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Frequent or urgent urination

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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
• Stroke and other neurological diseases

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

References:

Speakman MJ. Guideline for the primary care management of male lower urinary tract symptoms. BJU Int . 2004; 93(7): 985-990.

Bass PF. Urinary tract infections. Prim Care . 2003; 30(1): 41-61, v-vi.

• Review Date: 7/23/2007
• Reviewed By: Marc Greenstein, DO, Urologist, North Jersey Center for Urologic Care, Denville, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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