Urinary frequency/urgency

Alternative names:

changes in frequency of urinating; frequent urination; urgent need to urinate

Home care:

Follow prescribed therapy to treat the underlying cause. For a time, measures may need to be taken to protect the clothing and bedding.

Call your health care provider if:

• increased urinary frequency is NOT caused by excessive fluid intake or increased pressure on the bladder from pregnancy.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting the increased urinary frequency in detail may include:

• time pattern
  • When did the increased urinary frequency start?
  • How many times each day are you urinating?
  • Is there more frequent urination during the day?
  • Is there more frequent urination at night?

• quality
  • Is there an increased amount of urine?
  • Is there a change in the color of urine?
  • Is there pain when urinating, or a burning sensation?

• other
  • What other symptoms are also present?
    • Increased thirst?
    • Pain in the abdomen?
    • Pain in the back?
    • Fever?
    • Difficulty starting flow of urine?

  • Are you drinking more fluids?
  • Have you had a recent bladder infection?
  • Are you pregnant?
  • What medications are being taken?
  • Have you had any previous urinary problems?
  • Have there been changes in the diet?
  • Do you drink beverages containing alcohol or caffeine?

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• urinalysis
• urine culture and sensitivity tests
• cystometry (a measurement of the pressure within the bladder)
• cystoscopy
• neurological tests (for some urgency problems)
• ultrasonography (such as an abdominal ultrasound or a pelvic ultrasound)

Intervention:
For urinary urgency problems, the patient's fluid intake may be increased to dilute the urine and diminish the feeling of urgency. Antibiotics may be prescribed and urinary anesthetics administered if needed.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to increased urinary frequency/urgency to your personal medical record.