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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffFrequent urination may be caused by conditions affecting the urinary tract at any level. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, the tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder (ureters), the bladder, and the tube through which urine flows from the bladder (urethra).
Several factors can cause frequent urination, such as:
- Infection, disease or injury of the bladder
- Conditions that increase urine production
- Changes in muscles, nerves or other tissues affecting bladder function
- Certain cancer treatments
- Drugs or beverages that increase urine production
Depending on the condition causing frequent urination, you may experience other urinary problems, such as:
- Painful or uncomfortable urination
- A strong urge to urinate
- Difficulty urinating
- Loss of bladder control
- Unusual urine color
Specific diseases, conditions or other factors that can result in frequent urination include:
- Bladder cancer
- Bladder stones
- Change in kidney function
- Cystocele
- Diabetes insipidus
- Diuretics
- Excess consumption of alcohol or caffeine
- Interstitial cystitis
- Kidney infection
- Overactive bladder
- Pregnancy
- Prostate gland enlargement
- Prostatitis
- Radiation treatment affecting the pelvis or lower abdomen
- Type 1 diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes
- Urinary incontinence
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
- Urinary frequency. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/genitourinary_disorders/symptoms_of_genitourinary_disorders/urinary_frequency.html. Accessed June 14, 2012.
- Rakel RE. Textbook of Family Medicine. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/191205553-4/0/1481/0.html#. Accessed June 14, 2012.
- A basic guide to bladder health. American Urological Association. http://www.urologyhealth.org/content/moreinfo/bladderbasics.pdf. Accessed June 14, 2012.
- Diabetes insipidus. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/insipidus/index.htm. Accessed June 14, 2012.
- Heart failure medications. American Heart Association. http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartFailure/PreventionTreatmentofHeartFailure/Heart-Failure-Medications_UCM_306342_Article.jsp. Accessed June 14, 2012.
- Your urinary system and how it works. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/yoururinary. Accessed June 14, 2012.
- Pyelonephritis: Kidney infection. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/pyelonephritis/. Accessed June 14, 2012.
- Overactive bladder. American Urological Association. http://www.urologyhealth.org/print/index.cfm?topic=450. Accessed June 14, 2012.
- Radiation therapy to the pelvis. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/TreatmentTypes/Radiation/UnderstandingRadiationTherapyAGuideforPatientsandFamilies/understanding-radiation-therapy-radiation-to-pelvis. Accessed June 14, 2012.
- Diabetes overview. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/overview/index.htm. Accessed June 14, 2012.
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