Many health factors and conditions can contribute to frequent urination. Some affect both men and women while others are gender specific. For instance, pregnancy is usually accompanied by frequent urination due to an increase in urine production and added pressure on the bladder from the growing uterus. For most women, frequent urination resolves in the weeks following delivery.
Causes of Frequent Urination
Constipation
Retention of stool in the colon can put pressure on the bladder, causing increased urination and even incontinence.
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
An infection that causes the lining of the urinary tract to become inflamed.
Interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome)
A chronic condition in which the walls of the bladder become inflamed.
Bladder or kidney stones
Hard masses that develop from a buildup of minerals that can irritate the wall of the bladder or even obstruct the outflow of urine.
Diabetes
Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can both cause frequent urination when glucose values are running high.
Enlarged prostate
A common occurrence in aging men; the prostate presses against the urethra and can reduce one’s ability to empty the bladder completely.
Vaginitis
Irritation, inflammation, or infection in the vagina that can often also irritate the urethra, which is the exit point of the bladder, and cause increased urinary frequency.
Medication side effects
Medications like diuretics used to treat high blood pressure can increase urine production and, in turn, frequency of urination.
Obesity
Excess body weight puts added pressure on the bladder.
Bladder cancer, pelvic tumors, and/or radiation treatment in the pelvic region can also result in frequent urination. In addition, stroke and other neurological conditions that interfere with or damage signals between the brain and bladder may increase frequency. Anxiety has been associated with the subjective need to urinate more often.
Lifestyle factors that may result in frequent urination:
- Drinking too much water/fluid
- Diuretics – foods/beverages that relieve water retention such as alcohol, tea, coffee, soda, parsley, ginger, etc.
- Spicy, salty, or acidic foods that irritate the bladder
Talk to a doctor if you can’t pass a restroom without making a pit stop to pee. Valleywise Health partners with District Medical Group’s compassionate, caring physicians – from primary care doctors to urologists and a wide range of specialists. Call 1 (833) VLLYWSE to make an appointment today.