Urinary Frequency

The Secret of Great Health Care

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Urinary Frequency

Urinary frequency is the need to urinate many times over the day and night. Some define this as the need to urinate more than 8 times in 24 hours.

The volume of urine not a factor. Many people with urinary frequency urinate often but only in small volumes. When you urinate it does not decrease the sensation of needing to go to the bathroom.

Urinary frequency needs to be differentiated form urinating large volumes, which is called polyuria. Large volumes of urine are defined as urinating more than 3 liters a day.

What causes urinary frequency

It typically occurs from diseases of the lower urinary tract. It is not large volumes of urine in the bladder that cause the symptoms, it is usually irritation/inflammation that is perceived as the need to void.

The most common causes are

Urinary tract infections. This is associated with burning upon urination, foul smelling urine and sometimes flank pain.
Urinary incontinence. This is associated with leaking of urine.
An enlarged prostate. This is associated with a weak urinary stream, urinary hesitancy and incomplete emptying of the bladder. This only affects men and usually those over the age of 50.
Stones in the urinary tract. This is associated with colicky flank or groin pain.
Medications such as diuretics, caffeine and alcohol

Less common causes include:

Cystocele or a dropping of the bladder which is associated with vaginal fullness and urinary incontinence.
Infection of the prostate gland which is occurs in men and will present with fever, low back pain and thick discharge from the penis
Pregnancy
Spinal cord injury which is associated with lower extremity weakness
A narrowing the urethra

Who needs to see a doctor
Many cases of urinary frequency need to be evaluated by a health care provider. Most situations do not require urgent evaluation, but some do. The following people should see their health care provider:

Those with back pain

Those with fever

Those with lower extremity weakness

Those with burning on urination which may indicate a urinary tract infection

Those with a weak urinary stream and hesitancy which may indicate an enlarged prostate

Those with blood in the urine. This may mean a urinary tract infection or urinary stone in the younger individual and possibly cancer in the older adult.

Anyone with a history of prostate cancer or pelvic disease should be seen to evaluate these disease processes

Anyone with eye symptoms and arthritis suggests a reactive arthritis.

Anyone with a sexual history suggestive of a sexually transmitted disease

Evaluation and treatment
Look for any obvious causes of urinary frequency. For example, excessive caffeine or alcohol intake. If you cut down on the intake of these products this may cure the problem.

If there is a history of missed menses and/or breast tenderness you may need a pregnancy test.

The most common cause of urinary frequency is a urinary tract infection. There are multiple OTC products that allow you to test for urinary tract infections. These products typically involve dipping a testing strip into the urine or urinating on a test strip and the urine strip will look for indications of infection. Look for a test that evaluates for leukocytes and nitrates. I recommend Azo test strips.

You will be unable to treat the infection without the input of your doctor. These tests will help you identify a cause. Talk to your doctor about the use of these tests. Some doctor's will call in a prescription for you if you have a positive result on this test and have a history of urinary tract infections. Talk to your doctor.

Unfortunately, the use of OTC products do not treat urinary tract infections. If you think you have one than a trip to your health care provider is necessary for proper treatment – an antibiotic.

One product – Cystex – contains an antibacterial medication. This medication is not indicated by itself for the treatment of a urinary tract infection and it should not be used as a treatment option. A recent evaluation suggested that this product may be useful in the prevention of urinary tract infections in healthy individuals, but more research is needed before this can be said definitively.

To purchase products discussed in this chapter visit The Drug Store.

Natural Solution

Another option to try is a natural solution to urinary tract infections. Check out UTI Be Gone.

Over-the-counter products

Test Strips
Azo Test Strips	These tests look for white blood cells and nitrites
UTI Home Screen Test Stick	Tests for nitrates and protein – this test is not recommended.
Bladder analgesics
Azo Standard	Phenazopyridine is the active ingredient; 2 tablets are to be taken three times a day with food.
Cystex	Contains methenamine, which is an antibacterial medication and sodium salicylate that is a pain reliever. Indicated for those over 12-years-old and to be taken 2 tablets three times a day.
Miscellaneous Products
Azo Cranberry	Contains vitamin C, cranberry powder concentrate and bacillus (probiotics). It is to be taken as 2 tablets three times a day