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When to see a doctor
By Mayo Clinic staffBecause a number of different conditions can cause frequent urination, it's important to get a prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment. See your doctor if you're urinating more frequently than usual and if:
- There is no apparent cause, such as drinking more total fluid, alcohol or caffeine than usual
- The problem disrupts your sleep or everyday activities
- You experience other urinary problems or worrisome symptoms
See your doctor as soon as possible if you have frequent urination along with any of these signs or symptoms:
- Blood in your urine
- Red or dark brown urine
- Painful urination
- Pain in your side, lower abdomen or groin
- Difficulty urinating or emptying your bladder
- A strong urge to urinate
- Loss of bladder control
- Fever
Urinary tract disorders may cause the above signs or symptoms, but so can other serious diseases or health conditions. Get medical help to find out what's causing your frequent urination and how to treat it.
References
- 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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