Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Medically Reviewed on 3/11/2019
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. Pregnancy may lead to frequent urination. Taking diuretic medications can also cause frequent urination. Other possible causes include 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 can 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.
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Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer originates within the bladder, and may have several different causes, including smoking, workplace chemical exposures, diet, and the herb Aristolochia fangchi. Though there are several types of bladder cancer, cancer is most likey to develop in the interior lining of the bladder. Treatment includes a variety of options, including radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and biological therapy. -
Blood in the urine reasons
Blood in the urine (hematuria) can be associated with many conditions, some of which can be dangerous. Causes of blood in the urine include kidney stones, kidney disease, blood diseases, and some cancers. Tests used to evaluate blood in the urine include urinalysis, cystoscopy, blood tests, and imaging tests. The prognosis for blood in the urine depends on the cause. -
BPH (Prostate, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)
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. -
Chronic Kidney Disease
Twenty percent of people over the age of 20 years will develop chronic kidney disease in their lifetime. Chronic kidney disease causes are diseases of the kidney(s), diabetes, uncontrolled high blood pressure, Glomerulonephritis, polycystic disease, medications, and other conditions. Symptoms include; fatigue, nausea and vomiting, edema, itching, easy bruising, anemia, headaches, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, chest pain, and more. Treatment for kidney disease generally involves dialysis, or kidney transplantation depending on the condition of the person and kidney(s). -
Dysuria (Painful Urination)
Dysuria is the sensation of pain during urination and may be caused by a std or infection of the bladder, kidney, urethra, or prostate. A urinalysis will be performed to determine the bacteria causing the infection. Infections are treated with antibiotics. -
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
Stroke is a medical emergency. When a person has a stroke, part of the blood supply to the brain is cut off or greatly decreased. There are two main types of stroke, ischemic and hemorrhagic. Stroke symptoms include dizziness, sudden headache, weakness in an arm or leg on the same side, weakness in the muscles of the face, difficulty speaking, vision problems, and more. Treatment of stroke depends on the type and severity of the stroke suffered. -
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.