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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.
Pictures & Images
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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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• Definition
• Common Causes
• Home Care & Treatment
• Prevention
• Call your Health Care Provider if
• What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Bladder Cancer
• Interstitial Cystitis (IC)
• Urinary Tract Infection
Tests & Exams
• Abdominal Ultrasound
• Cystoscopy
• Ultrasound
• Urinalysis
• Urine Culture - Clean Catch
Other Topics
• Abdominal Pain
• Back Pain - Low
• Fever
• Radiation Therapy
• Thirst - Excessive
• Urination - Excessive at Night
• Urination - Painful
Review Date : 10/21/2003
Reviewed By : Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Boston, Ma., and Senior Medical Editor, A.D.A.M., Inc. Previously reviewed by David R. Knowles M.D., Department of Urology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital Columbia Campus, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (10/28/2002).
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