Although there is no set amount of pee, people urinate on average six or seven times a day.
Several factors can influence how often a person urinates during the day. All parts of the urinary tract must work together to function normally. Medications, supplements, foods and beverages can all play a role, as can certain medical conditions. Age and bladder size are also important. The medical community uses the term urinary frequency to describe how often a person pees. In this article, we discuss healthy and unhealthy frequencies and how to deal with the symptoms associated with them.
Healthy Urinary Frequency
Most people pee 6 or 7 times in 24 hours. Peeing between 4 and 10 times a day can be considered healthy if the frequency does not interfere with the person’s quality of life.
Urinary frequency depends on the following factors:
age
bladder size
fluid intake
medical conditions, such as diabetes and urinary tract infections (UTIs)
alcohol and caffeine consumption
the use of medications, such as those for blood pressure, and supplements.
urination during pregnancy
Hormonal changes and pressure on the bladder during pregnancy can also increase the flow of urine from the Safe Source. This elevated urinary frequency may continue for up to 8 weeks postpartum.
Symptoms of Frequent or Insufficient Urination
Urinating too infrequently or too frequently can indicate an underlying condition, especially when accompanied by the following symptoms:
back pain
blood in urine
cloudy urine
difficulty urinating
fever
leaks between toilet visits
pain when urinating
strong smelling urine
Treatment can resolve symptoms from the trusted source and prevent complications, so it’s important to see a doctor. For anyone who notices a drastic change in urinary frequency or output, even if it remains within the usual range, it is essential to seek medical attention.
What factors influence urinary frequency?
If a person consumes large amounts of fluids, especially caffeinated beverages, they may notice fluctuations in the amount or frequency of their urination.
However, drastic changes in urination frequency may indicate a serious underlying disease.
Underlying medical conditions
The following conditions may be responsible for changes in the frequency of urination:
Urinary tract infection (UTI): This can cause frequent urination, urinary urgency, burning sensation or pain when peeing, and back pain. Urinary tract infections are very common, especially in women. Antibiotic treatment is usually required.
Overactive bladder: Many conditions can cause an overactive bladder, including infections, obesity, hormonal imbalances, and nerve damage. Most cases are easily treatable.
Interstitial cystitis: This long-lasting condition is also known as painful bladder syndrome. Although no infection is involved, it can cause symptoms similar to those of a UTI. The exact cause of interstitial cystitis is unclear.
Diabetes: Undiagnosed or poorly controlled diabetes can lead to high blood sugar levels, which can cause frequent urination.
Blood calcium levels: Hypocalcemia (low calcium levels) or hypercalcemia (high calcium levels) can affect kidney function and urine output.
Sickle cell anemia: This inherited form of anemia, or low red blood cell count, can affect the kidneys and urine concentration. This causes some people to urinate more often.
Prostate problems: An enlarged prostate can cause a person to urinate less often. She may also experience difficulty when the prostate grows and blocks the flow of urine.
Pelvic floor weakness: When the pelvic muscles lose strength, a person may urinate more frequently. This is often due to childbirth.
Medications
Diuretics are drugs that increase the frequency of urination. Diuretics remove fluid from the bloodstream and send it to the kidneys. Doctors often prescribe these drugs to people with high blood pressure, kidney disease, or heart disease.
Liquids
Drinking a lot of fluid can increase urine output, while drinking too little can lead to dehydration and decreased flow. Alcohol and caffeine have diuretic effects and increase the frequency of urination. A person without underlying medical conditions may urinate more frequently during or soon after drinking alcohol or caffeinated beverages.
Caffeinated beverages include
coffee
sodas
energy drinks
hot chocolate
tea
The advancing age
With age, many people urinate more frequently, especially at night. Most people over 60 do not urinate more often than others. However, if a person wakes up to pee more than twice a night, they may consider seeing a doctor.
How long does it take for water to turn into urine?
The urinary tract system is responsible for turning water into urine. Urine includes excess fluid and waste products that are of no use to the body. The time it takes for the body to turn water into urine varies from person to person. The kidneys produce urine which then passes into the bladder. The efficiency of the kidneys has a lot to do with how long the process of making urine lasts. This process is also affected by the amount of fluid a person consumes or possibly by other medical conditions.
Treatment
Frequent urination generally does not require treatment by Trusted Source if there is no underlying condition and if the frequency does not affect happiness or quality of life. Pregnant women also do not need treatment, as the symptom should disappear a few weeks after giving birth. Any treatment needed will depend on the cause. Treatment will resolve this symptom if a condition such as diabetes or a UTI is responsible for the frequent urination. Treatment can also increase urine output and reduce prostate size. If the treatment causes too frequent urination, the doctor may adjust the dose or prescribe another medicine. It may be helpful to record fluid intake, urinary frequency, urgency, and other symptoms for 3 or more days before an appointment. This can help the doctor when diagnosing and treating a person.
Tips for managing urinary frequency
Even after receiving treatment, some people find the following strategies helpful:
Limit the amount of soda, caffeine and alcohol consumed, or avoid them altogether.
Ensure adequate hydration.
Peeing after sex and wiping back and forth after using the toilet.
Try probiotic supplements or probiotic-rich foods.
Avoid using scented products around the genital area.
Wear cotton underwear and loose clothing to prevent infection and irritation.
Practice Kegel exercises to strengthen weakened pelvic floor muscles.
Maintain a moderate weight to avoid putting extra pressure on the pelvic muscles and bladder.
Some people also find it helpful to stick to a bathroom schedule. This involves going to the bathroom at specific times and gradually increasing the interval between visits until there is a regular interval of three hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are frequently asked questions about urinary frequency.
Why do I always feel like I have to pee after urinating?
If a person still feels like they have to pee after urinating, they may have a urinary tract infection. This sensation is called urinary frequency.
How long can you hold urine?
You should try to empty your bladder every 3 to 4 hours. Holding urine longer in the bladder can weaken it.
What is the color of healthy urine?
Healthy urine is light to dark yellow in color. Many factors can change the color of urine. However, a person should speak to their doctor if they are concerned about the color of their urine.
Summary
Treatment for the urge to urinate too often or not enough depends on the underlying cause. Most cases of frequent urination can be treated with medication and lifestyle changes.
Anyone concerned about their urine output should see a doctor as soon as possible to reduce the risk of complications. Seeking treatment at an early stage can also improve the outlook.
