FREQUENT URINATION

FREQUENT URINATION

Frequent urination means needing to urinate more often than usual. You may have the urge to pass more urine than average or giving only small amounts of urine. It can affect your routine, interrupt your sleep cycle, your general well-being, and can also be a sign of an illness. Frequent urination can occur at any time of the day, both day and night, and is more noticeable during the night. 

There are a lot of people living with a medical condition that urinates frequently. People that were passing more than three litres of urine a day have a condition called polyuria. This medical condition is mostly by simple cause and can be treated easily.

Unlike frequency where one is taking pee more than usual, urinary incontinence is a condition where there is leakage of urine. However, the frequency can be a sign of a severe underlying condition. Early diagnoses can make an efficient and effective treatment that will prevent further complications.

SYMPTOMS

Having polyuria means having to urinate more frequently. If one is experiencing other symptoms, it may be an indication that it is possible to have a more serious underlying condition. Other symptoms that may need your attention include:

  • Pain or discomfort while urinating
  • Fever and chills
  • Having difficulty to urinate regardless with the urge
  • Low back and side pain
  • Fluid discharge from the penis or vagina
  • Increase in appetite or thirst
  • Urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control
  • Unusual urine colour

If symptoms are present or frequently urinating affects your quality of life, it is advisable to have an appointment with your physician.

For example, frequently urinating during the night is called nocturia, which interferes with your sleeping pattern and can be symptoms for diabetes mellitus or diabetes insipidus. It can also indicate that you have a kidney infection. If left untreated, it can cause severe damage to your overall health for the reason that the bacteria which caused the infection to your kidney can potentially enter your bloodstream. Which in result, will damage other organs of your body and can cost your life.   

DIAGNOSIS

If urinating frequently affects your quality of life or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is essential to make an appointment with your physician.

Your doctor will perform a physical exam and take a medical history by asking:

  • Your frequency of urination and other symptoms
  • Your current medications
  • The pattern of urination
  • The amount of fluid consumed.
  • The Smell, colour, and consistency of the urine
  • Your alcohol and caffeine consumption.

There will be an additional test if your doctor suspected an underlying condition that results in frequent urination; these are:

It is performed by inserting a cystoscope (a thin and lighted instrument) inside the bladder for the doctor to see.

  • Neurological Tests

This test helps the doctor to rule out or confirm the existence of a nerve disorder.  

This diagnostic imaging test is performed to visualize the internal body structure by using ultrasound waves. 

 

TREATMENT

Treatment for frequent urination depends on the underlying condition.

If your doctor confirmed that diabetes mellitus is the cause of frequent urination, the treatment would be focused on high blood sugar control.

If the presence of bacterial infection in the kidney is confirmed, the treatment will be focused on antibiotics and painkillers.

If needed, you may be prescribed with medication therapy.

Other treatments for frequent urination include:

  • Kegel exercises – Regular training exercises strengthen the muscles in your urethra and pelvis to support the bladder.
  • Biofeedback – make a habit of self-awareness and detect any changes in the body.
  • Bladder training – this will train your bladder to hold urine longer.
  • Monitoring fluid intake – the more fluid you take, the more you urinate, if you are having frequent urination, but you take less fluid, you may need to ask your doctor.

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