Frequent urination
DEFINITION
Frequent urination is the need to urinate more often than is normal for you. The amount you urinate may be less than normal, about the same as normal or more than normal.
Frequent urination may be a problem affecting you both day and night, or you may find that you need to urinate frequently only during the night (nocturia).
In addition to being a sign of a medical condition, frequent urination can affect your sleep, work and general well-being.
CAUSES
Frequent urination may be caused by conditions affecting the urinary tract at any level. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, the tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder (ureters), the bladder, and the tube through which urine flows from the bladder (urethra).
Several factors can cause frequent urination, such as:
- Infection, disease or injury of the bladder
- Conditions that increase urine production
- Changes in muscles, nerves or other tissues affecting bladder function
- Certain cancer treatments
- Drugs or beverages that increase urine production
Depending on the condition causing frequent urination, you may experience other urinary problems, such as:
- Painful or uncomfortable urination
- A strong urge to urinate
- Difficulty urinating
- Loss of bladder control
- Unusual urine color
Specific diseases, conditions or other factors that can result in frequent urination include:
- Prostatectomy
- Bladder stones
- Change in kidney function
- Anterior prolapse (cystocele)
- Diabetes insipidus
- Diuretics
- Excess consumption of alcohol or caffeine
- Interstitial cystitis
- Kidney infection
- Overactive bladder
- Pregnancy
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
- Prostatitis
- Radiation treatment affecting the pelvis or lower abdomen
- Type 1 diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes
- Urinary incontinence
- Urinary tract infection
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
Because a number of different conditions can cause frequent urination, it’s important to get a prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment. See your doctor if you’re urinating more frequently than usual and if:
- There is no apparent cause, such as drinking more total fluid, alcohol or caffeine than usual
- The problem disrupts your sleep or everyday activities
- You experience other urinary problems or worrisome symptoms
See your doctor as soon as possible if you have frequent urination along with any of these signs or symptoms:
- Blood in your urine
- Red or dark brown urine
- Painful urination
- Pain in your side, lower abdomen or groin
- Difficulty urinating or emptying your bladder
- A strong urge to urinate
- Loss of bladder control
- Fever
Urinary tract disorders may cause the above signs or symptoms, but so can other serious diseases or health conditions. Get medical help to find out what’s causing your frequent urination and how to treat it.