Frequent or Urgent Urination

Frequent urination describes the need to urinate more often than you usually do. There is no clear definition of frequent. However, you may have frequent urination issues if the need to urinate creates challenges in your life, or if you develop a fear of being too far from a restroom.

Urgent urination describes an overwhelming need to get to a restroom immediately. It may be accompanied by pain or discomfort in the bladder or urinary tract. You may have urgent urination issues if you sometimes can’t make it to the bathroom in time or if the urge to urinate comes on very suddenly.

These two issues often occur together. This means you feel the need to urinate often, and the urge comes on suddenly.

Common Causes of Frequent or Urgent Urination

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common cause of frequent or urgent urination. Other causes include:

drinking too much liquid

caffeinated or alcoholic beverages

diabetes

pregnancy (especially in third trimester, when there is pressure on the bladder)

prostate issues (enlargement or infection)

anxiety

diuretics

interstitial cystitis (chronic infection in the bladder)

overactive bladder or other urinary incontinence

vaginal infection

Less common causes of frequent or urgent urination include:

stroke (or other nervous system disorders)

tumor

bladder cancer

radiation therapy to the pelvic area

damage or injury to the urinary tract

diverticulitis

When to Seek Treatment for Frequent or Urgent Urination

Frequent urination is a habit for some people. You could train your bladder to feel the need to empty before it is necessary if you urinate frequently. Frequent urination is a symptom that develops over time or appears suddenly for others.

Frequent or urgent urination could be normal for you if you don’t have other symptoms. However, in most cases, frequent or urgent urination signals an underlying health condition. Visit your doctor when:

your urinary problems are affecting your lifestyle

your have blood in your urine

your urine is unusually cloudy or smelly

you also have a fever, chills, or fatigue

you are vomiting

you have pain in your abdomen or sides

you have sudden weight loss

you have increased appetite and/or thirst

there is discharge from your penis or vagina

Relieving Symptoms of Frequent or Urgent Urination

The treatment plan for frequent or urgent urination is largely dependent on the cause. Antibiotics can help treat infections. Lifestyle changes such as monitoring liquid consumption and urine output or adjusting medications could help some people. Your doctor will develop a treatment plan to address your specific situation.

Source: http://www.healthline.com