When Should I Worry About Frequent Urination? Symptoms & Causes

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Frequent urination may be cause for concern if it is accompanied by bloody or cloudy urine, painful urination, abdominal or lower back pain, etc.

Frequent urination is when you need to urinate many times—usually more than 8 times—in a 24-hour period. While frequent urination may be a symptom of normal conditions such as pregnancy, it may be cause for concern if it is accompanied by:

• Bloody urine
• Cloudy urine
• Pain or burning sensation when urinating
• Abdominal pain
• Lower back pain
• Difficulty urinating
• Strong urge to urinate
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Unintentional weight loss

Frequent urination along with these symptoms may indicate a urinary tract problem, such as pyelonephritis or prostate cancer. Contact your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

12 causes of frequent urination

Frequent urination has many causes, some of which are minor and can be easily managed with treatment. Others are more serious and can indicate an underlying health condition.

Causes of frequent urination may include:

1. Urinary tract infections (UTI): UTIs are caused by an infection in an organ in the urinary tract, which includes the urethra, urinary bladder, ureter, and kidney. They occur more often in women than in men due to the proximity of the urethra to the anus. When you have a UTI, additional symptoms may include:
   1. Burning sensation when peeing
   2. Blood in your urine
   3. Occult blood (blood in the urine that can be detected only under a microscope)
   4. Abdominal pain
2. Bladder conditions: Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder that can cause painful urination. In rare cases, bladder cancer can also cause frequent urination. Overactive bladder causes a frequent urge to urinate that may be difficult to control and cause involuntary dribbling of urine. It is common in men over age 65.
3. Prostate problems: An enlarged prostate can put pressure on your bladder and cause frequent urination. Prostate enlargement due to benign prostatic hyperplasia is fairly common and treatable. Other prostate problems may require prolonged monitoring and more intense treatment.
4. Diabetes: Frequent urination is one of the most common symptoms of type I and II diabetes. Both types of diabetes are characterized by high blood sugar levels, which causes the kidneys to have to work harder to filter blood and get rid of excess sugar from the body. This causes more urine to be produced.
5. Pregnancy: Hormonal changes in early pregnancy and the growing pressure of the uterus on the bladder in the third trimester can  lead to frequent urination.
6. Stroke: Stroke affects the nerves that regulate your urge to urinate. It may cause the inability to hold the urine for long, resulting in urine incontinence or involuntary urination.
7. Pelvic tumors: Pelvic tumors such as ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids can put pressure on the urinary bladder and cause you to pee more often than usual.
8. Diuretic medications: Diuretics are used in the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. It helps remove extra salt and water from the body by making you urinate more than usual.
9. Vaginitis: Vaginitis refers to the inflammation of the vagina. Along with frequent urination, vaginitis can cause vaginal itching or spotting, painful sex, painful urination, and change in the color, odor, or amount of vaginal discharge.
10. Pelvic organ prolapse: This occurs when one or more pelvic organs drop down from their normal position, such as the cervix through the vagina.
11. Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy waves focused on problematic areas such as tumors. The therapy aims to shrink the tumor or destroy the cancerous cells. However, this can damage the urinary tract and the nerves surrounding the urinary tract.
12. Lifestyle habits: Excessive alcohol or caffeine intake can cause frequent urination.

What tests may be performed if you have frequent urination?

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, take your complete medical history, and examine your abdomen. Based on their findings, they may order one or more of the following tests:

• Urine tests: To look for the presence of bacteria or pus cells in the urine.
• Pelvic ultrasound: To check if you have kidney stones, prostate problems, cystitis, fibroids, or pelvic tumors.
• Cystoscopy: Involves the use of a thin, flexible tube-like camera inserted into the urethra to look for any tumors in the urethra or bladder.

How is frequent urination treated?

Treatment of frequent urination is based on the cause of the problem. For example:

• UTI: Frequent urination caused by a urinary tract infection can be resolved with a short course of antibiotics.
• Prostate problems: Prostate problems may be resolved with medications, or you may need surgery for conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostate cancer.
• Diabetes: Diabetes medications should be taken as prescribed, along with dietary modifications and regular exercise.
• Overactive bladder: Symptoms of an overactive bladder can be managed with medications and pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegel exercises.