What's Causing My Frequent Need to Urinate?

Frequent urination often results from short-term, known causes. Hit the teapot or coffee machine with too much enthusiasm and the rest of the day may seem like a continual side trip to the bathroom. These occasions are temporary and no cause for concern, even when they are annoying.

You may experience similar symptoms but without knowing why. It’s then that frequent urination may indicate a health issue that needs treatment. When you suspect something isn’t right, plan a visit to see us at Southeast Urogyn.

We can diagnose and treat the condition so you have fewer interruptions to your day.

Common causes of frequent urination

When you rule out obvious causes including caffeinated beverages, changes in medications, or increased overall fluid intake, there are still plenty of potential causes for increased urination. Problems anywhere in the urinary tract, from kidneys to bladder to urethra may be to blame.

Urinary tract infections

UTIs are the most common cause of frequent urination. Any infection along the urinary tract may contribute to frequent urination symptoms. Infections can hit any part of the tract, including the urethra, bladder, ureters, or kidneys. Infections of the vagina can also cause frequent urination in some cases.

Overactive bladder

OAB creates frequent urges to urinate that often come on suddenly. These can be difficult to control, causing urinary incontinence in some cases. Bladder muscles start to contract without voluntary control on your part, causing the unexpected episodes typical of OAB.

OAB itself is a symptom of other conditions such as:

Bladder stones
Diabetes
Neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis or stroke
Hormonal changes related to menopause

We’re overactive bladder specialists at Southeast Urogyn, with several treatment strategies to help you.

Pregnancy

As your baby develops, the weight of the growing uterus places pressure on your bladder. This is often enough to reduce the amount of urine your bladder holds, requiring more frequent trips to the bathroom.

Childbirth

The changes caused by carrying and delivering a baby often affect the urinary tract too, since the pelvic floor can weaken, especially in the case of multiple pregnancies. Pregnancy and childbirth can also damage nerves surrounding the bladder.

Frequent urination may be isolated to the months after childbirth, or it may emerge years later.

Obesity

Excess body weight can place strain on the bladder and pelvic floor, much like the conditions during pregnancy. Weight loss could reduce frequent urination issues.

When to seek treatment

There’s no need to seek treatment when frequent urination is for a known and temporary reason. But if other symptoms accompany frequent urination, they may signal a more complex problem.

Pain or burning accompanying urination
Fever
Pelvic discomfort or pain
Changes in urine color
Frequent urination that interferes with daily activities or sleep

We’ve listed just a few of the conditions that could cause frequent urination. For a complete evaluation of your case, schedule a consultation by calling either our Madison or Flowood, Mississippi office today.