Frequent Urination: Causes and Concerns - Urology

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Frequent urination issues?


Hello Doctor, at the beginning of January, I had surgery for a foot abscess.
After being discharged from the hospital, I suddenly experienced frequent urination (during the course of taking antibiotics for my foot injury).
I later went to the hospital for a urine test, which came back clean, and the symptoms disappeared.
However, I then started having nocturia once around 1-2 AM consistently, and another time around 5 AM.

Last night, around 12:30 AM when I was about to sleep, I suddenly had to urinate four times between 12:30 AM and 1 AM (almost every time I finished urinating, I felt the urge again in about 10 minutes), with each volume being around 100 CC, and the urine was clear and colorless.
Then at 4 AM, I had to urinate again (this time the urine was light yellow).

Could you please advise if there is any issue with this?

Pa pa de, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/03/06

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology


Hello: If this situation does not occur frequently and there is no pain during urination, it is likely temporary.
Hydration, physical activity, beverages, and food all have an impact.
It is recommended to maintain adequate hydration, avoid drinking certain beverages, and monitor the situation.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2019/03/06

More Info


Frequent urination can be a concerning symptom that may arise from various underlying conditions. In your case, it appears that the onset of your frequent urination began after a surgical procedure and while you were on antibiotics for a foot infection. This context is crucial as it can help narrow down potential causes.

Firstly, it's important to consider the role of antibiotics. Certain antibiotics can affect the bladder and urinary tract, potentially leading to increased urination or changes in urinary habits. However, since you mentioned that your urine tests came back clean and the symptoms initially subsided, it suggests that the antibiotics may not be the primary cause of your ongoing issues.

The pattern of your urination, particularly the night-time frequency (nocturia), can be indicative of several conditions. Nocturia can be caused by factors such as fluid intake before bedtime, bladder overactivity, or even underlying medical conditions like diabetes or prostate issues in men. The fact that you experienced a sudden increase in urination frequency at night, with multiple trips to the bathroom in a short period, could suggest a temporary irritation of the bladder or a change in bladder function.

Given that your urine was clear and you experienced a mix of clear and slightly colored urine, it is less likely that you have a urinary tract infection (UTI), especially since you have already been evaluated and found to have clean urine tests. However, it is still essential to monitor your symptoms closely. If the frequent urination persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, urgency, or changes in urine color or odor, it would be prudent to seek further evaluation.

In terms of potential causes, here are a few considerations:
1. Bladder Overactivity: This condition can lead to a sudden and uncontrollable urge to urinate. It can be triggered by various factors, including stress, anxiety, or even certain medications.

2. Fluid Intake: Assess your fluid intake, especially in the hours leading up to bedtime. Consuming large amounts of fluids, particularly caffeine or alcohol, can increase nighttime urination.

3. Diabetes: Increased urination can be a symptom of diabetes, particularly if you are experiencing increased thirst or fatigue. It may be worth checking your blood sugar levels if you have any concerns.

4. Prostate Issues: In men, conditions affecting the prostate can lead to urinary symptoms, including frequent urination. If you are male and have not been evaluated for prostate health, this may be worth discussing with your healthcare provider.

5. Anxiety and Stress: Psychological factors can also play a role in urinary frequency. If you are experiencing anxiety, it may manifest physically as increased urination.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may not indicate a severe underlying issue at this point, it is essential to continue monitoring them. If the frequency of urination does not improve or if you develop additional symptoms, I recommend following up with your healthcare provider for a more comprehensive evaluation. They may consider further tests, such as bladder function studies or imaging, to rule out any underlying conditions. Additionally, keeping a diary of your fluid intake and urination patterns may provide valuable information for your healthcare provider.

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