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Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Female -- Ob/Gyn Visits > Inflamed bladder?
Posted on: 03/02/2009
Question
i have a constant urge to urinate, darker urine, i can hold it in for hours though but its uncomfortable, when i do go i have normal amount of urine but i havn't drunk much but i have to really push the last bit of urine out. i have slight redness of labia and vagina is dry. i am on the pill and i am sexually active, aged 18 and have had cystitis before but there is little pain like before. i do feel bloated also. could my bladder be inflammed? or what is it and what can i do?
Answer
First and foremost you need to drink MORE water - 8 to 10 8-ounce glasses per day. Water or other non-caffeinated fluid. The darker urine is likely because your urine is so concentrated from being under-hydrated. Cut back on your caffeine intake; it can irritate the bladder as well. Being more hydrated actually can help you feel LESS bloated.
You should also make sure that you are going to pee after you have sex. Intercourse can push bacteria up into your urethra and bladder and you need to flush it back out as soon as you can. You should not hold your urine for prolonged periods of time. This can cause your bladder muscles to get the wrong message and then may not relax when you want or will start to spasm and cause sensation of urgency all the time. If you need to go, go!
To check out your labia and vulva, you really should see your doctor. Only he/she can tell you what is going on with that from seeing and if it's related. You should also be checked for vaginal infection and sexually transmitted infections (STI). STI's in women are very often without symptoms, but they can manifest as painful or trouble with urination, but no vaginal symptoms. Your doctor can also check your urine for any signs of infection or other possible issues with your bladder or kidneys.