Frequent urination is the need to urinate more frequently than normal, according to Medline Plus; this may vary between individuals. Aging and a number of medical conditions can contribute to the need to urinate frequently.

Common Causes

Common causes of frequent urination, according to Medline Plus, are diabetes, pregnancy and problems with the prostate.

Other Causes

Other causes of frequent urination include, according to the Mayo Clinic, side effects of diuretic medications (which induce urination); radiation therapy; weakening of bladder and other muscles because of aging; bladder cancer; bladder stone or bladder inflammation; kidney disease; and heart failure.

Features

Frequent urination often appears with urgent urination, meaning that there is a sudden need to urinate along with bladder discomfort; when these two symptoms occur together, according to Medline Plus, it is often caused by a urinary tract infection.

Considerations

A person with frequent urination should contact a doctor if any of the following are true, according to Medline Plus: there is fever; pain in the back or side; vomiting; chills with shaking; increased thirst or appetite; feeling very tired; sudden weight loss; if symptoms are not due to pregnancy or drinking lots of fluids; if bladder control is lost or symptoms otherwise affect daily life; if the urine is bloody or cloudy; or if there is a discharge.

Treatment

Treatment for frequent urination varies based on the underlying cause, which must first be identified by a doctor, according to Medline Plus and the Mayo Clinic.

Source:

Medline Plus: Frequent or Urgent Urination

Mayo Clinic: Frequent Urination Can Signal Underlying Health Problem