Frequent urination or incontinence refers to the need for a person to urinate more frequently or often than usual. In some cases urgent urination is experienced in the form of a compelling and sudden urge to urinate, which may be accompanied by some pain and discomfort in one’s bladder as well. Sometimes people also suffer from a medical condition called Nocturia which refers to frequent urination, an incontinence that is mostly experienced at night.


Some of the commonly observed causes of frequent urination include an infection of the urinary tract wherein the lining of the urethra, which is the tube that carries the urine from the bladder outside the body  and the bladder itself gets inflamed and highly irritated on account of the byproducts of an infection, which could be in the form of bacteria, white blood cells and even blood. This irritation of the bladder wall tends to bring about the urge to empty the bladder more often than usual resulting in frequent urination and incontinence. Another cause for frequent urination and incontinence is type 1 and type 2 diabetes, wherein the body tries to eliminate any unused blood sugar or glucose via urine.


Sometimes, diabetes is also known to damage the nerves that would otherwise control the bladder thereby resulting in difficulty controlling the bladder and frequent urination. Some other common causes of frequent urination are prostrate problems, pregnancy, strokes, interstitial cystitis, drinking too much, overactive bladder syndrome, bladder cancer and also consuming caffeine, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners among others. Treatment for frequent urination and incontinence includes bladder retraining, which involves holding the urine in for a slightly longer time than one usually does and over time gradually increasing the intervals. This treatment will train the bladder to hold the urine for a longer period of time and thereby reduce the urge to urinate frequently. There are also certain exercises to treat frequent urination and incontinence such as kegel exercises wherein ones needs to alternatively contract and release the pelvic floor muscles, which are the muscles that are used to voluntarily stop and start the flow of urine. By toning the pelvic floor muscles one may be able to have better bladder control and prevent incontinence. These Kegel exercises are most effective if practiced on a regular basis. The individual should also avoid foods such as carbonated drinks, and alcohol that tend to irritate the bladder and result in frequent urination. Instead one should east foods that are high in fiber and monitor their fluid intake.