Frequent urination (Women)
Causes | Diagnosis | Treatment | FAQ
Although not a serious condition in and of itself, frequent urination can be annoying and disruptive to daily life. It can have a wide range of causes, from simple to serious, and treatment will depend on the underlying condition. If you experience frequent urination with no obvious explanation, you should talk with your doctor.
Frequent urination causes
Frequent urination may have a simple cause such as stress or over-consumption of caffeine or alcohol. An infection of the urinary tract is a common cause. In some cases frequent urination is an indication of a more serious underlying problem, such as diabetes, overactive thyroid, kidney disease, damage to the nerves that control the urinary system, or a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
Increased urinary frequency may also occur with pregnancy, or from physical changes due to menopause or multiple pregnancies. It can also be a side effect of some medications.
Frequent urination diagnosis
First, your doctor will probably perform a physical exam with particular attention to the abdomen and pelvic areas. A urine sample may be analyzed for signs of diabetes or urinary tract infection, and blood tests may be used to check for abnormal functioning of the kidneys or other organs.
Frequent urination treatment
Treatment for frequent urination depends upon the cause. A urinary tract infection will most often be treated with antibiotics. If an underlying condition such as diabetes is found, a treatment program will be developed to manage the problem and alleviate the symptoms. Changes in medication or lifestyle habits are sometimes suggested as well.
Frequent urination FAQ
What are some steps I can take to help prevent frequent urination?
Frequent urination is usually a symptom of an underlying problem that may not be preventable. However, you can make lifestyle choices to improve your overall health and reduce risk of serious illness:
- Keep your weight at a healthy level.
- Stay physically active.
- Don’t smoke.
- Avoid excessive use of alcohol.
- Reduce your intake of caffeine.
