On average people urinate six or seven times a day, but this will depend on the individual, how much fluid they consume, and other factors. A change in frequency may indicate an underlying health condition.
Several factors
The medical community uses the term urinary frequency to describe how often a person pees. In this article, we discuss healthy and unhealthy frequencies and

Most people pee 6 or 7 times every 24 hours. Peeing between 4 and 10 times daily may be considered healthy if the frequency does not interfere with the person’s quality of life.
Urinary frequency
- age
- bladder size
- fluid intake
- medical conditions, such as diabetes and urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- alcohol and caffeine intake
- the use of medications, such as those for blood pressure, and supplements
Urination during pregnancy
The hormonal changes and pressure on the bladder in pregnancy may
Peeing too rarely or frequently
- back pain
- blood in the urine
- cloudy urine
- difficulty passing urine
- fever
- leaking between toilet visits
- pain when urinating
- strong-smelling urine
Treatment
For anyone who notices a dramatic change in urinary frequency or output, even if it still falls within their typical range, it is essential to seek medical advice.
If a person consumes high amounts of fluids, especially drinks containing caffeine, they may notice fluctuations in how much or how often they pee.
However, dramatic changes in urinary frequency
Underlying medical conditions
The following conditions may be responsible for changes in urinary frequency:
- Urinary tract infection (UTI): This can cause frequent urination, urinary urgency, a burning sensation or pain while peeing, and back pain. UTIs are very common, especially among women. Antibiotic treatment
is usually necessary. - Overactive bladder: Many conditions can cause an overactive bladder, including infections, obesity, hormonal imbalances, and nerve damage. Most cases are
easily treatable . - Interstitial cystitis: This long-term condition is also known as painful bladder syndrome. Though no infection is involved, it
may cause symptoms similar to a UTI. The exact cause of interstitial cystitis is not clear. - Diabetes: Undiagnosed or poorly controlled diabetes may lead to high blood sugar levels, which
may cause frequent urination. - Blood calcium levels: Hypocalcemia (low calcium levels) or hypercalcemia (high calcium levels) may affect kidney function and urinary output.
- Sickle cell anemia: This inherited form of anemia, or low red blood cell count, may affect the kidneys and urine concentration. This causes some people to pee more often.
- Prostate problems: An enlarged prostate
may cause a person to urinate less. They may also experience difficulty as the prostate gets larger and blocks urine flow. - Pelvic floor weakness: As the pelvic muscles lose strength, a person
may pee more frequently. This is often the result of giving birth.
Medications
Diuretics are drugs that
Doctors often prescribe these medications to people with high blood pressure, kidney disease, or heart disease.
Examples of diuretics include:
- bumetanide (Bumex)
- chlorothiazide (Diuril)
- furosemide (Lasix)
- metolazone (Zytanix)
- spironolactone (Aldactone)
Fluids
Consuming a lot of fluid can increase urinary output, while not consuming enough can cause dehydration and diminished output.
Alcohol and caffeine have diuretic effects and increase urinary frequency. A person with no underlying condition may pee more frequently during or shortly after drinking alcohol or caffeinated beverages.
Drinks containing caffeine include:
Advancing age
Many people urinate more frequently, especially at night,
Most people over 60 do not urinate more often than others. However, if a person wakes up to pee more than twice every night, they might consider consulting a doctor.
The urinary tract system
The kidneys produce urine that later passes through the bladder. The kidneys’ efficiency has a lot to do with how long it takes for the process of making urine to occur. The process is also affected by the amount of liquid a person consumes or possibly other medical conditions.
Frequent urination
Pregnant people also do not require treatment, as the symptom should disappear a few weeks after giving birth.
Any treatment required will depend on the cause. Treatment will resolve this symptom if a condition such as diabetes or a UTI is responsible for frequent urination. Treatment can also increase urinary flow and reduce the size of the prostate.
If treatment is causing a person to pee too often, a doctor may adjust the dosage or prescribe a different medication.
It
Even after getting treatment, some people
- Limiting the amount of soda, caffeine, and alcohol consumed, or avoid them completely.
- Ensuring adequate hydration.
- Peeing after sexual intercourse and
wiping from front to back after using the bathroom. - Trying probiotic supplements or probiotic-rich foods.
- Avoiding using fragranced products, such as douche, around the genital area.
- Wearing loose cotton underwear and loose clothing to prevent infection and irritation.
- Practicing Kegel exercises to
strengthen weak pelvic floor muscles. - Maintaining a moderate weight to avoid placing added pressure on the pelvic muscles and bladder.
Some people also find it helpful to stick to a bathroom schedule. This involves going to the bathroom at scheduled times and gradually increasing the time between visits until there is a regular 3-hour gap.
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding urinary frequency.
Why do I still feel like I need to pee after urinating?
If people still feel like they have to pee after urinating, they may have a
How long can you hold urine?
People ought to try and
What color is healthy urine?
The color of healthy urine
The outlook for peeing too often or not often enough depends on the underlying cause. People can treat most cases of frequent urination with medications and
Anyone concerned about their urinary output should see a doctor as soon as possible to reduce the risk of complications. Seeking treatment at an early stage may also improve the outlook.