Frequent urination describes the need to urinate more often than usual. However, there isn’t really a clear definition of “frequent” when it comes to how often you urinate.
The key to deciding if you have issues with frequent urination is whether the need to urinate often is creating challenges in your life. You may also consider whether you feel anxiety when you’re not near a restroom.
Urgent urination describes an overwhelming need to get to a restroom immediately. It may be accompanied by pain or discomfort in the bladder or urinary tract.
You may have urgent urination issues if you sometimes can’t make it to the bathroom in time or if the urge to urinate comes on very suddenly.
Frequent and urgent urination issues often occur together. You may feel the need to urinate often, and the urge comes on suddenly.
Urinary tract infections are the most common cause of frequent or urgent urination. Other causes include:
- drinking too much liquid
- drinking caffeinated or alcoholic beverages
- diabetes
- pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, when there’s pressure on the bladder
- prostate enlargement or infection
- anxiety
- diuretics
- interstitial cystitis, a chronic infection in the bladder
- overactive bladder
- vaginal infection
Less common causes of frequent or urgent urination include:
