No more taking one too many trips to the toilet - read on for our expert insights.
You may find this familiar: it’s the middle of the night, and you’re all warm and snug under the covers. You reluctantly awake from a deep slumber — not by choice, but because you really need to pee. It’s the worst! Frequent urination can be frustrating, especially since it can occur round the clock. So, why exactly are you suffering from this pesky syndrome?
What causes frequent urination?
Sometimes, it boils down to a simple urinary tract infection. It’s a real pain in every sense, coupled with strong urges to urinate, a burning feeling when urinating, or being able to pass only small amounts of urine.
Urinary tract stones may also be the culprit. For the uninitiated, these stones form due to a high salt saturation. Other causes include an enlarged prostate in ageing men, old age, an overactive bladder syndrome, a neurogenic bladder (a lack of bladder control caused by a brain, nerve, or spinal cord issue), or even bladder cancer.
As unfortunate as it may be, high consumption of alcohol and caffeine can also be contributing causes. Everything in moderation, we say.
So, what should you do?
If you find yourself urinating more than usual, it’s always wise to get it checked out, especially if it occurs out of the blue. There are many tests that you can do: a urinalysis basically screens your urine for any underlying issues, and a urine culture helps to test for any bacteria or fungus.
You may also be asked to create a bladder diary over three to seven days to measure your urine volume, urination frequency, and more. A uroflowmetry and bladder scan can reveal any problems with bladder function, and cancer cells may be detected with a urine cytology test.
If the doctor is concerned about your kidneys, some radiological imaging might be in order. Think: x-rays, ultrasounds, or CT scans… the works. For men, an ultrasound prostate can check if the prostate has been enlarged with age. We know, growing old can be a total bummer.
Urodynamic testing can also be done to measure pressure within the bladder. For a closer look at the urethra, prostate, and bladder, a cystoscopy involves inserting a flexible scope through the urethra to take a closer look.
What else can help?
For mild cases of frequent urination, identifying dietary factors may help. Cut out foods like chocolate, spicy foods, and artificial sweeteners. Take it from us, drinking less before bed also helps.
Or, explore bladder retraining to gradually increase the duration between urinating. If you’re not sure where to start, consult a physical therapist who can recommend pelvic strengthening exercises. There are even medications available for overactive bladders. Alternatively, keep risk factors in check. Surgeries for cancers, stones, or enlarged prostates are also options in the long run.
Most importantly, don’t be afraid to seek help. If you need any advice from the experts, our top pick is Assure Urology & Robotic Centre. They even do robotic urologic surgery, which is a minimally invasive option compared to the usual open surgery. The experts promise less pain and shorter recovery time with this option. Simply book a consultation to find out more. Health comes first!
This post is in partnership with Assure Urology & Robotic Centre.
