Feeling like you have to pee but being unable to urinate, or passing very little urine, can result from several causes including urinary tract infections (UTI), an overactive bladder, an enlarged prostate in men, pelvic floor dysfunction, or urinary retention due to blockage or nerve issues. UTIs are a common reason for this sensation because the infection causes inflammation and irritation in the bladder, leading to the urge to urinate without much urine coming out. Other possible reasons include pregnancy in women, nerve damage, anxiety, diabetes, or structural abnormalities in the urinary tract. In men, an enlarged prostate can press on the bladder and urethra, causing difficulty with urination or the feeling of urgent need but little output. This condition can be acute or chronic and may require medical evaluation to treat underlying causes effectively.
If this sensation is recurrent, severe, or accompanied by pain, burning, blood in urine, or inability to urinate at all, it is important to seek medical advice promptly as untreated urinary retention or infections can lead to complications.
