Control frequent urination. 12 Common Causes of Frequent Urination in Women: Symptoms, Relief, and Treatment
What causes frequent urination in women. How many times should you pee in a day. What’s the difference between frequent urination and incontinence. When should you see a doctor for frequent urination.
Understanding Frequent Urination: Definition and Normal Patterns
Frequent urination is a condition where an individual needs to urinate more often than usual throughout the day. But what exactly constitutes “normal” urination frequency? For most healthy, non-pregnant women, urinating 6-8 times within a 24-hour period is considered normal. If you find yourself visiting the bathroom more frequently than this, you may be experiencing frequent urination.
It’s important to note that frequent urination can occur on its own and doesn’t always indicate a health problem. However, when it appears alongside other symptoms such as fever or a burning sensation during urination, it may be linked to underlying pelvic health conditions. Understanding the root cause of frequent urination is crucial for finding effective relief and regaining control over your bladder habits.
Nocturia: Frequent Nighttime Urination
Nocturia, or frequent nighttime urination, is characterized by waking up more than once during the night to urinate. This condition can occur independently or in conjunction with daytime frequent urination. While it becomes more common as we age, identifying the underlying cause is essential for determining the most appropriate treatment.
Frequent Urination vs. Incontinence
Is frequent urination the same as incontinence? While these terms are often used together, they refer to distinct conditions. Incontinence involves involuntary urination that can result in leakage, whereas frequent urination is characterized by an increased need to urinate voluntarily. Both conditions can significantly impact daily life and cause distress, especially when the cause is unknown.
12 Common Causes of Frequent Urination in Women
Various factors can contribute to frequent urination in women, ranging from lifestyle habits to medical conditions. Here are 12 common causes:
1. Excessive Fluid Intake
Can drinking too much fluid cause frequent urination? Absolutely. While proper hydration is essential, consuming more fluids than your body needs can lead to increased urination. Your body eliminates excess fluids through urine, resulting in more frequent bathroom visits. If you’re experiencing frequent urination, especially at night, consider limiting your fluid intake before bedtime.
2. Consumption of Diuretics
Diuretics are substances that increase urine production and frequency. Common diuretics include:
- Alcohol (beer, wine, liquor)
- Caffeine (coffee, tea, soda)
- Artificial sweeteners
- Acidic foods and drinks (citrus fruits, tomatoes)
Regular consumption of these substances can lead to more frequent urination. Additionally, certain medications, such as those used to treat high blood pressure, may have diuretic effects as a side effect.
3. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Urinary tract infections are a common cause of frequent urination in women. UTIs occur when bacteria infect parts of the urinary system, including the bladder, urethra, and kidneys. Besides frequent urination, other symptoms of a UTI may include:
- Fever
- Burning sensation during urination
- Discolored urine
- Persistent urge to urinate
- Bladder pressure
- Pelvic discomfort
4. Vaginitis
Vaginitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the vagina or vulva, often caused by an infection. In addition to frequent urination, symptoms of vaginitis may include:
- Genital pain and discomfort
- Burning or itching sensation during urination
- Vaginal discharge (white and thick, gray and fishy-smelling, or yellowish-green and foamy)
5. Overactive Bladder (OAB)
Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition characterized by frequent, sudden urges to urinate that are difficult to control. This condition can significantly impact quality of life and may lead to anxiety and social isolation. Symptoms of OAB include:
- Frequent urination (8 or more times in 24 hours)
- Sudden, strong urges to urinate
- Nocturia (waking up to urinate at night)
- Urge incontinence (leaking urine when feeling a sudden urge)
Pregnancy and Frequent Urination
Does pregnancy cause frequent urination? Yes, frequent urination is a common occurrence during pregnancy, especially in the first and third trimesters. This increased urination is due to hormonal changes and the growing uterus putting pressure on the bladder. While it’s normal during pregnancy, it’s essential to stay hydrated and consult with your healthcare provider if you experience any pain or burning during urination, as this could indicate a UTI.
Pelvic Floor Disorders and Urinary Frequency
Pelvic floor disorders can significantly impact urinary habits. These disorders occur when the muscles and tissues supporting the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, and rectum) become weakened or damaged. Common pelvic floor disorders that may cause frequent urination include:
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Stress urinary incontinence
- Pelvic floor muscle weakness
How can pelvic floor disorders be treated? Treatment options may include pelvic floor physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, and in some cases, surgical intervention. Kegel exercises are often recommended to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve bladder control.
Medical Conditions Associated with Frequent Urination
Several medical conditions can lead to frequent urination. These include:
Diabetes
Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can cause frequent urination. When blood sugar levels are high, the kidneys work harder to filter and absorb the excess glucose. If the kidneys can’t keep up, this excess glucose is excreted into the urine, dragging along fluids from your tissues, which makes you urinate more frequently.
Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial cystitis, also known as painful bladder syndrome, is a chronic condition causing bladder pressure, bladder pain, and sometimes pelvic pain. The pain ranges from mild discomfort to severe pain. It can also cause frequent urination.
Neurological Disorders
Certain neurological conditions can affect bladder function, leading to frequent urination. These may include multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke.
Diagnostic Approaches for Frequent Urination
How do doctors diagnose the cause of frequent urination? The diagnostic process typically involves:
- Medical history review
- Physical examination
- Urinalysis to check for infections or other abnormalities
- Blood tests to check for conditions like diabetes
- Bladder diary to track urination patterns
- Urodynamic testing to evaluate bladder function
- Imaging studies (ultrasound, CT scan) if structural issues are suspected
Your healthcare provider will use these tools to determine the underlying cause of your frequent urination and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment Options for Frequent Urination
What are the available treatments for frequent urination? Treatment options vary depending on the underlying cause and may include:
Lifestyle Modifications
- Fluid management: Adjusting fluid intake, especially before bedtime
- Bladder training: Techniques to increase the time between urinating
- Pelvic floor exercises: Strengthening the muscles that support the bladder
- Dietary changes: Avoiding bladder irritants like caffeine and alcohol
Medications
Depending on the cause, medications may be prescribed to treat frequent urination. These can include:
- Anticholinergics to reduce bladder contractions
- Alpha-blockers to relax bladder muscles
- Antibiotics for urinary tract infections
Advanced Therapies
For more severe cases, advanced therapies may be considered:
- Botox injections into the bladder muscle
- Sacral nerve stimulation
- Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation
When to Seek Medical Attention
When should you see a doctor for frequent urination? It’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider if:
- Frequent urination is significantly impacting your quality of life
- You experience pain or burning during urination
- You notice blood in your urine
- You have increased thirst along with frequent urination
- You experience unexplained weight loss
- You have fever or chills accompanying frequent urination
Early intervention can help identify and address the underlying cause, leading to more effective treatment and improved quality of life.
Frequent urination, while common, can significantly impact daily life and overall well-being. By understanding the potential causes, recognizing when to seek medical attention, and exploring available treatment options, women can take proactive steps towards managing this condition. Remember, every individual’s experience with frequent urination is unique, and working closely with a healthcare provider is key to developing a personalized management plan. With the right approach, it’s possible to regain control over bladder habits and improve quality of life.
Frequent urination in women: 12 causes, and ways to find relief
Maybe it’s the ninth inning of a baseball game during girls’ night out. Maybe you’re just about to fall asleep. And then, you’ve got to pee. Again.
Sometimes it feels like the urge to pee strikes at the worst moment, sending you to the bathroom when you’d rather be anywhere else. This happens to all of us occasionally. But if it’s happening to you over and over, it may seem like your bladder controls you, rather than the other way around.
Frequent urination can affect you in many different ways. We’ll review the most common causes, ways to find relief, and how to know when it’s time to see a doctor.
What is frequent urination? And how many times should you pee in a day?
Frequent urination means needing to urinate more times than usual in a typical day. Every woman goes on her own schedule, but generally, peeing 6-8 times in 24 hours is considered normal for someone who is healthy, and isn’t pregnant. If you’re going more often than that, you may be experiencing frequent urination.
Frequent urination can happen on its own and isn’t always a sign of a health problem. But if it appears along with other symptoms, like fever or a burning sensation when you pee, your doctor will want to consider possible links to other pelvic health conditions. Either way, understanding why you have to pee so much is the first step toward getting relief. And often, personalized treatment can help stop frequent urination and let you get back to life on your own schedule.
Waking up during the night to pee
Waking up at night to pee more than once is considered frequent nighttime urination – also called nocturia – and it can happen with or without frequent daytime urination. Even though peeing more than one time per night becomes common as we age, it’s important to determine the cause so you and your doctor can identify the best treatment.
What’s the difference between frequent urination and incontinence?
While they’re often mentioned together, frequent urination isn’t the same as incontinence, which is involuntary urination that can result in leaking. But frequent urination can be just as inconvenient to your day-to-day life. In addition to disrupting your routines and activities, constant trips to the bathroom can also feel distressing, especially if you’re not sure of the cause.
What causes frequent urination in women?
Factors like age, habits, medical conditions and certain life circumstances can all cause you to spend too much time in the bathroom. Sometimes frequent urination can be normal and temporary – for example, if you’re pregnant. In other cases, it’s a symptom of another health condition and may require a treatment plan with your doctor. Here are 12 common causes for frequent urination in women:
1. Drinking too many fluids
When you’re continually hydrating, your body gets rid of what it’s not using, which naturally results in peeing more often. Your hydration needs will differ depending on your activity level and environment. But if you’re peeing frequently, you could simply be drinking more liquids than you need.
Especially if you’re having trouble peeing too often during the night, limiting how much you drink before bed can help.
2. Consuming alcohol, caffeine or other diuretics
A diuretic is something that makes you urinate more frequently than normal. You’re probably familiar with common diuretics like alcohol (beer, wine or liquor) and caffeine (coffee, tea or pop). Artificial sweeteners can also act as diuretics. So can acidic foods and drinks, like those that contain citrus fruits or tomatoes.
If you consume any of these regularly, you’ll likely make more trips to the bathroom. In addition, frequent urination can be a side effect of taking certain medications to treat other conditions – like those to control high blood pressure.
3. A urinary tract infection (UTI)
Most women have at least one urinary tract infection (UTI) at some point in their lives. UTIs happen when bacteria or something else infects parts of your urinary system, which includes your bladder, urethra and kidneys. Besides frequent urination, signs of a UTI include fever, a burning feeling when you pee, discolored urine and constantly feeling like you need to pee (even after peeing). You may also feel bladder pressure or discomfort in your back or around your pelvis.
4. Vaginitis
With vaginitis, your vagina or vulva becomes inflamed and sore. There are several reasons for this common condition – in most cases, some sort of infection is the cause. Along with genital pain and discomfort, frequent urination can be another telltale sign of vaginitis. You may also feel burning or itching when you pee. A vaginal discharge that’s white and thick, gray and fishy-smelling, or yellowish-green and foamy could be present, too.
5. Overactive bladder (OAB)
Overactive bladder (OAB) is a completely different condition, and it’s just what it sounds like: It feels like you have to pee more often than you need to, resulting in more trips to the bathroom. It can affect anyone, but it’s more common among elderly people (though not a typical part of aging). There can be a variety of underlying causes, and sometimes there’s no cause at all. Besides frequent urination, another common sign of OAB is a sudden, urgent need to pee immediately.
6. Interstitial cystitis (IC)
Interstitial cystitis (IC) is when the muscles in and around your bladder become irritated. The exact cause isn’t known, but the condition affects more women than men. Symptoms may come and go, and their intensity varies from person to person, but pressure in the lower abdomen and frequent urination are common complaints.
With IC you also typically urinate small amounts and often feel like you still have to pee even after peeing. You may feel chronic pain or pressure in your pelvis and abdominal region, a symptom responsible for IC’s other name: painful bladder syndrome (PBS).
7. Bladder stones
Similar to kidney stones, bladder stones appear when naturally occurring minerals in your urine join together to form small, hard clumps. They tend to be more common in men, but they affect women, too. Besides having to pee often, you may experience burning when you urinate, along with discomfort in your abdominal region.
8. Pregnancy
It’s a well-worn cliché, but it actually is very true that pregnant women generally need to pee more frequently than usual. An expanding uterus puts pressure on the bladder, which in turn causes the bladder to empty more often. This is a regular part of pregnancy, and if you don’t have any other symptoms, you can expect your bathroom schedule to return to normal a few weeks after birth.
9. Stress and anxiety
Frequent urination can sometimes be a response to feelings of worry or nervousness. It’s not clear why, but it may involve your body’s natural fight or flight reaction to stress. If you’re experiencing anxiety in your home life, work life, social life or anywhere else, finding ways to effectively manage stress may help decrease your urination frequency.
10. Decreased estrogen
You’ve probably heard of estrogen as the female sex hormone. But estrogen also plays a role in supporting the sides of your bladder. That means if your estrogen levels are low, like during menopause, you may experience more frequent (and more urgent) urination as your bladder feels full. Reduced estrogen levels can also cause you to have to pee often at night.
This also means that frequent urination can be a sign of menopause – which happens around age 50 for most women. In fact, decreasing or low estrogen is the cause of several common menopause symptoms. The good news is there are treatment options for low estrogen – for both menopausal and non-menopausal women – such as hormone therapies.
11. Weakened pelvic floor muscles
Your pelvic floor muscles hold up many of the organs in your urinary system, including your bladder. If these muscles weaken, organs can slip slightly out of place and lead to more frequent urination. Vaginal childbirth is one way the pelvic floor muscles can become strained and start to lose their strength. Aging may also lead to pelvic floor muscles weakening.
If weakened pelvic floor muscles are causing your frequent urination, your primary care doctor or OB-GYN can work with you to understand your symptoms, make treatment recommendations and, if needed, connect you with a urogynecologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnosing pelvic floor conditions).
12. Diabetes
Frequent urination can be a sign of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, particularly if you produce a lot of urine when you pee. With diabetes, your body can’t regulate sugar levels properly. As a result, there’s often excess sugar in your system that your body is trying to get rid of, which helps to explain why frequent urination is an early sign of the disease. Other symptoms include tiredness, constant thirst or hunger, dry mouth, or tingling in your hands or feet.
Other symptoms to watch out for that are similar to frequent urination
If your frequent urination is accompanied by other symptoms, you’ll want to make an appointment or go to urgent care as soon as you can to get started on a treatment plan and make sure you aren’t experiencing a more serious condition. Some of these symptoms include:
- Painful urination
- Feeling like you still have to pee even after peeing
- Smelly or cloudy urine
- Bloody urine
- Abdominal pain
- Back pain
- Fever
- Chills
- Nausea
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Anything else out of the ordinary for you
When should I see a doctor about my frequent urination?
If you’re pretty sure that your frequent urination isn’t being caused by overhydration, too much caffeine, or pregnancy – or if your need to go-go-go is impacting your quality of life – it’s definitely the right time to schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor or your OB-GYN. Because a variety of things can cause a frequent urge to pee, it’s important to talk to a doctor about your concerns and get an accurate diagnosis.
How to stop frequent urination
Frequent urination can often be improved, and even stopped, with the right treatment. When you talk with your doctor, they’ll recommend treatments that address the underlying cause of your frequent urination. The goal is to work toward reducing your trips to the bathroom and improving your quality of life.
Home remedies for frequent urination
There are several home remedies you can try for frequent urination. A doctor may suggest the following to improve your symptoms:
- Avoiding drinking fluids before bed
- Cutting back on alcohol, caffeine, artificial sweeteners and acidic foods or beverages
- Doing pelvic floor exercises (like Kegels) to help build your pelvic muscle strength and health
- Trying bladder retraining techniques, such as peeing at fixed intervals that gradually increase
Your doctor may also prescribe medication to treat an underlying condition or to specifically address an overactive bladder.
Next steps for finding relief from frequent urination
No matter the reason, frequent urination doesn’t have to take over your life. Answers are only an appointment away.
Because once you know what’s causing it, you’re that much closer to a peaceful night’s sleep, an uninterrupted jog around the lake, or worry-free time doing whatever you like – on your own terms.
Overactive bladder: Natural remedies and symptoms
Overactive bladder is where the bladder cannot hold urine normally, causing frequent urination. People may be able to stop frequent urination with lifestyle changes and bladder control exercises, however, this is not always possible.
The Urology Care Foundation estimate that at least 33 million people in the United States have overactive bladder.
Overactive bladder (OAB) may be caused by an underlying disorder such as Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or kidney disease. Other times it can be linked to medications, surgery, or childbirth. However, for some people, there appears to be no underlying cause.
Guidelines recommend that lifestyle and behavioral changes are the first-line treatment for OAB. For many people, a combination of these options is necessary to control symptoms.
Natural remedies for overactive bladder include the following:
Dietary changes and fluid management
Share on PinterestRed wine and chocolate may cause or worsen the symptoms of an overactive bladder.
One of the most straightforward methods in the treatment of OAB involves making dietary changes. This involves cutting out several known food irritants from the diet and limiting fluid intake.
Foods to avoid
Foods and drinks, which are known to cause or worsen the symptoms of OAB include:
- alcohol
- artificial sweeteners
- caffeine
- chocolate
- citrus fruits and juices
- corn syrup
- cranberry juice
- dairy
- sodas and fizzy drinks
- spicy foods
- sugar and honey
- tomatoes
- vinegar
As triggers from food vary from person to person, it can be helpful for people to keep a diary detailing food intake and bladder symptoms. A diary can help people work out which foods are causing the greatest problems.
Manage fluid intake
Drinking enough water is essential for health. Too little water can lead to concentrated urine, which can irritate the bladder lining, increasing urgency. Too many liquids may worsen frequency symptoms. Fluid intake before bed can contribute to urinating during the night.
A 2016 paper, published in Research and Reports in Urology, recommends limiting fluid intake to 6 to 8 glasses of water daily, and avoiding liquids for 2 to 3 hours before bedtime.
Bladder control techniques
Retraining the bladder is often recommended to reduce bladder leaking. There are several ways to do this:
Scheduled urination
A person with OAB can keep a diary of urinary habits, including bathroom trips, leakage, and symptoms of urgency. Based on the patterns noticed from the diary, they can begin to schedule trips by adding on 15 minutes to the usual urination times.
For example, if urination takes place every 60 minutes, they should schedule bathroom breaks for every 75 minutes.
It is important to use the bathroom at the scheduled times, regardless of whether urination is needed. The person can then gradually increase the length of time between bathroom visits.
Delayed urination
Each time the urge to urinate occurs, the person should try to delay urination for 5 minutes if possible. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, may help.
People should gradually increase the holding time until there are 3 to 4 hour gaps between bathroom visits.
Double-void technique
This technique is helpful for those who feel like their bladder does not empty fully. It is also a good idea to double-void before bedtime.
Anyone wishing to double-void should follow these steps:
- sit on the toilet, leaning slightly forward
- rest the hands on the knees or thighs
- urinate as normal
- remain on the toilet and wait 30 seconds
- lean slightly further forward and urinate once more
Kegel contractions
Kegel contractions involve strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, which are used to control urinary flow.
To discover the location of the pelvic floor muscles, a person can try to stop urinating midstream. If successful, this means the correct muscles have been located.
A person should practice squeezing these muscles for 10 seconds, and then relax for 3 seconds. This pattern should be repeated 10 times. A person should try to do three sets of 10 repetitions daily. Deep breathing techniques may make this process easier.
Lifestyle changes
Share on PinterestQuitting smoking is recommended as smoking may make symptoms of overactive bladder worse.
There is a wide range of lifestyle changes that people can make to improve OAB symptoms. These include:
Quitting smoking
Smoking may make symptoms of OAB worse. Coughing fits that occur in some smokers may also increase episodes of leaking.
Discussing medications with a doctor
Certain medications can lead to bladder leaking. People with OAB who are taking the following medications should discuss the possibility of alternatives with a doctor:
- alpha-adrenergic antagonists
- antihistamines
- diuretics
- muscle relaxants and sedatives
- narcotics, such as oxycodone and morphine
Maintaining a healthy weight
Excess weight can put pressure on the bladder and pelvic muscles. Staying within a healthy weight range may help with bladder control.
Managing medical conditions
It is important for people to manage the symptoms of chronic conditions that may contribute to OAB. These include Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and kidney disease.
Herbs and supplements
Several herbs and natural supplements have been recommended for the treatment of OAB, although the research on these is limited:
- Gosha-jinki-gan: Some research has shown that this blend of 10 traditional Chinese herbs can positively affect bladder contraction.
- Ganoderma lucidum: This herbal extract from East Asia was shown in one study on men with urinary tract issues to improve symptoms.
- Corn silk: A traditional medicine used for centuries for conditions, such as bladder irritation and nighttime incontinence.
- Capsaicin: This natural remedy comes from chili peppers. Some research recommends it as an efficient and inexpensive treatment for overactive and highly sensitive bladders.
- Pumpkin seed extract: Research suggests this is beneficial for both nighttime urination and OAB.
- Magnesium hydroxide: These supplements were shown in one small study to improve symptoms of urinary incontinence and nocturia in over 50 percent of female participants.
- Vitamin D: A 2010 study found that higher vitamin D levels were associated with a lower risk of pelvic floor disorders, such as bladder leaking, in women. Another study suggests a link between low vitamin D levels and episodes of bladder leaking in older adults.
Alternative therapies
Although research is limited, the following complementary or alternative treatments may prove useful remedies for OAB.
Acupuncture
Some research suggests that acupuncture provides benefits for those with OAB symptoms. These benefits include reducing urgency and frequency of urination, and improving quality of life.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback uses electrical sensors to monitor muscles. This therapy is sometimes used to treat bladder leaking. Research suggests it is a beneficial first-line treatment for children.
Share on PinterestUrinating more frequently than six to eight times a day and a sudden urgency to urinate may be symptoms of OAB.
The symptoms of overactive bladder vary from person to person. Common symptoms include:
- Urgency: A strong and sudden need to urinate with an inability to delay it. This is a defining symptom of OAB.
- Frequency: Many people with OAB need to urinate more frequently than average. The average person urinates 6-8 times a day, and once at night. Those with OAB tend to urinate more than 8 times daily, and two or more times at night.
- Incontinence: This is defined as the involuntary loss of bladder control, leading to leakage.
OAB does not tend to affect lifespan, but it can impact quality of life. The condition may affect work, relationships, and sleep. Treating symptoms early is advisable to successfully manage, or even cure, the condition.
Those who experience changes in their urine or urination habits should consult a doctor. Urinary urgency and frequency are associated with other medical conditions, including urinary tract infections. As a result, a proper diagnosis is important to inform treatment plans.
It is also recommended that people speak with a doctor before trying alternative remedies for overactive bladder.
If first-line treatments do not help symptoms to improve, doctors may then suggest second-line treatments. These can include medication.
If this is unsuccessful, third-line treatment in the form of neuromodulation, a method of altering nerve activity, or surgery may be considered.
Overactive bladder and urinary incontinence – Urology – Departments
Overactive bladder (OAB) is one of the diseases manifested by symptoms of urination disorders . Elderly patients do not always go to the doctor about this, believing that this is a manifestation of age-related changes. Young patients suffering from OAB often find it inconvenient to talk about their problems, despite the fact that the disease sometimes forces them to completely change their usual way of life. Frequent urination, urgency, frequent urination at night, and urge incontinence are the main manifestations of overactive bladder.
Illness restricts the patient’s activities. The constant urge to urinate forces patients to be in close proximity to the toilet. In extreme manifestations, these patients plan their route of movement in advance and tie it to the location of the toilets. And, sometimes, the constant fear of “not having time to get to the toilet” when an irresistible urge to urinate occurs makes them completely refuse to leave the house.
There are now effective treatments for overactive bladder, and the role of the doctor in this situation is to convey this information to patients.
It is believed that OAB is a complex of symptoms that includes dysfunction of the lower urinary tract, the main manifestation of which is an imperative, uncontrollable urge to urinate – the so-called urgency.
ICS (International Continence Society) defines urgency as follows: “urgency is a sudden and irresistible urge to urinate that cannot be delayed.” Despite this definition, there is still a time for which the patient can delay urination. This time is referred to as “urination warning time”. The shorter this period of time, the greater the likelihood that the patient will not be able to hold urine.
Urge incontinence is an extreme manifestation of OAB. Urinary incontinence can be one of the manifestations of OAB, along with frequent urination, which manifests itself both during the day and at night. It should be especially noted that not all patients with OAB suffer from urinary incontinence, just as not all patients with urinary incontinence have an overactive bladder.
Diagnosis of GMF, as a rule, does not present significant difficulties. When collecting an anamnesis, it is necessary to pay special attention to the onset and duration of the disease, the intensity of the urge that occurs, the frequency of urination during the day and at night. Sudden on the background of full health complaints of urgency and frequent urination are more likely a sign of a lower urinary tract infection than a manifestation of overactive bladder. Drinking large amounts of caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea, some soft drinks) can be a precipitating factor leading to an unbearable urge to urinate. Sometimes, patients deliberately increase the amount of fluid they take, hoping in this way to get rid of an imaginary infection, which, in their opinion, is the cause of the urgency. In such cases, simple regulation of the drinking regimen often helps to eliminate frequent urination. Some somatic diseases can be manifested by overactive bladder. These include latent diabetes, multiple sclerosis, parkinsonism, lower urinary tract obstruction, dementia, and others. Many drugs can provoke or worsen the condition of patients with OAB, the most commonly used are diuretics and antihistamines.
The main indicator of the severity of the disease is the degree of its impact on the social life of the patient. Often, the disease forces the patient to change profession, limits career growth, and affects family relationships. Sometimes patients completely change their lifestyle, refusing any kind of physical and social activity that limits their immediate access to the toilet, thus gaining victory over the disease. But this accordingly leads to social maladjustment and negatively affects their physical and emotional state.
Both the diagnosis and treatment of overactive bladder require the physician to work closely with the patient. The patient should receive from the doctor an exhaustive answer to the question about the methods of treating OAB – both medicinal and others. The doctor should also discuss with the patient the effectiveness of a particular method, possible complications and financial costs. Only by having realistic expectations and being aware of the methods of treatment, the patient is able to consent to the use of one of the treatment options. Such patients, who have full information about their disease and treatment options, have a good chance of coping with the disease.
The main method in the diagnosis of OAB is complex urodynamic study (KUDI), in which special attention is paid to the signs of infravesical obstruction (uroflowmetry, pressure-flow study), the appearance of different intensity of urges, the presence of involuntary contractions of the detrusor, their amplitude and frequency, cystometric bladder capacity (cystometry), urethral sphincter function (profilometry). In our center, this study is carried out on a modern Uroscreen urodinimic system.
Overactive Bladder Treatment
Like any other chronic disease, OAB is treated with a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods. Medicines can be used as monotherapy or in combination with other drugs. Recently, long-acting preparations based on anticholinergic substances, or, more precisely, antimuscarinic substances, have been developed. These drugs can be used once a day, which in turn makes them more convenient to use. It has also been proven that these drugs are more effective than fast-acting drugs.
A variety of non-drug therapies, such as behavioral therapy and pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation (most commonly referred to as “Kegel exercises”), can also improve urinary control.
Treatment outcomes among patients treated with behavioral and rehabilitation therapy alone are known to be comparable to drug treatment outcomes. It can be assumed that the combined use of both drugs and non-drug treatment can lead to mutual potentiation of action and better results.
Studies of the role of combined therapies in the treatment of OAB disease prove that the use of drugs in combination with non-pharmacological methods significantly increases the effectiveness of treatment. It doesn’t really matter which method the patient starts treatment with (i.e. whether they opt for behavioral/rehabilitation therapy or prefer traditional drug treatment, or use both at the same time). The main components of behavioral and rehabilitation therapy in the treatment of OAB are: control over the amount and frequency of fluid intake, “learning” the bladder and performing exercises to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor. In particular, for the elderly, it is not recommended to limit fluid intake until the person begins to drink excessive amounts of water. Keeping a diary, which records the time and amount of fluid taken, helps to correct problems associated with the drinking regimen (for example, excessive consumption of caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, or excessive fluid intake before bedtime). The recommended fluid intake is 6-8 cups per day, including fluids found in foods. Undoubtedly, when determining the amount of fluid consumed, one must take into account the individual characteristics of each individual person, his concomitant diseases, etc. This is especially true for the elderly. It would be wrong to recommend the consumption of a certain amount of liquid. In general, half of your daily fluid intake should be water, which is best drunk in small portions throughout the day.
Behavioral therapy – bladder training, involves visiting the toilet in order to urinate on a strictly scheduled basis. This approach can lead to an improvement in symptoms associated with excessive detrusor activity by up to 50%. the patient learns how to suppress urgency, increase bladder capacity and reduce toilet visits. This can be said to be a modified form of bladder training with certain exercises that are used in the early stages of behavioral therapy. Too frequent urge to urinate in order to avoid intense urgency and the likelihood of urinary incontinence can lead to weakened bladder function and even a reduction in its volume. In general, patients are advised to use the toilet every hour or two throughout the day and increase the periods between visits by 15-30 minutes during each week. To achieve this goal, they are also encouraged to use special techniques that help continence urine.
At the same time, patients are taught not to immediately run to the toilet as soon as they feel the urge to urinate, but, on the contrary, to sit or stand still, while continuously controlling the work of the pelvic floor muscles, which is much more difficult to do if the patient is constantly running around the room. Relaxing and distracting techniques, such as mental arithmetic or deep, measured breathing, are also very helpful.
It is an indisputable fact that in the treatment of patients with rehabilitation therapy, an important role is played by teaching people how to control the muscles of the pelvic floor. These exercises are very useful because they help control the retention of urine in the bladder. This skill can be useful to everyone, especially those who are not able to consciously isolate and restrain the muscles of the pelvic floor. After patients have learned all these exercises, those who have a sufficiently high degree of motivation can continue to perform them on their own. Pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation therapy may be performed by physicians, nurses, physician assistants, or physical therapists, who may also be responsible for monitoring the patient.
In our center pelvic floor muscle training is carried out on the modern Uroproctocor complex.
However, it should be borne in mind that success in treatment largely depends on the patients themselves, their ability and willingness to learn and stick to the results. The combination of the drug with one of the functional methods can achieve significant results in the treatment of such a complex category of patients as those with overactive bladder.
Recently, botulinum toxin type A ( Botox, Lantox ) has been actively used to treat overactive bladder. In general, botulinum toxin has been used in the treatment of various spastic conditions since the 1970-80s. To treat involuntary detrusor contractions, a toxin is injected into the bladder wall using an endoscopic needle. In this case, a partial temporary denervation of the bladder occurs, which eliminates urinary incontinence associated with an urgent urge to urinate. The action of botulinum toxin is reversible, therefore, most often, a second treatment is required after 6-12 months. This technique is also used in our center.
Stress urinary incontinence
Stress urinary incontinence is the inability of a woman to hold her urine when laughing, coughing, sneezing, exercising and other activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure. In practice, a synonym is also widely used – “stress incontinence – SUI”. According to many urologists, this term more accurately reveals the mechanism of pathology. This type of disease in women is unusually widespread. About 30% of the female population suffers from urinary incontinence in any form, and in these statistics, older women prevail. As intra-abdominal pressure rises, urine exits the bladder through the urethra (urethra). Due to the violation of the state of the function of the closing apparatus, the exit of the liquid is not prevented. The bladder is not involved in stress incontinence: with loss of urine, the smooth muscles of the bladder wall continue to be relaxed.
Diagnosis of the disease is based on anamnesis, listening to the patient’s complaints and examining her. Conducting combined urodynamic study allows you to confirm this diagnosis.
The treatment of stress urinary incontinence consists in the joint selection of safe and effective drugs with a urologist, and in the training of the pelvic floor muscles. In our center for training the pelvic floor muscles, a modern highly effective complex “Uroproctocor” is used.
Also in modern urological practice for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence, various surgical methods are used.
One of them is the injection of volume-forming gels into the submucosal layer of the urethra, which allows the formation of characteristic thickenings under the mucosa of the urethra. With the introduction of the drug at several points, the lumen of the urethra becomes narrower, which will allow better retention of urine over time. The operation takes no more than 10 minutes and is done under local anesthesia. Depending on the choice of tactics, the urologist may or may not use a cytoscope. The method is good in certain clinical cases, but it is less effective in comparison with the surgical intervention, it is relatively expensive and in some situations requires repeated gel injections. The question of the safety of gels for body tissues is still open.
TVT / TVT0 sling surgery is now a safe and highly effective treatment for female stress urinary incontinence. Operations are well tolerated by patients due to high-tech and minimally invasive characteristics. During the operation, a free synthetic loop is placed under the middle part of the urethra, which supports the urethra and prevents the loss of urine in a state of tension.
Surgical methods for the treatment of female incontinence are minimally invasive and are performed in the outpatient surgical day hospital. Operations are performed under intravenous or local anesthesia and the patient is discharged from the hospital on the same day.
How to treat frequent urination in women
Updated: 14 June 2021
Vsevolod Olegovich Porokhovoi — endovascular surgeon | Endoscopist surgeon
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Contents of the article
- How to cure frequent urination
- How to treat frequent urination
- Treatment of frequent urination at home
- Treatment of frequent urination in women with folk remedies
- Cystitis. There is primary and secondary cystitis, acute and chronic, as well as infectious and non-infectious. The disease can be caused by: stagnation of blood in the vessels of the small pelvis, kidney stones, tumors, acute and chronic inflammatory processes of the genitourinary system, injuries, hypothermia, and hormonal imbalance. The disease is characterized by frequent urge to urinate, pain, blood in the urine.
- Pyelonephritis. An inflammatory process (of a non-specific nature) that affects the pelvis of the kidney, parenchyma and calyx of the organ. There are three types: acute, chronic course of the disease and exacerbation of a chronic disease. Pyelonephritis is characterized by an inflammatory process in the kidneys, which can proceed as purulent or serous pyelonephritis. Severe pains appear in the affected area of the kidney (left or right), with concomitant damage to the urethra and bladder, frequent urge to urinate is observed. The body temperature rises, chills, nausea and vomiting appear.
- Premenopause. The period of premenopause is characterized by a violation of the hormonal balance, accompanied by various disorders – the failure of the menstrual cycle, the development of tumor-like formations, inflammatory processes. Due to a lack of estrogen, nonspecific cystitis occurs, a woman experiences a constant urge to urinate.
- Uterine fibroids. All the causes that cause the development of a tumor-like formation from the smooth muscle cells of the uterine wall have not yet been studied. One of the reasons for the development of fibroids is a hormonal imbalance. Myomatous nodes begin to increase, the size of the uterus grows, it compresses the vessels, organs located nearby. Pressure on the bladder causes frequent urination.
- Tumors of the bladder, kidneys, uterus. Malignant tumors of the uterus, bladder, kidneys can cause urination disorders.
- Prostate adenoma, prostatitis. Prostatitis is an inflammatory process in the prostate gland, which causes pain during urination, a constant desire to urinate. An adenoma of the prostate is a benign growth that contributes to an increase in the size of the prostate gland and a frequent desire to urinate.
- Diabetes mellitus. One of the signs of the disease is frequent urination. Urges arise due to the development of the pathology of the urinary system, a large need for water in diabetes mellitus. High glucose levels prevent the kidneys from excreting it – this causes increased thirst, the body tries to dilute the concentration of glucose. Progressive diabetes negatively affects the nerve endings, the patient ceases to control the tone of the bladder normally.
- Savitsky G. A., Ivanova R. D., Svechnikova F. A. The role of local hyperhormonemia in the pathogenesis of the growth rate of tumor nodes in uterine myoma // Obstetrics and Gynecology. – 1983. – T. 4. – S. 13-16.
- Sidorova I.S. Uterine fibroids (modern aspects of etiology, pathogenesis, classification and prevention). In: Uterine fibroids. Ed. I.S. Sidorova. M: MIA 2003; 5-66.
- Meriacri A.V. Epidemiology and pathogenesis of uterine fibroids. Sib honey journal 1998; 2:8-13.
- Bobrov B.Yu. Uterine artery embolization in the treatment of uterine fibroids. The current state of the issue // Journal of obstetrics and women’s diseases. 2010. №2. pp. 100-125
- B. Yu. Bobrov, SA Kapranov, VG Breusenko et al.
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The causes of the disorder can be very diverse. The appearance of a frequent desire to defecate is considered normal if: a woman (man) drinks a lot of liquid, drinks a lot of coffee and tea, beer. Coffee has a diuretic ability, causes vasodilation within half an hour after drinking, then it causes the opposite effect – the vessels narrow. Essential oils and amino acids contained in green and black tea have a relaxing effect on blood vessels, increasing urine output.
The urge to urinate has become more frequent, and you have not consumed a large amount of water, diuretic drugs – this may be a symptom of a disorder in the functioning of the genitourinary system. A number of diseases and disorders are characterized by frequent urination:
Frequent urges to the toilet appear in women with a developing pregnancy. In the early stages, urges arise due to the restructuring of the hormonal system and the effect on the urinary function of certain hormones; in later periods, the growing uterus begins to put pressure on the bladder, causing frequent urge to urinate.
How to cure frequent urination
Before starting treatment, the doctor prescribes an examination in search of the cause of the disorder. The patient or patient undergoes a number of clinical and laboratory tests of blood, urine, markers for oncological diseases, hormonal status studies, ultrasound and other studies. This will allow the doctor to determine the cause and prescribe an adequate and effective treatment. Impaired urination is included in the zone of professional interests of various specialists – urologist, gynecologist, endocrinologist, oncologist. In addition to the treatment prescribed by the doctor, patients are recommended a diet that will help the body recover quickly. It is recommended to stop smoking, drinking alcohol, spicy, salty and smoked foods during treatment – all these factors irritate the walls of the bladder, exacerbate the inflammatory process, cause increased pain, burning sensation during urine output.
How to treat frequent urination
Frequent urination with uterine myoma is an indicator of the growth of a tumor-like formation, a change in the hormonal status of the patient. In this case, contacting a gynecologist at the clinic for the treatment of fibroids will help to take timely measures and undergo treatment for fibroids.
Patients suffering from diabetes need the help of an endocrinologist. The examination will determine the type of diabetes mellitus, the doctor will prescribe a treatment consisting of a special diet, drugs that reduce blood sugar levels, and insulin therapy. Decreased fluid intake and frequency of urination.
Frequent urination, accompanied by itching and burning, fever, indicates the development of an infectious process. The infectious process can affect the kidneys, bladder, ureters, urethra. Such infectious processes develop at any age, pain during urination exhausts the patient, in severe cases hospitalization is required. Diseases of the urinary tract and kidneys are treated with antibiotics, drugs that relieve urination. Decoctions of herbs, special kidney teas are recommended.
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Home treatment for frequent urination
If urination is frequent, home treatment can help with uncomplicated forms of the disorder, in the perimenopausal period. Premenopausal women are prescribed herbal and combined preparations that gently restore the balance of hormones. Urological patients are recommended to take herbal decoctions, teas as an additional help and prevention, sometimes preventive treatment at home lasts several months with a short break. In most cases, it is not recommended to treat frequent urination at home with folk remedies; you should seek qualified help from specialists.
Treatment of frequent urination in women with folk remedies
Alternative treatment for frequent urination in women is nutrition with the use of products recommended for this disease, physiotherapy exercises. Very good for inflammatory processes, frequent urges, decoctions of vegetables, special teas, and a diet help. Tea, consisting of horsetail, chamomile, blackberry leaf, mint, nettle, rose hips, catnip, rose petals, has a general strengthening effect, prevents the formation of stones, inflammatory and metabolic diseases of the kidneys. Such tea can be consumed after the main treatment as a disease prevention. For treatment, preparations from common sage, chamomile and horsetail, plantain, erection cinquefoil, bearberry leaves and other plants are used.
Frequent urination with uterine fibroids cannot be cured with the help of folk remedies. The reason for the development of the disorder is the pressure of myomatous nodes on the bladder. Such a violation can be cured only by removing the cause – uterine fibroids.
Special physical exercises will help women get rid of exhausting urination with weak muscles of the walls of the bladder. Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles is performed by squeezing and relaxing the muscles of the perineum. After squeezing the muscles, you should wait 15-20 seconds and relax, repeat the exercise ten times. Strengthening exercise is recommended to be done every day, several times during the day.
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