Hello, You are absolutely right. We should rule out any urinary infection first of all. Having an ongoing candida infection also suggest that it is likely. So please arrange for a simple urine routine or urine dipstick test. If it indicates infection, then urine culture can be done. in general keep yourself adequately hydrated. During perimenopause - the female hormone levels especially that of estrogen begins to decline. This affects the outer lining of genital and urinary area - by causing a thinning and also the balance of microbes within the vagina changes. This can make it more prone to infections and micro-trauma during intercourse giving rise to uncomfortable feeling and having sensation of wanting to pee more often. The muscles of the pelvic floor also lose their strength and tone in particular if life style is sedentary. This can give feeling of pressure especially when urinary bladder is full or when trying to hold urine. My advice would be to understand the changes that a woman s body undergoes in this part of life. Taking care with personal hygiene especially during periods and adopting a healthy life style, exercise and nutrition will go a long way in helping you go through this transition of a woman s life. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Sabina Hussain, OBGYN, Gynecological Oncology