Do you need to pee more often than usual during the day and night? Frequent urination is inconvenient and can interrupt daily life. It can make outings difficult, interfere with social events, and disrupt your sleep.
While frequent urination is common in older adults, pregnant women, and men with an enlarged prostate, running to the bathroom more often can also be a symptom of a number of other conditions.
The good news is, in many cases, your doctor can relieve frequent urination by addressing the underlying cause.
How often is too often?
On average, we pee around seven or eight times a day. If you tend to need to go more than this, you need to go every 30–60 minutes, or you wake more than twice at night to pee, it may be considered frequent urination.
Of course, there are many factors that can increase the ‘normal’ number of bathroom visits you make. For example, if you drink a lot of water or caffeine, then you will need to go more often.
The most important thing to know is what is normal for you.
What causes frequent urination?
Frequent urination can be caused by a number of things, including:
- A UTI or urinary tract infection – the most common cause
- Diabetes
- Medications (such as some antidepressants, diuretics, calcium channel blockers)
- Enlarged prostate
- Pregnancy
- Conditions affecting the nervous system.
How is frequent urination diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask you a number of questions about your symptoms and medical history, to try and find the cause of your frequent urination.
They may also perform tests to help diagnose the cause, such as a urine test (to check for a UTI), imaging tests, and a cystoscopy, to look inside your bladder.
How is frequent urination treated?
How your doctor treats your frequent urination will depend on what is causing it. For example, antibiotics can treat a UTI, and managing diabetes or prostate conditions can make a difference.
If you have urinary incontinence, pelvic floor exercises may be recommended.
If an underlying condition isn’t diagnosed, then lifestyle changes can help you to manage frequent urination. Avoid drinking fluids for at least two hours before you go to bed and limit the amount of caffeine you drink during the day.
Don’t let frequent urination interrupt your day (or night!)
Needing to pee often can be disruptive. The cause of frequent urination usually isn’t anything serious but should always be addressed by your doctor so they can find the cause and recommend the most effective treatment.