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Frequent or urgent urination - Overview

Alternative Names

Urgent urination; Urinary frequency or urgency

Definition of Frequent or urgent urination:

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.

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:

Less common causes:

Common causes of nighttime urination:

  • Drinking too much before bedtime, especially caffeine or alcohol
  • Enlarged prostate
  • Reviewed last on: 5/22/2008
  • Scott M. Gilbert, MD, Department of Urology, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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