Most people usually urinate 4 to 8 times every day. Needing to go more than eight times a day or waking up in the night to go to the bathroom more than once may not be a healthy sign. Did you know frequent urination is one of the health concerns that you must not overlook? If you are wondering how to stop frequent urination, read on to know everything about this condition.
What is frequent urination?
Recurrent urination is when you feel you need to go and urinate more often than usual. Most often it is a nuisance and it can also lead to poor sleep, which could be a sign of a hidden health issue. Your bladder can hold around 600 ml of urine, but you may feel you want to go to urinate when the bladder is about 1/4th full or contains about 150 ml of urine. Scientifically, it is also known as ‘polyuria’ and most often, people don’t seek medical attention immediately, they tend to accept it as a situation and live with it. Do remember, it is not the same as urine incontinence and is a serious issue.
In a few instances drinking a lot of fluids, especially those with caffeine and alcohol can cause frequent urination. Pregnant women often feel the urge to urinate several times a day because of the enlarged uterus adding pressure to the bladder. Other causes of frequent urination could be nervousness, excessive production of urine, or storage dysfunctionality.
Common medical causes of frequent urination
Bladder infection: When the lining of the urinary bladder is irritated due to bacterial infection, the bladder opens the closing even when you have a small amount of urine stored, which causes frequent urination.
Medication: Medications for certain diseases or conditions might cause frequent urination. Specifically, medications for high-pressure patients tend to build up excess fluid in their body, which in turn, need to be flushed out of the body by the kidneys, thus causing the problem. This is a temporary condition and doesn’t require specific attention other than the one prescribed by the doctor for high pressure.
Diabetes: Frequent urination is an early symptom of both Type A and Type B diabetes. Our body tries to get rid of the excess glucose, which is also termed as blood sugar through urine. Diabetes also damages the functionality of our nervous system, which triggers the flow of urine through our bladder.
Pregnancy: Frequent urination might be caused due to hormonal imbalance during pregnancy. It can also show up post vaginal childbirth due to trauma.
Bladder issues: Bladder cancer is the result of tumors in the urinary bladder, which fills the space, causing frequent urination.The improper functioning of the bladder or inflammation in the bladder wall, which is known as interstitial cystitis can also make you urinate frequently.
Prostate problems: An enlarged prostate can press against the urethra and block the flow of urine, causing the bladder wall to become irritated. The bladder contracts even when it contains small amounts of urine, causing frequent urination. An infection of the gland, which is known as prostatitis can also cause such issues.
Overactive bladder syndrome: Often, frequent urination is itself the problem. Involuntary bladder contractions lead to frequent and often urgent urination, even if the bladder is not full.
Urinary incontinence, fistulas in the urinary tract, pelvic radiation, gallstones, kidney infection, stroke, and brain or other nervous system conditions are other medical conditions that can make you urinate frequently.
How to stop frequent urination
Frequent urination can be controlled without medication by the following ways.
Holding urine: This method involves holding the urine for a longer period than you usually do. This method can help to cure this problem over the time as you adapt to a new habit. This procedure may take up to 12 weeks to work.
Performing Kegel exercises: This exercise involves the contraction and release of the voluntary muscles that are used to control the flow of urine. Practicing Kegel can help you increase your control over frequent urination.
Limiting fluid intake: If the problem is due to drinking too much water then you can cure it by limiting the fluid intake and avoiding drinking fluids like alcohol, artificial sweetener, caffeine etc.
Frequent urination can be cured at home provided it is not caused by some serious illness. Continued problems with frequent urination must be evaluated by your doctor and possibly a urologist. If medications are recommended, follow instructions given to you by your doctor. Report any problems or side effects from the medication to your doctor. Follow all instructions offered by the urologist like exercising your bladder, learning to control it etc. However, if it is disturbing your lifestyle then you should see a doctor and look for alternate options. Frequent urination due to factors like diabetes, cancer etc. should be treated by medical personnel and you shouldn’t ignore it. If your family has a history of diabetes then you should see a doctor immediately as it could be the first sign of the disease.
