Is It Okay to Pee a Lot?

Here’s how to figure out why you’re going to the bathroom so often.

Do you seek out a bathroom wherever you go, just in case you might need it? Do you find yourself having to go more than most people you know? If you and the toilet are very well-acquainted, you may wonder if it’s okay to urinate as much as you do.

Frequent urination is not uncommon and it has many causes. Some people pee more than others because that’s just what’s normal for them. Or they do it out of habit. But there is often some underlying cause, although not every reason is a cause for concern.

Here are some of the most common causes of frequent urination:

• Urinary tract infections – Bacterial infections in your bladder, urethra, kidneys or other parts of your urinary tract are the most common cause of frequent urination.
• Age – As you get older, it becomes harder to hold your bladder so urinating often is more common, especially if you’re over age 70.
• Diabetes – When there’s too much glucose in your blood, your body makes more urine to get rid of it. This causes more frequent and voluminous urination, which is one of the telltale signs of diabetes (type 1 and type 2).
• Enlarged prostate – You may need to pee frequently because there’s extra pressure on your urinary system due to the enlargement of the prostate gland.
• Vaginal infections – Yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis or trichomonas may make you feel like you need to pee more often.
• Overactive bladder – This condition causes sudden urges to urinate that may be difficult to control. You may have to pee often, not be able to get to the bathroom in time or leak urine unintentionally.
• Pregnancy – A developing fetus puts pressure on the bladder, causing you to urinate more often.
• Medications – The side effects of some medications cause more frequent urination. Diuretics, which are designed to eliminate excess fluid and salt from your body, are a common culprit.
• Fluid intake – The more you drink, the more likely you’ll need to pee a lot. Alcohol and caffeine, which are diuretics, can cause more frequent urination, no matter how much you drink.

If you urinate frequently (more than 8 times per day or more than twice at night), or need to urinate more frequently than what’s normal for you, talk to your doctor. Frequent urination may be a sign of a health condition that can be treated. Even if there’s no health problem to blame, your doctor can discuss things you can do if your urinary habits are bothersome or interrupting your life.

Some common treatments for excessive urination, aside from treating any underlying medical cause, include modifying your fluid consumption (including how much and what type of fluids you drink and when you consume them), making changes to medications (or taking medications such as antibiotics if you have an infection) and doing exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.

Although most causes of frequent urination are not serious, it can be a sign of an underlying illness. That’s why it’s best to talk to a doctor about it. You’ll not only get peace of mind once any health conditions are ruled out or diagnosed, but you’ll often find ways to lessen the stress and disruption caused by frequent trips to the bathroom.

_{Copyright 2024 © Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Health eCooks® is a registered trademark of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Cook eKitchen™ is a designated trademark of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein without the express approval of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. is strictly prohibited.Medical Review: Perry Pitkow, MD}

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