Are YOU weeing too much? How to tell something might be wrong… and what it might mean

Most people – especially as they get older – have at some point needed to urinate more often than usual.

And there is usually a simple explanation for this, such as drinking too much liquid.

But what if the need to urinate frequently is an ongoing problem? Do you just put up with it – perhaps chalking it up to an inevitable part of aging – or should you get checked out by a doctor?

“Concern about increased frequency of urination is something that patients commonly express and can be cause for concern,” said Dr Babak Ashrafi from Superdrug Online Doctor.

“It’s important to know that an increased need to urinate can indicate a number of problems, so it’s wise to seek advice from a healthcare professional.”

So what could these problems be?

Diabetes

Dr Ashrafi said: “Diabetes can cause increased urination due to increased levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood.

“The kidneys excrete excess sugar through urine, which leads to increased thirst.”

According to Diabetes UK, the desire to drink more fluids is due to the fact that this process can cause the body to become dehydrated.

So, if you’re suddenly urinating more often and also feeling very thirsty, Dr. Ashrafi says it’s a good idea to check your blood sugar levels.

Other signs of diabetes may include “unexplained weight loss and fatigue.”

Infections

Infections such as cystitis irritate the bladder and urethra, causing a frequent and urgent urge to urinate.

Dr. Ashrafi said additional signs of cystitis include pain or burning during urination and cloudy or strong-smelling urine.

Mild, short-lived UTIs can sometimes go away on their own, especially if you stay hydrated.

But Dr. Ashrafi recommends seeing a doctor if you’re experiencing these symptoms for the first time and they get worse or don’t go away after a couple of days.

He also advises seeking medical help if you notice increased pain and other warning symptoms, such as a fever or general feeling of unwellness.

Anyone who notices blood in their urine should contact their GP.

Prostate enlargement

Benign prostate enlargement (BPE) is very common in men over 50, although it can sometimes affect younger men.

Prostate Cancer UK (PCUK) stresses that it is not caused by cancer and does not increase the risk of the disease.

Essentially, this means that the prostate—a small, walnut-sized gland located between a man’s bladder and rectum—has become enlarged, which can make men feel like they need to urinate more, especially at night.

PCUK reports that around a third of men over 50 have urinary symptoms and the most common cause is DPE.

“An enlarged prostate can clog the urethra, causing difficulty starting or stopping urination and leading to a weak urine stream, which then contributes to increased frequency of urination,” Dr. Ashrafi said.

The good news is that BPE can be managed—you don’t have to just accept it. GPs can assess whether any further tests should be carried out.

Menopause

Many women going through the menopause report feeling the need to pee urgently, and the NHS reports that around 70 per cent of women say their incontinence began after their last period. This is due to depletion of estrogen stores in the urinary tract and vagina.

“Menopause causes hormonal changes that can affect the urinary system,” Dr. Ashrafi said.

“Vaginal dryness, hot flashes and mood swings may be accompanied by increased urination.”

Gynecological problems

Gynecological problems may also be accompanied by the need to go to the toilet more often.

Dr Ashrafi said: “Another reason for increased urination in women can be gynecological problems such as pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding and discomfort during sexual intercourse.

“This can lead to changes in bladder function, leading to an increased urge to urinate.”

Dr. Ashrafi recommends monitoring your symptoms and contacting your GP. You may need further tests to rule out any underlying causes, as well as advice on managing your symptoms.

Pelvic floor problems

Weak or damaged pelvic floor muscles (the muscles that surround the pelvic floor) in both men and women can lead to increased urination.

Dr Ashrafi said: “Pelvic floor problems such as weakness or dysfunction can lead to incontinence and difficulty controlling bowel movements.

“These problems may contribute to increased urinary frequency.”

In women, this may be due to childbirth, age and hormonal changes.

But anyone can potentially be affected – for example, as a result of injury or other health problems.

Simple pelvic floor exercises have been proven to help. Dr. Ashrafi recommends seeking advice from your physician or physical therapist.

Aging

Dr Ashrafi said: “Aging can lead to gradual changes in bladder function, leading to decreased bladder capacity and weakening of the pelvic muscles.”

He said it could “promote urination more frequently.”