Bloating and frequent urination can be caused by a number of underlying medical conditions. While they may seem like unrelated symptoms, they often occur together. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common reasons why someone may be experiencing both bloating and frequent peeing.
Diabetes
One potential cause of both bloating and peeing a lot is diabetes. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to these symptoms. In diabetes, high blood sugar levels cause excessive thirst and increased urination. The body tries to get rid of excess sugar through the urine, leading to peeing more often. Diabetes can also slow down digestion, causing gas production and bloating.
Signs of diabetes
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Increased thirst and dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Slow healing cuts/bruises
- Tingling/numbness in hands/feet
If you are experiencing these diabetes symptoms along with bloating and peeing a lot, see your doctor. They can check your blood sugar levels and make a diagnosis.
Urinary Tract Infection
Another possible culprit behind bloated belly and peeing frequently is a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract and multiply, causing infection. The urinary tract includes the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys.
UTI symptoms
- Burning pain or discomfort when urinating
- Cloudy, bloody, or foul smelling urine
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Strong urge to urinate frequently
- Low grade fever, chills
Bacteria from a UTI can cause inflammation in the bladder, triggering a frequent urge to urinate. Kidney infection can also cause systemic symptoms like bloating, fatigue, and loss of appetite. See a doctor for antibiotics to treat a UTI.
Ovarian Cysts
Women may experience bloating and frequent urination due to ovarian cysts. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on the ovaries. They are usually harmless but can sometimes grow large and cause symptoms.
Signs of ovarian cysts
- Pelvic pain, pressure, or ache
- Pain during sex
- Painful bowel movements
- Bloating and fullness
- Urinating often
- Heavy periods
- Breast tenderness
- Nausea, vomiting
Large ovarian cysts can press on the bladder, increasing urge to urinate. They may also cause abdominal swelling. Get an ultrasound to diagnose ovarian cysts. Most resolve on their own but some may require surgery.
Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic bladder condition causing bladder pressure, discomfort and urinary frequency. People with IC have recurring pelvic and bladder pain. The lining of the bladder becomes irritated and inflamed, leading to a frequent urge to pee. IC can also cause abdominal bloating and discomfort.
Interstitial cystitis symptoms
- Frequent and urgent need to urinate
- Waking up multiple times at night to pee
- Pelvic pain, pressure, discomfort
- Painful urination
- Feeling the need to pee right after going
- Abdominal bloating and swelling
IC is often misdiagnosed as a UTI since symptoms are similar. See a urologist for a diagnosis. Treatment focuses on relieving pain, limiting bladder irritation, and managing symptoms.
Enlarged Prostate
In men over 50, an enlarged prostate gland can press on the bladder and urethra causing both urinary and abdominal symptoms. This condition is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The prostate surrounds the urethra just below the bladder.
BPH symptoms
- Frequent urination at night
- Sudden urges to urinate
- Weak urine stream or trouble emptying bladder
- Dribbling after urination ends
- Abdominal bloating
- Constipation
As the prostate enlarges, it constricts the urethra leading to bladder pressure and changes in urination. It can also cause abdominal and pelvic pressure. BPH is diagnosed through a physical exam and urinalysis. Treatment options include medication, minimally invasive therapies, and surgery.
Kidney Disease
Disorders affecting the kidneys can also manifest with abdominal bloating and frequent peeing. When the kidneys aren’t working well, excess fluid builds up in the body causing swelling in the limbs and belly. The kidneys are also less able to concentrate urine, leading to increased output.
Signs of kidney disease
- Foamy or bubbly urine
- Swelling in hands and feet
- Fatigue and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Itchy skin
- Muscle cramps
Common kidney disorders like chronic kidney disease and kidney infection can cause these symptoms. Blood and urine tests check how well the kidneys are functioning. Treating the underlying condition can help manage symptoms.
Celiac Disease
People with celiac disease experience inflammation in the digestive tract when they eat gluten. This can cause varied digestive symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The inflammation can also irritate the bladder, increasing urge to urinate.
Celiac disease symptoms
- Chronic diarrhea
- Abdominal bloating and pain
- Fatigue and weakness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Joint pain
- Itchy skin rash
Celiac is diagnosed through blood tests and biopsy of the small intestine. Following a strict gluten-free diet helps manage symptoms. Digestive enzymes and probiotics can also improve nutrient absorption.
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, it’s common to experience increased urinary frequency and abdominal bloating. Rising hormone levels boost urine production, sending expectant moms racing to the restroom. The growing uterus also presses on the bladder.
Common pregnancy symptoms
- Bloating and gas
- Frequent urination
- Food cravings/aversions
- Breast swelling and tenderness
- Fatigue
- Morning sickness
- Back pain
To minimize bloating, eat small, frequent meals, drink plenty of fluids, exercise regularly, and avoid constipation. Urinary frequency tends to improve in the 2nd trimester as the uterus rises higher in the abdomen.
Premenstrual Syndrome
Many women experience abdominal bloating, breast tenderness, and frequent urination as part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms arise in the 1-2 weeks before menstruation due to hormonal fluctuations.
Common PMS symptoms
- Bloating
- Breast swelling and tenderness
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Irritability and mood swings
- Food cravings
- Headache
PMS bloating is caused by fluid retention and constipation. Urgency to urinate comes from hormones stimulating the bladder. Regular exercise, drinking plenty of water, and restricting salt can provide relief from PMS symptoms.
Menopause
As women go through menopause, declining estrogen levels can trigger frequent urination, abdominal discomfort, and bloating. Lower estrogen causes tissue thinning in the urinary tract, increasing urgency and frequency.
Menopause symptoms
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Loss of libido
- Mood changes
- Bloating
- Frequent urination
Practicing pelvic floor exercises can help control urine leakage and urges. Vaginal estrogen creams or oral supplements may also provide relief from urinary symptoms.
Medications
Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications can lead to frequent urination and abdominal bloating as side effects. The type of medication determines the underlying mechanism.
| Medication | Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Diuretics | Increased urination, electrolyte abnormalities |
| Laxatives | Bloating, abdominal cramps, diarrhea |
| Antidepressants | Bloating, indigestion, frequent urination |
| NSAIDs | Stomach upset, bloating, fluid retention |
| Calcium/iron supplements | Constipation, abdominal discomfort |
| Caffeine | Increased urine output, irritable bladder |
| Alcohol | Dehydration, urgency to urinate |
Check with your doctor if you think a new medication may be causing urinary or abdominal symptoms. An adjustment in dose or change to another drug may be helpful.
When to See a Doctor
Occasional bloating or more frequent peeing isn’t always a cause for concern. But if you’re experiencing persistent or severe symptoms, see your physician for evaluation. You should also seek medical advice if you have:
- Bloating or abdominal pain that is severe or progressively worsening
- Inability to pass gas or bowel movements
- Blood in urine
- Fever, chills, vomiting
- Back or flank pain
- Sudden onset of frequent urination
This can indicate a potentially serious medical condition requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment. Keeping your doctor informed about any bothersome symptoms can help identify an underlying disorder early.
When to See a Urologist
For symptoms like frequent or painful urination, you may need to see a specialist in urology. Make an appointment with a urologist if you have:
- Trouble fully emptying your bladder
- Frequent nighttime urination
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Blood in the urine
- Incontinence or dribbling
- Pelvic pain
A urologist can perform specialized tests to evaluate your urinary tract and determine the reason for your symptoms. This may include imaging studies like ultrasound, cystoscopy, urodynamic testing, and lab work. They can provide treatment for any urinary abnormalities or structural issues identified.
Conclusion
Bloating and peeing often concurrently can indicate an underlying medical problem needing attention. Conditions like UTI, diabetes, kidney disorders, IC, and BPH could be to blame. Some women may experience both symptoms during pregnancy or perimenopause as well. If you have persistent or severe bloating and urinary frequency, see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.