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 can influence how often an individual pees throughout the day, and all parts of the urinary system must work together to function normally. Medications, supplements, foods, and beverages can all play a role, as can certain medical conditions. Age and bladder size also matter.

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 how to manage associated symptoms.

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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 depends on the following factors:

Urination during pregnancy

The hormonal changes and pressure on the bladder in pregnancy may also increase urinary output. This high urinary frequency may continue for up to 8 weeks after giving birth.

Peeing too rarely or frequently may indicate an underlying condition, especially when accompanied by the following symptoms:

Treatment may resolve symptoms and prevent complications, so it is important to see a doctor.

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 can indicate a serious underlying condition.

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 make people pee more often. Diuretics take fluid out of the bloodstream and send it to the kidneys.

Doctors often prescribe these medications to people with high blood pressure, kidney disease, or heart disease.

Examples of diuretics include:

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, as they age.

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 is responsible for turning water into urine. Urine comprises extra fluid and waste products that are of no use to the body. Everybody is different regarding how long it takes for their bodies to turn water into urine.

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 usually does not require treatment if there is no underlying condition and the frequency is not affecting happiness or quality of life.

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 may be helpful to record fluid intake, urinary frequency, urgency, and other symptoms for 3 or more days before an appointment. This can help a doctor when they are diagnosing and treating a person.

Even after getting treatment, some people find the following strategies helpful:

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 urinary tract infection. This feeling is called urinary frequency.

How long can you hold urine?

People ought to try and empty their bladder once every 3 to 4 hours. Holding urine in the bladder longer may weaken it.

What color is healthy urine?

The color of healthy urine will be light to dark yellow. Many things can change the color of urine. However, a person should speak with their doctor if they are concerned with the color of their 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 lifestyle changes.

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.