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What are the Causes of Frequent Urination?

By M.R. Anglin
Updated May 17, 2024
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There are many different circumstances that can require a person to experience frequent urination. Some common causes condition include urinary tract infections, certain medications, pregnancy, or simply drinking too much. Other, potentially more serious causes, include prostate problems and diabetes, among other conditions. Various bladder irritants can also be a cause of frequent urination. Depending on the cause, various treatments or actions may be taken to reduce or eliminate frequent urination.

Problems with the prostate is a common cause of frequent urination in men. In younger men, the trouble may be prostatitis — an infection of the prostate — while in older men, it may be an enlarged prostate. In either case, the prostate could press against the bladder or urethra, affecting the bladder’s ability to hold urine. In pregnant women, similar trouble may be caused by the baby pressing on the bladder. In addition, as the baby grows, there is less space available for the bladder to store urine and so a person may have to empty it more often.

A urinary tract infection may also be one of the causes of frequent urination. When the bladder is infected, it may become swollen due to inflammation. The swelling can reduce the amount of urine the bladder can hold. Other irritants and bladder problems can also cause more frequent urination. For instance, tumors that press against the bladder may affect how much a person urinates.

Sometimes, the causes of frequent urination can be as simple as drinking too many fluids. With the increase of fluid, the body may try to eliminate the excess by urinating. Some medicines act as diuretics, substances that increases the production of urine. These medicines may be prescribed to reduce swelling caused by increased fluid retention. Some diuretics are also prescribed to reduce high blood pressure.

Too much sugar in the body can be a dangerous phenomenon. Thus, the body may try to eliminate excess sugar through the urine. Since diabetes is marked by the body’s inability to use glucose, diabetes may be another of the causes of frequent urination as the body tries to eliminate the unused sugar. The elimination of fluids may also cause a fluid deficit in the body, requiring a person to drink more water. This is why a person with diabetes may always feel thirsty.

It is advisable to see a doctor if frequent urination is a persistent problem. While the cause may be relatively common and easy to cure — as with urinary tract infections — if left untreated, the condition may worsen and become serious. In addition, prostate problems, tumors, and other causes of frequent urination most likely need immediate medical attention.

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Discussion Comments

By stoneMason — On Feb 07, 2014

Enlarged prostate is awful. It causes frequent urination, especially at night. But urination isn't easy either. Sometimes it's painful and sometimes it feels like I have no control on the flow. I guess it's more like a frequent urge to urinate, rather than actual frequent urination.

By bear78 — On Feb 06, 2014

@SarahGen-- It's not possible to know for sure without seeing a doctor and getting a glucose tolerance test.

Symptoms of diabetes are increased thirst, frequent urination and sudden weight loss. See your doctor right away if you have these symptoms. Since you have family members with diabetes, you ought to get checked out anyway.

There are many other causes of frequent urination in women though, so it's best not to jump to conclusions. Urinary tract infections can be common in women and frequent urination is a symptom for example. Even something like drinking more coffee or taking a diuretic medication can cause frequent urination. So this symptom doesn't necessarily mean that you're ill. Just keep an eye on it.

By SarahGen — On Feb 05, 2014

How do we know if frequent urination in women is due to diabetes rather than something else? I have diabetes in my family and lately, I started going to the bathroom more than usual. I'm worried that it might be diabetes. How can I be sure?

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