lower abdominal pain; without treatment, an infection may spread up to the kidneys.
O
Overactive bladderAn overactive bladder causes sudden strong urgency, frequent urination and sometimes urine leakage, without an infection or another clear cause fully explaining this. Bladder training and pelvic floor support are often the first treatment.