Differential Diagnosis for Urinary Frequency in a Young Female

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is the most common cause of urinary frequency in young females, often due to bacterial infection of the bladder or urethra. Symptoms typically include dysuria, frequent urination, and sometimes hematuria.

Other Likely Diagnoses

• Overactive Bladder: A condition characterized by a sudden, intense urge to urinate, sometimes accompanied by urge incontinence. It can be due to various factors, including neurological disorders, but often the cause is idiopathic.
• Interstitial Cystitis: Also known as bladder pain syndrome, it's a chronic condition causing bladder pressure, bladder pain, and sometimes pelvic pain. The symptoms can worsen as the bladder fills and may improve with urination.
• Diabetes Mellitus: Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can cause urinary frequency due to the high glucose levels in the blood, which increase urine production.
• Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and pressure from the expanding uterus can lead to urinary frequency in pregnant women.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

• Diabetic Ketoacidosis: A serious complication of diabetes that can present with urinary frequency among other symptoms like vomiting, abdominal pain, and altered mental status. It requires immediate medical attention.
• Kidney Stones: While they may not always cause frequency, the pain associated with stones can lead to frequent attempts to urinate. Large stones or those causing obstruction can lead to severe complications.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Certain STIs, like chlamydia or gonorrhea, can cause symptoms similar to UTIs, including urinary frequency and dysuria.
• Tuberculosis of the Urinary Tract: Though rare, it can cause chronic symptoms including frequency, and is crucial not to miss due to its potential for severe consequences if left untreated.

Rare Diagnoses

• Bladder Cancer: While rare in young females, it can cause urinary frequency among other symptoms like hematuria. Risk factors include smoking and certain chemical exposures.
• Neurogenic Bladder: Due to a neurological condition affecting bladder control, such as spina bifida or multiple sclerosis, leading to urinary retention or incontinence and frequency.
• Sarcoidosis: A systemic disease that can affect the kidneys and cause urinary frequency, though this is a less common manifestation.
• Eosinophilic Cystitis: A rare condition characterized by an eosinophilic infiltration of the bladder wall, which can cause urinary frequency, pain, and sometimes hematuria.