What Causes Frequent Urination?

Many of us experience the unpleasant sensation of needing to urinate frequently. This condition can be caused by a number of common issues and health concerns. Here we discuss the various causes of frequent urination as well as treatments and prevention.

Unsurprisingly, Drinking Too Much Is One of The Main Causes

When it comes to frequent urination, one of the most obvious causes is when we drink too much liquid, particularly alcohol. Alcohol is a diuretic and known for making us need to visit the bathroom more frequently. Caffeine is also a diuretic, meaning that drinking too many coffee, colas, and energy drinks can have a similar effect.

Stress and Anxiety Can Cause Urination to Occur Unusually Frequently

While not as natural as drinking too much fluid, stress and anxiety both have the potential to increase the frequency of urination. When we experience high levels of stress or anxiety, our bodies may respond by producing cortisol, which can lead to draining of the adrenal glands and an increase in urination.

By pressing the bladder, the stressed or anxious state may also encourage involuntary contractions that cause urine to leak out.

Medication Use May Lead to More Urination

A number of common medications can also lead to frequent urination. Some of these medications, such as diuretics which are used to treat hypertension, are designed to increase the amount of urine that a person produces. On the other hand, medications that stimulate the bladder can increase the rate at which urine is voided. Both of these kinds of medications can lead to more urination than is typical for an individual.

Infection and Disease can Also Cause Frequent Urination

There are specific diseases, infections, and other medical conditions that can also cause frequent urination. An infection of the urinary tract can cause increased urination which may be accompanied by pain, burning, and cloudiness in the urine.

Diabetes can also cause frequent urination, as well as an increase in thirst. Since diabetes is associated with excessive amounts of sugar in the blood, the kidneys may respond by producing more urine to try to filter out excess glucose.

Finally, some kidney and bladder problems can also affect how much, and how often, a person needs to urinate.

Treatment and Prevention of Frequent Urination

Treatment of frequent urination may depend on the underlying cause. If drinking or medications are the cause, reducing or stopping the use of a diuretic or stimulant will likely help. If infection, disease or bladder issues are the source of the problem, specific treatment may be necessary depending on the underlying issue.

To prevent frequent urination, drink enough fluid to keep your body hydrated, but not so much that you become overwhelmed with visits to the bathroom. Avoiding the excessive use of diuretics and stimulants can also be helpful for preventing frequent urination. Finally, using relaxation techniques and managing stress and anxiety may reduce urinary frequency.