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.
