What Causes The Urge To Frequently Urinate Post Recovery From Bladder Cancer?

Posted on Sun, 31 Jan 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 31 Jan 2016 Answered on

Mon, 21 Mar 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have had bladder cancer three years ago and in the last month, I have lost the ability to tell when I am going to urinate... it just starts on its own. I am cancer free and all of my cystoscopies have been clear since my surgery at Stanford.... I am only urinating small amounts, and can usually get to the bathroom in time to not soil myself, but have started using depends shields to have a little more security.

Answered by Dr. Dr. P. T. Patil (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
It is mostly due to Over Active Bladder (OAB)

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for your query ,based on the facts that you have posted it appears that you have urgency for urination .

I shall be happy if you can post me few more details to help me in making comments on your problem.
1) Do you have other urinary symptoms like increased frequency for urination ,poor flow,nocturia ?

The urgency for urination that you have could be due to one of the follwing two reasons.
1) Over Active Bladder syndrome
2) Enlarged prostate .

Please consult qualified Urologist for clinical examination and get following basic tests done to confirm the diagnosis.
1) Urine routine and culture.
2) Ultrasound scanning of abdomen and pelvis
3) Serum PSA.
4) Endoscopic Examination of bladder (Cystoscopy).

Further treatment will depend upon result of these tests and final diagnosis.

In the mean while you can start taking anti muscuranic drug like Darifenacin once daily .

Hope I have answered your query ,please feel free to ask if you have more questions ,I shall be happy to help you
Thanks and Regards.
Dr.Patil

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar