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Alternative names Return to top
Urgent urination; Urinary frequency or urgencyDefinition Return to top
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.
Common Causes Return to top
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:
And, less commonly:
Common causes of nighttime urination:
Home Care Return to top
Follow the therapy recommended by your doctor to treat the underlying cause of your urinary frequency or urgency. It may help to keep a diary of times and amounts of urine voided to bring with you to the doctor.
In some cases, you may experience some urinary incontinence for a period of time. You may need to take steps to protect your clothing and bedding.
Call your health care provider if Return to top
Call your doctor right away if:
Also call your doctor if:
What to expect at your health care provider's office Return to top
Your health care provider will take a medical history and perform a physical examination. Medical history questions may include:Treatment is determined by the cause of the urgency and frequency. Antibiotics and medicine may be prescribed to lessen the discomfor, if needed.
Prevention Return to top
For nighttime urination, avoid excessive fluid before going to bed, particularly coffee, other caffeinated beverages, and alcohol.
Update Date: 10/21/2003 Updated by: Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Boston, Ma., and Senior Medical Editor, A.D.A.M., Inc. Previously reviewed by David R. Knowles M.D., Department of Urology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital Columbia Campus, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (10/28/2002).
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |