Frequent Urination

What is Frequent Urination？

Frequent urination, or the the feeling that you have to go to the toilet very often, is a symptom of going to the bathroom more than eight times a day or going to the bathroom more than twice during sleep. The normal frequency of urination is about 6 to 7 times a day, so frequent urination is diagnosed when the frequency is higher than that.

Causes of Frequent Urination

The causes of frequent urination can be broadly classified into the following six categories:

Overactive bladder:
Abnormal contractions of the bladder that cause an urge to urinate.
Residual urine:
Urine that remains in the bladder after urination.
Polyuria:
Increased amount of urine.
Urinary tract infection/inflammation:
Caused by infection or inflammation, such as bladder infection or urethritis.
Tumors:
Caused by tumors, such as bladder cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Psychogenic:
Caused by psychological factors such as stress and anxiety.

Frequent Urination even when you are not drinking water

If you are not drinking lots of water but still need to go to the bathroom frequently, the following are possible causes:

・Consumption of caffeine or alcohol: Caffeine and alcohol have a diuretic effect and increase urination.

・Medication: Side effects of medications such as diuretics or antidepressants can cause increased urination.

・Diabetes and impaired kidney function: Diabetes and impaired kidney function can cause fluid in the blood to be excreted in the urine.

Treatment for Frequent Urination

Treatment for frequent urination depends on the cause.

Overactive bladder:
Medications such as anticholinergics and beta-3 receptor stimulators and bladder retraining may be used.
Residual Urine:
Medications to improve urinary function and cystoscopic surgery may be used.
Polyuria:
Treatment of underlying conditions such as diabetes mellitus and renal dysfunction.
Urinary Tract Infection/Inflammation:
Treatment with antibiotics.
Tumors:
Depending on the type and progression of the tumor, treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.
Psychogenic:
Stress and anxiety may need to be reduced.

Prevention of Frequent Urination

To prevent frequent urination, the following precautions should be taken:

・Avoid excessive fluid intake
・Avoid caffeine and alcohol
・Reduce stress and anxiety
・Get regular physical examinations

Conclusion

If you have the feeling that you have to go to the bathroom too often, first try to take measures that you can take yourself, such as reducing water intake, cutting back on caffeine and alcohol intake, and relieving stress and anxiety. If you still experience no improvement, see a doctor as soon as possible.