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Why does a patient with PKD have an urge to urinate always?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am 19 years old. I was born with polycystic kidney disease. When I was 14, I was diagnosed with severe chest pain and dizzy spells. I am currently four months postpartum. Since my son was born, I have not been able to use the bathroom as frequently as most. It never caused me pain or anything up until about a week ago.

For the past week, I pee once a day. I feel the urge to pee all the time, but I cannot. No matter how hard I try. The pain is entirely unbearable at this point. I drink plenty of water a day. I have even tried cranberry juice, but nothing has helped. I have put off going to the hospital for fear of being admitted, but I cannot any longer. I want a professional's opinion.

  • Do you think I need to suck it up and go to the ER?
  • Or is there anything I am not doing that you think might help?

Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. Abhishek Kirti Dixit

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Abhishek Kirti Dixit is a nephrologist with expertise in kidney disorders, dialysis care, and hypertension management. He also practices internal and general medicine, with a strong focus on diabetes-related kidney health. Dr. Dixit is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based treatment, helping patients manage chronic conditions effectively while improving their quality of life through preventive care and long-term health planning.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query.

Since you are a patient of polycystic kidney disease, you will be more prone to urinary tract infections, urinary stones, or cysts, which could burst and form clots, which can result in obstruction.

One cannot be sure unless you get a sonography done.

Since you say you get urges to urinate and you cannot pass, I think you should go to the emergency room (ER) and get yourself checked.

I would advise you to get a complete blood count, serum creatinine, urine routine, and sonography.

Try to keep a chart of the amount of urine you pass and fluids you drink daily, and a daily weight chart.

Let me know the laboratory reports. For pain, use safe painkillers like Paracetamol and Tramadol.

Revert back after the tests to a nephrologist online.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At April 3, 2016
Reviewed At June 12, 2026

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Abhishek Kirti Dixit is a nephrologist with expertise in kidney disorders, dialysis care, and hypertension management. He also practices internal and general medicine, with a strong focus on diabetes-related kidney health. Dr. Dixit is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based treatment, helping patients manage chronic conditions effectively while improving their quality of life through preventive care and long-term health planning.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Abhishek Kirti Dixit is a nephrologist with expertise in kidney disorders, dialysis care, and hypertension management. He also practices internal and general medicine, with a strong focus on diabetes-related kidney health. Dr. Dixit is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based treatment, helping patients manage chronic conditions effectively while improving their quality of life through preventive care and long-term health planning.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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