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Female urinary tract
Female urinary tract
Male urinary tract
Male urinary tract

Urinary frequency/urgency
Definition:
Increased frequency refers to a need to urinate more often than usual. Increased urgency is a sudden, compelling urge to urinate, accompanied by discomfort in the bladder.

Alternative Names:
Frequent urination

Considerations:

Urinary frequency is often accompanied by an increase in the total daily amount of urine. This can occur if fluid intake is suddenly increased.

Together, increased urinary frequency and urgency are classic signs of urinary tract infection. As inflammation decreases the bladder's capacity, even small amounts of urine cause discomfort.

Pregnancy in women and prostate problems in men are other common causes of these symptoms.
Common Causes:
Home Care:

Follow prescribed therapy to treat the underlying cause of the urinary frequency or urgency you are experiencing. Your health care provider may request that you keep a diary of times and amounts of urine voided.

In some cases, you may experience some urinary incontinence for a period of time, and you may need to take steps to protect your clothing and bedding.
Call your health care provider if:
  • Increased urinary frequency is NOT caused by excessive fluid intake or increased pressure on the bladder caused by pregnancy.
  • Urinary urgency/frequency causes incontinence or alters lifestyle.
  • Treatment is not improving symptoms.
What to expect at your health care provider's office:
Your health care provider will obtain your medical history and will perform a physical examination.

Medical history questions documenting increased urinary frequency may include the following:
  • Time pattern
    • When did the increased urinary frequency start?
    • How many times each day are you urinating?
    • Is there more frequent urination during the day?
    • Is there more frequent urination at night?
  • Quality
    • Is there an increased amount of urine?
    • Is there a change in the color of urine?
    • Is there pain when urinating, or a burning sensation?
  • What other symptoms are also present?
  • Do you have difficulty starting flow of urine?
  • Are you drinking more fluids?
  • Have you had a recent bladder infection?
  • Are you pregnant?
  • What medications are you taking?
  • Have you had any previous urinary problems?
  • Have you changed your diet?
  • Do you drink beverages containing alcohol or caffeine?
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

Treatment is determined by the cause of the urgency and frequency. For urinary urgency problems, though this seems counter-intuitive, your doctor may tell you to increase your fluid intake. This can dilute the urine and as a result, help diminish the feeling of an urgent need to urinate. Antibiotics may be prescribed and urinary anesthetics may administered, if needed.
Review Date: 10/28/2002
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.
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