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URINARY FREQUENCY

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URINARY FREQUENCY

Urinary frequency is a condition characterized by an urge to pass urine more often than usual.

  • Urination is the way our body gets rid of waste fluid
  • Urine usually contains water, urea, uric acid, toxins, and waste filtered from within the body. The kidney helps with this process
  • Urine stays in the urinary bladder until it reaches a point of fullness and an urge to urinate at which point urine is expelled from the body
  • Most people urinate between 6-7 times over a 24-hour period. With urinary frequency, there is a need to use the bathroom more often than is usually normal
  • Urinary frequency is not the same as urinary inconsistency, which refers to having little control over the bladder
  • Urinary frequency can disrupt one’s normal routine, interrupt with sleep cycle, and can affect general well-being

CAUSES

Urinary frequency may be caused by diseases affecting the urinary tract. The urinary tract is made up of the kidneys, the ureters (the tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder), the bladder, and the urethra (the duct through which urine flows from the bladder out of the body).

Specific diseases or conditions causing frequent urination include:

  • Pregnancy
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Vaginitis
  • Urinary tract infection (UTI)
  • Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
  • Overactive bladder
  • Kidney infection
  • Interstitial cystitis
  • Bladder stones
  • Anxiety disorder
  • Change in kidney function
  • Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
  • Excess consumption of total fluids, alcohol, or caffeine
  • Diuretics
  • Diabetes
  • Anterior prolapse
  • Prostatitis
  • Radiation treatment affecting the pelvis or lower abdomen
  • Urethral Stricture
  • Stroke and other brain or nervous system conditions
You should see your doctor if you are experiencing urinary frequency and if:
  • The problem disrupts your sleep or everyday activities
  • You have other urinary problems
  • You have worrisome symptoms
  • There is no apparent cause, such as drinking more fluid, alcohol or caffeine

SYMPTOMS

The main symptom of the condition is frequent urination.

If other symptoms exist, they may indicate another, possibly more serious condition. They include:

  • Blood in the urine
  • Fever
  • Painful urination
  • Red or dark brown urine
  • Difficulty urinating or emptying the bladder
  • Loss of bladder control
  • Pain in the side, lower abdomen or groin
  • Difficulty urinating or emptying bladder
  • A strong urge to urinate
  • Discharge from the penis or vagina

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

To make a diagnosis, the doctor will carry out a thorough history and physical examination, asking you about the frequency of urination and other symptoms.

The doctor may ask about:

  • The pattern of frequent urination
  • Current medications
  • How much fluid is being consumed?
  • Any changes in the smell, consistency or color of the urine.

Tests carried out may include:

  • Urine analysis to identify any abnormality in the urine
  • Ultrasound to get a visual image of the kidney
  • An X-ray or CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis
  • Neurological tests to detect any nerve disorder
TREATMENT

Treatment will depend on the underlying cause.

For example, if consultation leads to a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, treatment will aim to keep high blood sugar levels under control.

For overactive bladder, a medication known as anticholinergic is used.

Training and behavioral techniques may also help.