Incontinence & Overactive Bladder Health Center

Frequent Urination: Causes and Treatments

Diagnosing the Cause of Frequent Urination continued...

Depending on the findings of the physical exam and medical history, your doctor may order tests, including:

Urinalysis. The microscopic examination of urine that also involves a number of tests to detect and measure various compounds that pass through the urine

Cystometry. A test that measures the pressure inside of the bladder to see how well the bladder is working; cystometry is done to determine if a muscle or nerve problem may be causing problems with how well the bladder holds or releases urine.

Cystoscopy. A test that allows your doctor to look at the inside of the bladder and urethra using a thin, lighted instrument called a cystoscope

Neurological Tests. Diagnostic tests and procedures that help the doctor confirm or rule out the presence of a nerve disorder

Ultrasonography. A diagnostic imaging test used to visualize an internal body structure

Treatment for Frequent Urination

Treatment for frequent urination will address the underlying problem that is causing it. For example, if diabetes is the cause, treatment will involve keeping blood sugar levels under control. 

The treatment for overactive bladder may include drugs such as Detrol LA,  Ditropan, Enablex, Oxytrol, Sanctura XR, Tofranil, and Vesicare. Also, the drug Botox can be injected into the bladder muscle causing the bladder to relax, increasing its storage capacity, and reducing episodes of leakage. it can be used in adults that cannot use or do not respond to other medications used to treat overactive bladder.

There are also many things you can do on your own to reduce urinary frequency. They include:

Bladder retraining. This involves increasing the intervals between using the bathroom over the course of about 12 weeks. This helps retrain your bladder to hold urine longer and to urinate less frequently.

Kegel exercises. These exercises help strengthen the muscles around the bladder and urethra to improve bladder control and reduce urinary urgency and frequency. Exercising pelvic muscles for five minutes three times a day can make a difference in bladder control.

Diet modification. You should avoid any food that appears to irritate your bladder or acts as a diuretic. These may include caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks, tomato-based products, chocolate, artificial sweeteners, and spicy foods. It's also important to eat high-fiber foods, because constipation may worsen the symptoms of overactive bladder syndrome.

Monitoring fluid intake. You should drink enough to prevent constipation and over-concentration of urine, but you should avoid drinking just before bedtime, which can lead to nighttime urination.