Do you get the feeling that “I feel like I have to pee but nothing comes out female”?
This can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience, especially if it happens frequently.
While it can be a symptom of a urinary tract infection (UTI), there are many other potential causes as well.
One possible cause of feeling like you have to pee but nothing comes out is urinary retention, which is when your bladder is unable to fully empty.
This can be caused by a variety of factors, including nerve damage, an enlarged prostate, or certain medications.
Another potential cause is interstitial cystitis, a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the bladder and can lead to pain and discomfort.
If you are experiencing this symptom, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Feel Like I Have To Pee But Nothing Comes Out Female
If you feel like you have to pee but nothing comes out, there are several possible causes. Here are some of the most common ones:
Urinary Tract Infection
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common causes of feeling the urge to pee but being unable to.
UTIs are more common in women than in men and can cause a range of symptoms, including pain or burning during urination, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and a frequent urge to urinate.

Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic condition that causes bladder pain and discomfort.
It can also cause the urge to urinate frequently, even if there is little urine in the bladder.
IC is more common in women than in men and can have a significant impact on quality of life.
Bladder Stones
Bladder stones are hard masses of minerals that form in the bladder.
They can cause a range of symptoms, including pain during urination, a frequent urge to urinate, and difficulty urinating.
Bladder stones are more common in men than in women and are usually caused by an underlying medical condition.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse is a condition in which the pelvic organs, such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum, drop down into the vagina.
This can cause a range of symptoms, including a frequent urge to urinate, difficulty urinating, and a feeling of pressure or fullness in the pelvic area.
Pelvic organ prolapse is more common in women who have given birth vaginally and in women who are postmenopausal.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Risk Factors
If you experience the constant urge to pee but nothing comes out, it could be due to several risk factors. Here are some of the most common ones:
Gender
Women are at a higher risk of developing urinary tract infections (UTIs) than men.
This is because women have a shorter urethra than men, which makes it easier for bacteria to enter the bladder and cause an infection.
Additionally, hormonal changes during menopause can also increase the risk of UTIs.
Age
As you age, your risk of developing bladder problems increases. This is because the muscles in your bladder and urethra weaken over time, making it harder to fully empty your bladder.
This can lead to urinary retention, which can cause the constant urge to pee but nothing comes out.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy can put pressure on your bladder, which can make you feel like you need to pee more often.
Additionally, hormonal changes during pregnancy can relax the muscles in your bladder and urethra, which can make it harder to fully empty your bladder.
Menopause
As mentioned earlier, hormonal changes during menopause can increase your risk of developing bladder problems.
Additionally, the decrease in estrogen levels during menopause can cause the tissues in your urethra and bladder to become thinner and weaker, which can lead to urinary incontinence and other bladder problems.
In conclusion, if you experience the constant urge to pee but nothing comes out, it could be due to several risk factors.
Women, older adults, pregnant women, and women going through menopause are all at a higher risk of developing bladder problems.
If you are experiencing any symptoms, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and get appropriate treatment.
Symptoms
If you feel like you have to pee but nothing comes out, it could be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI) or other medical conditions. Here are some common symptoms that you might experience:
Pain Or Burning Sensation
One of the most common symptoms of a UTI is a painful or burning sensation when you urinate.

This can be caused by the infection irritating the lining of your bladder or urethra. You might also experience pain or discomfort in your lower abdomen or back.
Frequent Urination
If you feel like you have to pee all the time but only a small amount comes out, it could be a sign of a UTI or an overactive bladder.
Frequent urination can also be caused by drinking too much caffeine or alcohol, or by taking certain medications.
Urgency To Urinate
If you feel like you have to pee right away but can’t hold it in, it could be a sign of an urgent or overactive bladder.
This can be caused by nerve damage, bladder muscle problems, or other medical conditions.
Incomplete Emptying of the Bladder
If you feel like you have to pee but nothing comes out, it could be a sign that your bladder is not emptying completely.
This can be caused by nerve damage, bladder muscle problems, or an obstruction in the urinary tract.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor. They can perform tests to determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment.
Diagnosis
If you are experiencing the constant urge to pee but nothing comes out, you should see a doctor.
Your doctor will perform several tests to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.
Physical Exam
Your doctor will perform a physical exam to check for any signs of infection or inflammation.
They may also ask you questions about your medical history and any medications you are taking.
Urine Test
Your doctor may order a urine test to check for signs of infection or other abnormalities.
They may also perform a urine culture to identify the specific type of bacteria causing your symptoms.
Cystoscopy
A cystoscopy is a procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end is inserted into your urethra to examine your bladder and urethra.
This can help your doctor identify any abnormalities or blockages that may be causing your symptoms.
Urodynamic Testing
Urodynamic testing is a series of tests that evaluate how well your bladder and urethra are functioning.
This can help your doctor determine if you have an overactive bladder or other bladder-related issues.
Overall, the diagnosis of feeling the constant urge to pee but nothing comes out can be complex and may require several tests to determine the underlying cause.
It is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing these symptoms to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment
If you feel like you have to pee but nothing comes out, there are several treatment options available to you.
Your doctor will recommend a treatment based on the underlying cause of your symptoms.
Antibiotics
If your symptoms are caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI), your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection.
Make sure to take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if you start feeling better before you finish.

Pain Medications
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, your doctor may prescribe pain medications to help alleviate your symptoms.
Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may also be helpful.
Bladder Training
Bladder training involves retraining your bladder to hold urine for longer periods of time.
This can be done by gradually increasing the amount of time between bathroom breaks.
Your doctor may also recommend pelvic floor exercises to help strengthen the muscles that control urination.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the underlying issue causing your symptoms.
This may include surgery to remove bladder stones or to repair a blockage in the urinary tract.
Remember to always follow your doctor’s recommendations and to keep them informed of any changes in your symptoms.
With the right treatment, you can find relief from your symptoms and get back to your daily routine.
Prevention
If you are experiencing the constant urge to pee but nothing comes out, there are several preventative measures you can take to reduce your risk of developing a urinary tract infection (UTI) or urinary retention.
Here are some tips to help prevent this uncomfortable condition:
Drink Plenty Of Water
Drinking plenty of water is essential for maintaining good urinary tract health.
By drinking enough water, you can help flush bacteria out of your urinary tract and prevent the buildup of harmful toxins.
Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, and avoid sugary drinks that can irritate your bladder.
Urinate Frequently
Urinating frequently is another important step in preventing the constant urge to pee.
When you hold your urine for too long, it can lead to urinary retention or UTIs. Try to urinate every two to three hours, even if you don’t feel like you have to go.
Wipe Front To Back
Wiping from front to back after using the bathroom can help prevent the spread of bacteria from your anus to your urethra.
This is especially important for women, as the urethra is located close to the anus. Make sure to use clean toilet paper and avoid using wet wipes or feminine hygiene products that can irritate your skin.
Empty Your Bladder Completely
When you go to the bathroom, make sure to empty your bladder completely.
This can help prevent the buildup of bacteria and toxins that can cause UTIs or urinary retention. Try to relax and take your time when urinating, and avoid rushing or straining to go.
By following these preventative measures, you can help reduce your risk of developing the constant urge to pee but nothing comes out.
If you continue to experience this condition, make sure to talk to your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
Key Points
If you feel like you have to pee but nothing comes out, it can be an uncomfortable and frustrating experience. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- The most common cause of this symptom is a urinary tract infection (UTI), which can be treated with antibiotics.
- Other possible causes include an overactive bladder, an enlarged prostate (in men), or bladder or kidney stones.
- If you experience this symptom frequently, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
- In the meantime, there are some things you can do to help alleviate your symptoms, such as drinking plenty of water, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and practicing pelvic floor exercises.
- It’s also important to maintain good hygiene practices, such as wiping from front to back after using the bathroom, to prevent further infections.
Remember, if you’re experiencing this symptom, you’re not alone.
It’s a common issue that can be addressed with proper treatment and self-care. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for help.