Frequent urination is when you urinate more often than usual.
This may happen during the day or at night.
Having to urinate frequently during the night is callednocturia.
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This may cause the muscles in the bladder not to work properly.
In some cases, the muscles are overactive and squeeze the bladder too frequently.
This results in more frequent urination.
It can be due to issues with the bladder muscle directly or may be related to spine issues.
A urinary tract infection is due to bacteria that enter the urethra and then the bladder.
This can cause an urge to urinate often, even if the bladder has just been emptied.
It may also be accompanied by cloudy or bloody urine and pain with urination.
Caffeine is one of many potential bladder irritants.
This can cause an increased urinary frequency.
An enlarged prostate can cause problems with the bladder.
If the prostate is too big, it may block or irritate the bladder, causing increased urine frequency.
This can sometimes cause urination every two to three hours.
Vaginitis causes thevaginaorvulva(external genitalia) to become swollen or irritated.
This can cause pain and the desire to urinate more frequently.
Diuretics(water pills) are medications that promote increased production of urine in the kidneys.
Sedatives or muscle relaxants likeValium (diazepam)can also cause frequent urination.
How to Treat Frequent Urination
Treating frequent urination is focused on treating the underlying cause.
This will vary based on the problem.
Are There Tests to Diagnose the Cause of Frequent Urination?
They may order tests to assist them in their diagnosis.
The causes need specific treatment, so getting a diagnosis is the first step.
The average person urinates between four to 10 times a day, but this varies between people.
Frequent urination may be resulting from infections, medications, nerve damage, or other medical problems.
Treatment options vary depending on the cause but could involve lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery.
A healthcare provider may use a variety of tests to identify the cause of frequent urination.
A Word From Verywell
Needing to urinate frequently may be uncomfortable or even embarrassing.
They will be able to help identify the cause of the frequent urination and help you treat it.
Anxiety is believed to be a possible cause of frequent urination.
Treatment of frequent urination is based on the cause.
It is important to see a healthcare provider to get a diagnosis and the appropriate treatment.
Possible treatment options include lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery.
Bladder & Bowel Community.Urinary frequency how often should you pee?
Urology Care Foundation.When nerve damage causes bladder problems: neurogenic bladder.
UF Health.Urinary tract infection - adults.
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.Bladder irritants.
Urology Care Foundation.What is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?
Harvard Medical School.Medications that can cause urinary incontinence.