Causes

Frequent urination may be caused by diseases 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 duct through which urine flows from the bladder out of the body (urethra).

Several factors may be linked to frequent urination, such as:

• Infection, disease, injury or irritation 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 what's causing your frequent urination, you may experience other urinary problems, such as:

• Pain or discomfort during urination
• A strong urge to urinate
• Difficulty urinating
• Loss of bladder control
• Unusual urine color

Specific diseases, conditions or other causes of frequent urination include:

• Anterior prolapse (cystocele)
• Anxiety disorders
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
• Bladder stones
• Change in kidney function
• Diabetes insipidus
• Diuretics (water retention relievers)
• Excess consumption of total fluids, alcohol or caffeine
• Interstitial cystitis (also called painful bladder syndrome)
• Kidney infection (pyelonephritis)
• Overactive bladder
• Pregnancy
• Prostatitis (infection or inflammation of the prostate)
• Radiation treatment affecting the pelvis or lower abdomen
• Type 1 diabetes
• Type 2 diabetes
• Urethral stricture (narrowing of the urethra)
• Urinary incontinence
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Vaginitis