Frequent or urgent urination Health Article

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your health care provider will take a medical history and perform a physical examination. Medical history questions may include:

• When did the increased urinary frequency start?
• How many times each day are you urinating?
• Is there more frequent urination during the day or at night?
• Do you have an increased amount of urine?
• Has there been a change in the color of your urine? Does it appear lighter, darker, or more cloudy than usual? Have you noticed any blood?
• Do you have pain when urinating, or a burning sensation?
• Do you have other symptoms? Increased thirst? Pain in your abdomen? Pain in your back? Fever?
• Do you have difficulty starting the flow of urine?
• Are you drinking more fluids than usual?
• Have you had a recent bladder infection?
• Are you pregnant?
• What medications are you taking?
• Have you had any previous urinary problems?
• Have you recently changed your diet?
• Do you drink beverages containing alcohol or caffeine?

Tests that may be done include:

• Urinalysis
• Urine culture and sensitivity tests
• Cystometry (a measurement of the pressure within the bladder)
• Cystoscopy
• Neurological tests (for some urgency problems)
• Ultrasonography (such as an abdominal ultrasound or a pelvic ultrasound)

Treatment is determined by the cause of the urgency and frequency. Antibiotics and medicine may be prescribed to lessen the discomfort, if needed.

Prevention

For nighttime urination, avoid excessive fluid before going to bed, particularly coffee, other caffeinated beverages, and alcohol.

References

Speakman MJ, Kirby RS, Joyce A, et al. Guideline for the primary care management of male lower urinary tract symptoms. BJU Int. 2004;93(7):985-990.

Bass PF 3rd, Jarvis JA, Mitchell CK. Urinary tract infections. Prim Care. 2003;30(1):41-61.