Causes of frequent urination: Avoid serious complications with these home remedies, exercises

Frequent urination can lead to fluid loss, resulting in dehydration. A feeling of thirst, dry mouth, fatigue, and dizziness are some of the symptoms of dehydration (Image: Canva)

Frequent urination, also known as urinary frequency, refers to needing to urinate more often than usual. While it's normal to urinate around six to eight times a day, exceeding this range could suggest an underlying issue. It’s important to note the difference between frequent urination and urgency, the latter being a sudden, overwhelming need to urinate.

Normal urination frequency varies from person to person, says Dr Ravi Sankar Ganji, Consultant, Urology Renal Transplant Surgery & Robotic Surgery, Manipal Hospital, Vijaywada. “It depends on various factors, such as fluid intake age and health status. However, if you find yourself waking up more than once at night to urinate (nocturia), experiencing significant discomfort or pain while urinating, frequently passing small amounts of urine, or having accidents due to an urgent need to urinate, it’s time to pay attention and consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause,” he adds.

Also read | Swelling, bloating, and frequent urination are signs that you are eating too much salt

Dr Ganji lists the possible disorders and complications:

While frequent urination itself might be bothersome, it can also lead to more serious complications if left untreated. These include:

• Dehydration: Constant urination can lead to fluid loss, resulting in dehydration. A feeling of thirst, dry mouth, fatigue, and dizziness are some of the symptoms of dehydration.

• Sleep disturbances: Frequent night-time urination (nocturia) can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to daytime fatigue and impaired cognitive function.

• Skin irritation: Frequent urination can irritate the skin around the urethra, especially in women. Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Frequent urination can be a symptom of a UTI. Untreated UTIs can be a reason of kidney infections and other complications.

• Impact on quality of life: The constant need to urinate can significantly affect daily activities, work, and social life.

Home remedies for better bladder control

• Pelvic floor exercises: Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles through regular exercises can help improve bladder control and reduce frequent urination. Kegel exercises are particularly effective in targeting these muscles.

• Bladder training: Gradually increase the time between bathroom visits to help your bladder hold more urine. This method can improve your ability to control the urge to urinate.

• Fluid management: Monitor your fluid intake by avoiding excessive drinking, especially before bedtime, and limit fluids that can irritate the bladder, such as alcohol, carbonated drinks, and citrus juices.

• Healthy diet: Maintaining a balanced diet and a healthy weight can reduce the pressure on your bladder, easing the urge to urinate. Reducing salt intake can also help minimize fluid retention.

• Limit caffeine: Avoid excess consumption of coffee and tea, as these beverages are diuretics and can irritate the bladder, leading to more frequent urination.

• Lifestyle changes: Practice regular physical activity and stress management techniques into your routine to support your bladder health and reduce urinary issues.