Frequent or urgent urination

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

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
• Medicines such as diuretics
• Overactive bladder syndrome
• Prostatitis
• Stroke and other neurological diseases
• Urinary incontinence

Less common causes:

• Bladder cancer
• Bladder dysfunction
• Radiation therapy

Common causes of nighttime urination:

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

Home Care

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

Call your doctor right away if:

• You have fever, back or side pain, vomiting, or shaking chills
• You have increased thirst or appetite, fatigue, or sudden weight loss

Also call your doctor if:

• You have urinary frequency or urgency, but you are not pregnant and you are not drinking excessive amounts of fluid
• You have incontinence or have altered your lifestyle because of your symptoms
• You have bloody or cloudy urine
• There is a discharge from the penis or vagina