Frequent Urination and Incomplete Emptying: What’s Causing It?

Understanding Frequent Urination and Incomplete Emptying

What It Means When You’re Always Going — But Never Feel Done

If you’re urinating more often than usual but still feel like your bladder isn’t empty, you’re not alone. For many people, frequent urination and incomplete emptying go hand in hand — and it’s often more than just aging or hydration.

Understanding the cause is the first step to solving the issue.

What Causes Frequent Urination with Incomplete Emptying?

There are several reasons why you might feel like your bladder isn’t emptying all the way:

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Enlarged prostate compresses the urethra
• Bladder outlet obstruction: Scar tissue or pressure slows urine flow
• Nerve-related bladder dysfunction: Seen in diabetes, MS, or spine conditions
• Pelvic organ prolapse: In women, organs can shift and block full emptying
• Post-surgical changes or medications

These conditions can make you feel like you need to urinate constantly — yet never fully relieve the pressure.

How Can You Tell If You’re Not Fully Emptying Your Bladder?

Watch for these signs:

• Frequent trips to the bathroom, especially at night
• Weak or stop-and-start urine stream
• Feeling like you need to go again right after urinating
• Lower belly pressure or discomfort
• Recurrent UTIs or leakage

If these symptoms sound familiar, it may be time to explore treatment options for frequent urination and incomplete emptying.

Minimally Invasive Treatments That Can Help

When the cause is BPH, one of the most effective nonsurgical options is Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE). This image-guided procedure shrinks the prostate by blocking its blood supply — improving urinary flow and reducing urgency.

Prostate Artery Embolization is a less invasive treatment for BPH, according to Mayo Clinic

Other interventional options include:

• Urethral stenting
• Botox injections (for bladder spasticity)
• Short-term catheterization
• Neuromodulation for nerve-related causes

What to Expect from PAE

• No surgical incision
• Outpatient or overnight stay
• Gradual improvement over a few weeks
• Fewer sexual side effects than surgery

When to Ask for Help

If you’ve been managing frequent urination and incomplete emptying for weeks or months — and it’s affecting your sleep, focus, or quality of life — don’t wait.

Ask your doctor if you’re a candidate for imaging or a referral to an interventional radiologist.

This Isn’t Just a Normal Part of Aging

Frequent urination and incomplete emptying aren’t something you have to live with.
The good news? There are safe, effective, image-guided treatments that can help you feel in control again.

Check out more patient-first insights on our blog.