Overview
Frequent urination describes the need to urinate more often than usual. Frequent urination can be a symptom of many different problems from kidney disease to simply drinking a surplus of fluids. Frequent urination isn’t often a problem unless it creates challenges in daily life.
Urgent urination describes an overwhelming need to urinate. This may be accompanied by pain or discomfort in the bladder or urinary tract.
Causes
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common cause of frequent or urgent urination. Other causes may include:
- Drinking too much liquid
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy, especially in the third trimester
- Prostate problems
- Interstitial cystitis, a chronic infection in the bladder
- Overactive bladder
- Diuretics
- Vaginal infection
When to visit a doctor
If you don’t have any other symptoms, frequent/urgent urination may be normal for you. However, in some cases, frequent or urgent urination may signal an underlying health condition. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical attention:
- Urinary problems that are affecting your lifestyle
- Blood in the urine
- Fever, chills, or fatigue
- Vomiting
- Sudden weight loss
- Urine is unusually cloudy or has an unusual smell
- Discharge from the penis or vagina
Diagnosis
A doctor will collect a thorough medical history and perform a physical examination, asking the patient about the frequency and urgency of urination and other symptoms. Tests may include:
- Urine analysis to identify any abnormality in the urine
- Ultrasound
- CT-scan
- Testing for STIs
- Urodynamic tests
Treatment
The treatment for frequent or urgent urination is largely dependent on the cause. Your doctor will create a treatment plan based on your health history and symptoms. This may include lifestyle changes, medication, or bladder training exercises.
