Frequent Urination: Causes and Solutions for Your Mom

Q: Frequent Urination: Causes and Solutions for Your Mom

Hello： If it hasn't been a long-standing issue, there are likely some underlying causes that need to be investigated by a healthcare professional. <br>Even if there is no infection, there could be other reasons. <br>It's advisable to drink plenty of water and limit the intake of

Frequent urination?

Doctor, my mother goes to the bathroom more than 15 times a day.
She drinks very little water, and when she goes, she only urinates a small amount.
We took her for a urine test, and there was no infection, but these symptoms have been ongoing for almost a month.
Could you please provide some advice? It's quite distressing for her to be going to the bathroom so often, and we don't know what to do.

Aren, 60~69 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/02/16

Dr. Liu Mingyue reply Urology

Hello: If it hasn't been a long-standing issue, there are likely some underlying causes that need to be investigated by a healthcare professional.
Even if there is no infection, there could be other reasons.
It's advisable to drink plenty of water and limit the intake of beverages.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2024/02/16

More Info

Frequent urination, or polyuria, can be a distressing condition, especially when it disrupts daily life and sleep. In your mother's case, urinating more than 15 times a day with minimal urine output is concerning and warrants further investigation. Given that she has already undergone a urinalysis that ruled out infection, we can explore other potential causes and solutions.

Possible Causes of Frequent Urination
1. Bladder Dysfunction: Conditions such as overactive bladder (OAB) can lead to frequent urges to urinate, often with little urine produced. This may be due to involuntary contractions of the bladder muscle.

2. Neurological Issues: If there are any neurological conditions affecting bladder control, such as diabetic neuropathy (common in individuals with diabetes), this could lead to abnormal bladder sensations and frequent urination.

3. Medications: Certain medications, especially diuretics, can increase urine production. If your mother is on any new medications, it may be worth reviewing them with her healthcare provider.

4. Psychogenic Factors: Anxiety and stress can also lead to increased urinary frequency. If your mother is experiencing heightened anxiety, this could be a contributing factor.

5. Hormonal Changes: In older women, hormonal changes due to menopause can affect bladder function and lead to increased frequency.

6. Diabetes: Given your mention of her drinking less water, it’s essential to consider that uncontrolled diabetes can lead to increased urination as the body attempts to eliminate excess glucose through urine.

Recommendations for Management
1. Bladder Training: Encourage your mother to practice bladder training. This involves gradually increasing the time between bathroom visits to help her bladder hold more urine. Start by extending the time between urinations by 15-30 minutes and gradually increase it.

2. Fluid Management: While it’s important to stay hydrated, monitoring fluid intake can help. Encourage her to drink adequate fluids throughout the day but reduce intake in the evening to minimize nighttime trips to the bathroom.

3. Pelvic Floor Exercises: Kegel exercises can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which may help improve bladder control. These exercises involve tightening and relaxing the muscles used to stop urination.

4. Consult a Specialist: If symptoms persist, it may be beneficial for your mother to see a urologist or a urogynecologist. They can perform further evaluations, including urodynamic studies, to assess bladder function and identify any underlying issues.

5. Medication: If overactive bladder is diagnosed, medications such as anticholinergics or beta-3 adrenergic agonists may be prescribed to help manage symptoms.

6. Lifestyle Modifications: Encourage her to avoid bladder irritants such as caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods, which can exacerbate urinary frequency.

7. Regular Follow-ups: Continuous monitoring of her symptoms and regular follow-ups with her healthcare provider are crucial to adjust her management plan as needed.

Conclusion
Frequent urination can stem from various causes, and it’s essential to approach this issue holistically. By implementing bladder training, managing fluid intake, and considering medical evaluation, you can help your mother find relief from her symptoms. It’s important to remain proactive and work closely with her healthcare team to ensure her overall well-being. If her symptoms worsen or new symptoms arise, seeking immediate medical attention is advisable.

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