Urinary frequency is commonly seen in women. There are many factors that cause women to urinate frequently. The condition can also be seen in men, but higher prevalence is seen in women. Knowing the cause behind the urinary frequency will help patients in receiving appropriate treatment.
Frequent Urination in Women
- This condition is commonly called urinary frequency.
- This can be defined as the need to urinate more often.
- It is commonly seen in women but men can also be affected by Frequent Urination.
- This is not a serious medical condition nor is it life-threatening.
- Frequent urination is lifestyle threatening.
- Many women experience poorer concentration, lack of sleep, and decreased productivity in the workplace or in school because of the increased need to urinate frequently.
- Urinary frequency also affects women psychologically such as social withdrawal, lowered self-esteem, and being overly self-conscious.
- The need to urinate is often very urgent and women have trouble controlling their bladder.
Frequent Urination in Women Causes
Frequent urination can be caused by a multitude of factors and medical conditions. These include:
- Pregnancy
- Urinary tract infection
- Diabetes
- Anxiety
- Old age
- Interstitial cystitis
- Intake of diuretics
- Overactive bladder syndrome
- Stroke or other brain and nervous system diseases
- Presence of mass or tumor in the pelvis
- Urinary incontinence
- Vaginitis
- Bladder cancer
- Bladder dysfunction
- Radiation therapy targeted on the pelvis
Special considerations:
- Drinking too much prior to sleeping can cause frequent urination at night.
- Frequent urination is sometimes simply a habit for some.
Frequent Urination in Women Treatment
Treatment of urinary frequency depends largely on the underlying cause. These may include but are not limited to:
- Antibiotic treatment
- Removal of bladder neoplasm
- Administration of medications that facilitate bladder relaxation
- Administration of antispasmodics
Home treatments can include:
- Decreasing alcohol intake and caffeinated drinks
- Avoiding large intakes of water prior to bedtime
- Setting a bathroom break schedule
- Regular exercise
- High-fiber diet
Other treatment options:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy – helping the person in training his or her bladder to be less active.
- Surgery – two types of surgical options are available:
- augmentation cystoplasty – the bladder is enlarged using a resected part of the bowel.
- sacral nerve stimulator placement – sort of like a pacemaker where the stimulator helps to regulate bladder response.