Many people suffer from frequent urination. It can cause you to lose sleep, miss out on big events and can even cause you embarrassment. But frequent urination may be masking a bigger health issue. What does frequent urination mean for your body and overall health?

How Often is too Often When it Comes to Urination?

Frequent urination is when you have the strong need to urinate more than your normal amount. It may happen during the day and at night. You might not notice the frequency of your urination during the day, but if you are running to the bathroom at all hours of the night, then you will probably notice.

What Causes Frequent Urination?

Frequent urination may be caused by a disease in the urinary tract. What is the urinary tract? The urinary tract involves the kidneys, ureters (tubes connecting kidneys to bladder), the bladder and the urethra (how urine flows out of the bladder).

Here are several factors that may be linked to your frequent urination:

  • Infection, disease, or if you’ve injured your bladder.
  • If you have conditions that may increase urine production
  • Certain cancer treatments may cause frequent urination
  • If you are taking drugs or consuming drinks that increase urine production

Depending on what is causing your urination, you may feel pain or discomfort while urinating, along with a strong urge to urinate and a loss of bladder control.

Here is a list of specific conditions from the Mayo Clinic that may result in frequent urination:

  1. Anterior prolapse (cystocele)
  2. Anxiety
  3. BPH
  4. Bladder stones
  5. Change in kidney function
  6. Diabetes insipidus
  7. Diuretics 
  8. Excess consumption of total fluids, alcohol or caffeine
  9. Interstitial cystitis
  10. Kidney infection
  11. Overactive bladder
  12. Pregnancy
  13. Prostatitis
  14. Radiation treatment affecting the pelvis or lower abdomen
  15. Type 1 & Type 2 diabetes
  16. Urethral stricture
  17. Urinary incontinence
  18. Urinary tract infection (UTI)
  19. Vaginitis

When Should I Consult My Doctor?

Consult a doctor if your frequent urination prevents you from performing daily activities or if you have other worrisome urinary problems. Contact your doctor immediately if you are experiencing frequent urination AND bloody, dark urine, side pain, a fever and a loss of bladder control.

Urology Experts Can Help

If you think you or someone you know may suffer from frequent urination, call us today. We are passionate about providing every patient with solutions, no matter how simple or complex the situation, we are ready to help.