Sign in

or Register now

IncontinenceNetwork.com

See all of our health sites at www.HealthCentral.com
Saturday, July 26, 2008

Frequent or urgent urination

Female urinary tract
Female urinary tract
Male urinary tract
Male urinary tract
Definition

Frequent urination means needing to urinate more often than usual. Urgent urination is a sudden, compelling urge to urinate, along with discomfort in your bladder.

A frequent need to urinate at night is called nocturia. Most people can sleep for 6 to 8 hours without having to urinate. Middle aged and older men often wake to urinate once in the early morning hours.


Alternative Names

Urgent urination; Urinary frequency or urgency


Considerations


Common Causes

Together, frequent and urgent urination are classic signs of a urinary tract infection. Since inflammation reduces the bladder's capacity to hold urine, even small amounts of urine cause discomfort.

Diabetes, pregnancy, and prostate problems are other common causes of these symptoms.

Other causes include:

  • Interstitial cystitis (an ongoing inflammation of the bladder that is much more common in women than men; often difficult to diagnose and treat)
  • Diuretics and many other medications

And, less commonly:

  • Radiation therapy
  • Bladder dysfunction
  • Bladder cancer

Common causes of nighttime urination:

  • Drinking too much before bedtime, especially caffeine or alcohol
  • Enlarged prostate


Review Date: 08/04/2005
Reviewed By: David R. Knowles M.D., Scottsdale Urologic Surgeons, Scottsdale, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

Ask a Question

Get answers from our experts and community members.

Answer a Question

i am taking potassium chloride 20 meq er i need to know are they making me urinate more often

Answer This View all questions >
Healthcare 08