How Many Times Should You Pee in a Day

Urinating a normal amount during the day and night is a good indicator of how hydrated you are and how well your urinary system is working. If you feel you are going to the bathroom too often or not enough during the day, it may be a sign that you should visit your urologist for a check-up.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, it’s normal for adult men and women to urinate about 6-8 times in a 24-hour period. Of course, that can vary based on how much water you are drinking or if you are consuming a lot of caffeine, which can make you urinate more. 

Outside of normal factors like drinking a lot of water or coffee, however, urinating too frequently or not enough during the day can be linked to problems such as urinary tract infections, prostate problems, pelvic floor disorders or weakness, and bladder conditions such as Overactive Bladder (OA).

Factors that Could Affect Urinary Frequency

There are many different factors that could affect how often you are urinating during the day and night:

• Age. As you age, your need to urinate at night does tend to increase. However, nighttime restroom visits should not exceed more than two times per night, and if your late-night bathroom trips are interfering with your sleep, or leading to daytime symptoms such as an inability to concentrate, it’s time to visit a doctor. 

• Pregnancy. Pregnancy can increase a woman’s need to urinate, both due to increased fluid volume and the pressure from the baby on her bladder. However, even long after childbirth, a woman may experience urinary problems such as stress incontinence (leaking urine with things events such as sneezing, coughing, or jumping), due to weakened pelvic floor muscles. Leaking because of giving birth is normal, and visiting a doctor can help manage your symptoms. 

• Diabetes. Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes can all lead to an increase in how often you urinate. 

• Certain heart conditions. For example, high blood pressure or heart problems that require the use of diuretics (which flush excess fluid from your body) will lead to more frequent urination. 

• Anxiety. People who report higher levels of anxiety also experience higher symptoms of urinary frequency and overactive bladder.

What Could Cause a Change in Urinary Frequency?

While there are many conditions that are linked to changes in urinary frequency, and many possible causes that you should explore with your own doctor, some of the most common problems that can cause a sudden change in urinary frequency are from urinary infections, prostate problems, and an overactive bladder.

• An infection. A bladder or urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common type of infection that occurs when bacteria enters into your urinary tract and/or travels up to the bladder. Left untreated, a bladder infection may also infect the kidneys. The most common symptoms of a UTI or bladder infection are pain when urinating, a burning sensation, and feeling like you have to empty your bladder more, even after you go. Although they can be uncomfortable, and some people may be more prone to getting UTIs or bladder infections, they can usually be treated easily with antibiotics.

• Prostate problems. In men, an enlarged prostate or a prostate obstruction can lead to a change in urinary frequency. An enlarged prostate happens commonly in men as they get older, so it doesn’t always mean something is wrong. However, if you are having symptoms such as trouble urinating, a urine stream that stops and starts, or feel like you still have to urinate even after going, you should talk to your urologist.

• Overactive bladder. OA is a condition that affects as many as 30% of men and 40% of women. It causes symptoms that can be different for everyone, from making you feel like you constantly have to go to the bathroom, slight leaking, and full incontinence. Although OA is more common as you age, you should discuss any symptoms with your doctor.

There are more rare conditions that can also change how frequently you urinate throughout the day, such as bladder cancer, prostate cancer, interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome), neurological problems, or kidney disease.

When You Should See a Doctor About Urinary Frequency

How can you tell if it’s time to visit a urologist about your urinary habits? Symptoms that may indicate that you should see a urologist about your urinary frequency include:

• If you constantly feel like you have to urinate

• If you feel like your bladder is still full even after urinating

• If you are unable to urinate, even though it feels like you have to

• A urine stream that stops and starts

• If you have any urinary leakage

• If you are experiencing any other symptoms while urinating, such as pain or burning

• If you have blood in your urine

• If you have a sudden change in how often you are urinating; either an abrupt increase or decrease 

The good news is, you don’t have to live with urinary issues affecting your quality of life. Most often, a urinary frequency problem is not a sign of a deeper medical condition and it can be managed. 

Here at Affiliated Urologists, we can help assess you if you feel that you are urinating too frequently and work with you to find a solution that works for you and your lifestyle.

Affiliated Urologists is an award-winning practice recognized both locally and nationally that has provided service to patients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and surrounding communities in the Valley, for over 40 years. The physicians emphasize top-of-the-line comprehensive urological care and strive to deliver the highest outcomes for patient satisfaction. To make an appointment, call 602-264-0608 or visit http://affiliatedurologists.com/contact/ for instructions on scheduling an appointment.

The advice and information contained in this article are for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.