Why do I always feel the urge to urinate but can't actually urinate?

Generally, the frequent urge to urinate without being able to pass urine is mainly caused by factors such as aging, stress, overactive bladder syndrome, prostatitis, and urethritis. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Aging

With advancing age, particularly in the elderly, benign prostatic hyperplasia or weakened bladder muscle function may lead to difficulty in urination. Regular prostate examinations and pelvic floor muscle exercises can help improve urinary problems, especially in women.

2. Stress

When experiencing emotional tension, the sympathetic nervous system becomes activated, potentially causing contraction of the bladder neck and urethral sphincter, making urination more difficult. Learning relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation, and seeking psychological counseling when necessary, may help alleviate these symptoms.

3. Overactive Bladder Syndrome

Overactive bladder syndrome may be related to factors such as detrusor muscle activity, the micturition center, and bladder sensory nerves. Excessive activity of the bladder detrusor muscle can lead to abnormal voiding function, causing symptoms such as frequent urination and incomplete emptying. Patients should follow medical advice to take medications such as tolterodine tartrate tablets, solifenacin succinate tablets, or flavoxate hydrochloride tablets.

4. Prostatitis

Irregular sexual activity, prolonged sitting, excessive alcohol consumption, and a spicy diet may contribute to prostatitis. When the prostate becomes infected by pathogens, symptoms such as congestion and edema may occur, compressing the urethra and causing difficulty in urination, which may be accompanied by urethral burning and perineal discomfort. It is recommended that patients follow medical advice to take medications such as levofloxacin hydrochloride capsules, tamsulosin hydrochloride sustained-release capsules, or Qianlieshutong capsules.

5. Urethritis

When bacteria invade the urethra, an inflammatory response occurs, causing difficulty in urination and possibly symptoms such as frequent and urgent urination. Patients can take medications such as cefuroxime axetil tablets, levofloxacin tablets, or azithromycin dispersible tablets under the guidance of a qualified physician.

In daily life, applying a hot water bottle or warm towel to the lower abdomen may help relieve muscle tension and pain, and promote urination.