January 21, 2026
Most people urinate between six and eight times per day. However, if you find yourself making more trips to the bathroom than usual, or if those nighttime bathroom runs are disrupting your sleep, you may be wondering what is considered frequent urination and whether something more serious is going on.
The good news is that frequent urination is usually treatable. Understanding the causes of frequent urination can help you figure out whether simple lifestyle changes will do the trick or if it is time to talk with a urologist.
What Is Considered Frequent Urination?
Generally speaking, urinating more than eight times in a 24-hour period may indicate frequent urination. However, everyone is different. What matters most is whether your bathroom habits have changed from what is normal for you.
Frequent urination at night, known medically as nocturia, is particularly common. Waking up once during the night to urinate is usually not a concern. However, if you are getting up two or more times each night, it may be worth investigating.
Common Causes of Frequent Urination
Several factors can lead to an increased need to urinate. Some are temporary and easy to address, while others may require medical attention.
Lifestyle Factors
Sometimes the cause is as simple as drinking too much fluid, especially beverages that irritate the bladder. Coffee, alcohol, carbonated drinks, and artificial sweeteners can all increase urinary frequency. Reducing intake of these bladder irritants often provides noticeable relief within a few days.
Urinary Tract Infections
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common causes of frequent urination, particularly in women. Along with the constant urge to urinate, UTIs typically cause burning sensations, cloudy urine, and pelvic discomfort. UTIs require antibiotic treatment, so it is important to see a doctor if you suspect one.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Dysfunction of pelvic floor muscles can contribute to urinary frequency and urgency in both men and women. The pelvic floor supports the bladder, and when these muscles become dysfunctional, bladder control becomes more difficult. Pelvic floor physical therapy can help with this condition.
Diabetes
When blood sugar levels are high, the kidneys work overtime to filter and absorb the excess glucose. When they cannot keep up, the excess sugar is excreted into the urine, pulling fluids from tissues and causing increased thirst and more frequent urination.
Prostate Issues in Men
Frequent urination in men is commonly linked to prostate problems. As men age, the prostate gland often enlarges, a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). An enlarged prostate can press against the urethra and bladder, creating that constant need to go. Prostate issues can also cause a weak urine stream, difficulty starting urination, and the feeling that the bladder is not completely empty.
Pelvic Floor Weakness
Weak pelvic floor muscles can contribute to urinary frequency and urgency in both men and women. The pelvic floor supports the bladder, and when these muscles weaken, bladder control becomes more difficult. Kegel exercises can help strengthen these muscles over time.
Frequent Urination in Women vs. Men
While many causes overlap, there are some differences between frequent urination in women and frequent urination in men.
Women are more prone to UTIs due to their shorter urethra, making infections a leading cause of increased urinary frequency. Pregnancy also commonly causes frequent urination as the growing uterus puts pressure on the bladder. Hormonal changes during menopause can affect bladder function as well.
For men, prostate health plays a significant role. BPH affects roughly half of men over age 50 and becomes even more common with advancing age. Prostatitis, or inflammation of the prostate, can also cause urinary symptoms, including frequency and urgency.
How to Stop Frequent Urination
Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause. Here are some approaches that can help:
Bladder Training: This involves gradually increasing the time between bathroom visits to help the bladder hold more urine. Starting with short intervals and slowly extending them can improve bladder capacity over several weeks.
Pelvic Floor Exercises: Managing the pelvic floor muscles through specialized exercises can improve bladder control for both men and women. Consistency is key, as results typically take several weeks to months to become noticeable.
Dietary Changes: Cutting back on caffeine, alcohol, and other bladder irritants can reduce urinary frequency. Staying hydrated is still important, but spreading fluid intake throughout the day rather than drinking large amounts at once can help.
Medication: Several medications can help with overactive bladder symptoms or prostate-related urination issues. A urologist can determine which option might work best based on the specific cause.
Treating Underlying Conditions: If diabetes, a UTI, or another medical condition is causing frequent urination, treating that underlying issue will often resolve the urinary symptoms as well.
When to See a Urologist
While occasional increases in urinary frequency are usually nothing to worry about, certain symptoms warrant a visit to a specialist. Consider scheduling an appointment if you experience blood in your urine, pain or burning during urination, difficulty emptying your bladder completely, frequent urination that interferes with daily activities or sleep, or symptoms that persist despite lifestyle changes.
A urologist can perform diagnostic tests to identify the cause and recommend appropriate treatment. Many causes of frequent urination are highly treatable, and getting answers sooner rather than later can improve quality of life significantly.
Take the Next Step
If frequent urination is affecting your daily routine or keeping you up at night, the board-certified urologists at Advanced Urology can help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at one of our convenient Metro Atlanta locations.
