Frequent Urination – Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Frequent urination is the urge or the need to empty the bladder more than what is considered normal. If you need to urinate eight times or more in a day, it is medically termed as frequent urination. Both men and women can have frequent urination problems.
Causes
Frequent urination problem can occur due to the following reasons:
- Diabetes
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Bladder cancer
- Radiation therapy
- Overactive bladder (OAB)
- Prostate problems
- Diuretic use (medications for hypertension, kidney fluid buildup)
- Weak pelvic muscles (due to pregnancy, old age)
- Neurological problems (stroke, spinal injuries, multiple sclerosis)
- Interstitial cystitis (causes bladder pain)
Diagnosis
The following can be used to diagnose frequent urination problem:
- A Physical exam
- An analysis of medical history (questions about your medication use, diet)
- Urinalysis (examining the urine for compounds that indicate any infection or problem)
- Cystometry (to check the pressure inside the bladder)
- Bladder scan (an ultrasound to check quantity of urine left after urination)
- Cystoscopy (looking inside the urethra and bladder using a cystoscope)
- Urodynamic testing (tests to check the functioning of the urinary system)
Treatment
The treatment for frequent urination problem can involve one or more of the following :
- Treating the disease which causes frequent urination such as diabetes, infections and bladder stones.
- Diet modifications can include eating more fiber, reducing intake of caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods.
The doctor might ask you to reduce liquid intake a few hours before bedtime. Exercises for strengthening pelvic muscles such as kegel for both men and women can be very beneficial to treat frequent urination. Alternate therapies such as acupuncture can also provide some relief from frequent urination. Estrogen replacement for menopausal women can help with the problem. Medications to treat OAB are very effective to stop frequent urination. Surgery may be one option for severe cases of bladder problems.
Managing frequent urination in both men and women is possible. However, it is important to seek timely treatment for the same.
Disclaimer:
The content of the articles discussing symptoms, treatments, health conditions, and side effects is solely intended for informational purposes. It is imperative that readers do not interpret the information provided on the website as professional advice. Readers are requested to use their discretion and refrain from treating the suggestions or opinions provided by the writers and editors as medical advice. It is important to seek the help of licensed and expert healthcare professionals when necessary.
