Urinary Frequency/Urgency
Alternate Names : Frequent Urination
Definition
Increased urinary frequency means needing to urinate more often than usual. Increased urgency is a sudden, compelling urge to urinate, along with discomfort in your bladder.
An increased need to urinate at night is called nocturia. Most people can sleep for 6 to 8 hours without having to urinate. Middle aged and older men often wake to urinate once in the early morning hours.
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Common Causes
Together, urinary frequency and urgency are classic signs of a urinary tract infection. Since inflammation reduces the bladder's capacity to hold urine, even small amounts of urine cause discomfort.
Diabetes, pregnancy, and prostate problems are other common causes of these symptoms.
Other causes include:
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Interstitial cystitis (an ongoing inflammation of the bladder that is much more common in women than men; often difficult to diagnose and treat)
- Medications (diuretics and many others)
Common causes of nighttime urination include:
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