Patient's question:
I always feel like I can't empty my bladder when I urinate. After finishing, a little bit will come out again after about a minute. It's not much, just a few drops, but every time it wet my underwear. What's going on? What should I do? I'm seeking help from friends who know what to do.How can women deal with incomplete urination? I've been feeling like I can't empty my bladder lately, and I also have frequent urination. Even after finishing, it still hurts. What's the reason? How should it be treated?
Doctor's answer:
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by direct invasion of bacteria (rarely by fungi, protozoa, or viruses). UTIs are classified as upper UTIs and lower UTIs. Upper UTIs refer to pyelonephritis, while lower UTIs include urethritis and cystitis. Pyelonephritis is further divided into acute and chronic forms. UTIs are more common in women. Why are women more prone to UTIs? Urinary tract infections are a condition where bacteria enter the urinary system, multiply, and cause inflammation. Various surveys show that women are significantly more likely to suffer from UTIs than men. Why is this the case? How can we prevent UTIs based on their causes? This is a matter of great concern to many people, especially women. Let's analyze it point by point, hoping it will be helpful to readers.1. Special anatomical features of the female urinary and reproductive systems: The female urethra is shorter and more relaxed than the male urethra, making it easier for bacteria to enter. Therefore, women should enhance their awareness of self-protection.
2. Proximity of the urethral opening to the vagina and anus: The male urethral opening is distant from the perineum and has a "space distance," making it less susceptible to UTIs. In contrast, the female urethral opening is close to the vagina and anus. Both the vagina and the area around the anus harbor a large number of bacteria, and vaginal secretions also serve as a good medium for bacterial growth. Therefore, women should practice frequent cleaning to reduce the number of bacteria and lower the risk of infection.
3. Menstruation and sexual activity: Menstrual blood is an excellent medium for bacterial growth. Hygiene during menstruation, especially the cleanliness and disinfection of menstrual products, is crucial for reducing bacterial invasion. Sexual activity can push bacteria from the anterior urethra into the posterior urethra and bladder through mechanical action. Some clinical cases involve UTIs occurring after intercourse, illustrating this point. While sexual activity is an important part of marital life, it is not advisable to "abandon the ship" entirely. However, if UTIs recur and are linked to sexual activity, moderate abstinence may be necessary. More importantly, the following measures should be taken:
- Drink a glass of warm water before intercourse to increase urine volume.
- Urinate immediately after intercourse to flush out bacteria that may have been pushed into the urethra and bladder before they invade the mucosal tissue.
- If these methods still fail to prevent UTIs, a single dose of antibiotics after intercourse (specific medication and dosage should be guided by a doctor) can be effective with minimal side effects.
4. Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the enlarged uterus compresses the bladder and ureters, while hormonal changes cause the ureters to relax and slow down, leading to slower urine flow or mild accumulation. This condition facilitates bacterial invasion and proliferation. In the past, some people used antibiotics to prevent UTIs, but this approach is not advisable. Overuse of antibiotics may have negative effects on both the mother and fetus. Moreover, with the long nine months of pregnancy, prevention is nearly impossible. In my opinion, the safest approach is to closely monitor the condition and conduct regular urine tests, seeking timely treatment if UTIs are detected.
5. Holding urine: This is a common bad habit among women. It leads to two adverse consequences:
- Prolonged retention of urine in the bladder gives bacteria more time to multiply and invade tissues.
- When the bladder is full, pressure increases, causing urine to flow backward into the ureters. If bacteria are present, they may be carried further upstream, potentially leading to pyelonephritis.
The solution, of course, is to avoid holding urine and even develop the habit of frequent urination.