There are various causes of frequent urination, ranging from mild to severe. Treatment is different and needs to be adjusted according to the cause. Therefore, it is important to know the cause of frequent urination so that appropriate treatment can be carried out.
Normally, the frequency of urination is 4-8 times a day. If you drink too much water, drink close to bedtime, to eat foods or drinks containing caffeine, the frequency of urination will increase.
However, if you urinate frequently even though you drink little or don't eat foods and drinks that can cause frequent urination, this could be a symptom of a medical condition that needs to be watched out for.
Various Causes of Frequent Urination
Urinating more than normal for a long time can be a symptom of certain medical conditions. The following are some conditions that cause frequent urination:
1. Urinary tract infection
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common cause of frequent urination. This condition occurs when bacteria invade the urinary tract.
This causes inflammation, thereby interfering with the bladder's ability to hold urine. Typical symptoms that accompany a UTI are fever and lower abdominal or lumbar pain.
2. Overactive bladder
Overactive bladder or overactive bladder occurs when the bladder contracts excessively even though it is not full of urine, so you urinate frequently.
In addition to frequent urination, an overactive bladder is characterized by an urge to urinate that is difficult to delay and awakening at night to urinate.
3. Kidney infection
Kidney infections are often the result of bladder infections. Symptoms of kidney infection usually appear two days after infection. Symptoms experienced by people with kidney infections include frequent urination, fever, back pain, and a burning sensation or pain when urinating.
4. Kidney stones
Frequent urination can be a symptom of kidney stones. In addition to frequent urination, symptoms that appear in patients with kidney stones are nausea and vomiting, lower abdominal pain, blood in the urine, and urine turning cloudy.
5. Pregnancy
During the first trimester, pregnant women will urinate more frequently. This happens because the growing uterus can put pressure on the bladder. To overcome this, it is recommended that you do Kegel exercises regularly.
6. Diabetes
Frequent urination is an early symptom of diabetes. This happens because the body tries to excrete unused glucose in the blood through urine.
7. Prostate disorders
An enlarged prostate (BPH) can put pressure on the urethra or urinary tract, making the bladder wall more sensitive. As a result, the bladder contracts easily even when there is very little urine, causing you to urinate frequently.
8. Effects of diuretic drugs
The use of diuretic drugs aims to get rid of excess fluid in the body. This type of drug is commonly used for the treatment of hypertension or fluid buildup in the body to be excreted by the kidneys.
Therefore, taking these types of drugs can increase the frequency of urination.
9. Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is an infection that occurs in the diverticula, the sacs that form along the lining of the large intestine. Diverticulitis is characterized by pain in the lower left abdomen, frequent urination, diarrhea, and bleeding from the anus.
In addition to some of the diseases above, frequent urination can also be caused by nervous disorders, stroke, and anxiety disorders.
How to Overcome Frequent Urination at Home
Treatment for frequent urination is carried out according to the underlying cause. Therefore, to determine the cause of the frequent urination you are experiencing, you should immediately consult a doctor.
The doctor will ask about your medical history and perform a series of physical examinations and supporting examinations. If the doctor has determined the cause of your frequent urination, the doctor will plan the appropriate treatment.
For example, if you urinate frequently because of diabetes, the treatment is to control blood sugar levels in the body. Meanwhile, handling frequent urination due to an overactive bladder can be helped with the following tips:
Bladder training
You can train your bladder to control when you urinate. You can do this exercise for approximately 12 weeks. This is to train the bladder to hold urine longer, so that the frequency of urination can return to normal.
Doing Kegel exercises
Kegel exercises can strengthen the muscles around the bladder and urethra, thereby reducing the urge to urinate. Bladder control can be accomplished with exercises that focus on the pelvic muscles. Do Kegel exercises for 5 minutes 3 times a day.
Regulating diet
To reduce the urge to urinate, you are advised to avoid foods and drinks that can irritate the bladder or are diuretics. Foods or drinks containing caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and spicy foods can increase the urge to urinate.
Therefore, you should reduce the consumption of these foods or drinks. Instead, fulfill your fiber intake and drink water, but avoid drinking a lot before bedtime at night.
The causes of frequent urination can vary and the treatment is not the same. Therefore, consult a doctor when experiencing symptoms of frequent urination, so that the cause can be ascertained and given the right treatment.