Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Medically Reviewed on 12/2/2022
Doctor's Notes on Frequent Urination
Frequent urination is characterized by urinating frequently throughout the day (typically 8 times or more) or having to wake up at night to urinate. Frequent urination can be caused by a wide variety of conditions and causes:
- pregnancy,
- diuretic medications,
- diabetes,
- urinary tract infection,
- prostate problems such as enlargement of the prostate, and
- interstitial cystitis.
Frequent urination is often accompanied by other signs and symptoms, which vary according to the cause of the problem. Associated signs and symptoms may include:
- painful urination,
- blood in the urine,
- feeling a pressing need to urinate (urgency),
- difficulty starting a urine stream,
- cloudy urine, and
- thirst.
Other symptoms may include:
- fatigue,
- weight loss,
- increased hunger, and
- signs of dehydration.
What Is the Treatment for Frequent Urination?
Treatment for frequent urination depends on the cause of the condition:
- Diabetes is treated with insulin or non-insulin medications as well as dietary modifications.
- Urinary tract infections are treated with antibiotics.
- Overactive bladder is treated with bladder retraining, biofeedback, Kegel exercises, and medications.
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Blood in the urine reasons
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Chronic Kidney Disease
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Dysuria (Painful Urination)
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Enlarged Prostate (BPH)
Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia BPH) As the prostate gland grows, it may press on the urethra and cause difficulty with urination. Symptoms and signs of an enlarged prostate include blood in the urine, the inability to urinate, frequent urination, and a slow flow or dribbling urine.Medications and surgery are available if an enlarged prostate is causing problems. A man's prostate gland usually starts to enlarge after he reaches age 40 years or middle age. -
Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial cystitis (IC or inflammation of the bladder) causes pain, urinary frequency, incontinence, painful urination, urgency, and nocturia. The cause of interstitial cystitis is unknown. As there is no cure for IC, treatment may involve dietary changes, quitting smoking, exercise, bladder training, medication, or surgery. -
Overactive Bladder
Overactive bladder (OAB) is a type of urinary incontinence. Causes include urinary tract infection, kidney and bladder stones, bladder tumors, diabetic neuropathy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, dementia, and Parkinson's disease. Nocturia, urinary urgency, and urinary frequency are symptoms. Treatment will likely include a combination of behavioral therapy and medication. -
Stroke
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Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is when there's an involuntary loss of urine. There are many types of incontinence, including urge incontinence (overactive bladder), mixed incontinence, reflex incontinence, and stress incontinence. Potential causes of incontinence include overactive bladder muscles, weak bladder muscles, blockage of urine flow, and nerve damage. Treatment may involve dietary changes and exercise, including Kegel exercises and using vaginal weights. -
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Most urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by E. coli. Symptoms and signs of a UTI include urinary urgency, frequent urination, burning urination, and cloudy or foul-smelling urine. Treatment typically involves a course of antibiotics.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.