Why am I Going to The Bathroom So Often?

You may have noticed that you need to go to the bathroom more often than in years past. If you have an active lifestyle and drink lots of water, you have a good chance of frequent bathroom trips. But, frequent urination can be a sign of health problems in some situations. If constant trips to the restroom interfere with your daily life, it may be time to speak to a professional. Here are some possible causes for frequent urination and what you can do to address it.

Overactive Bladder

A cause of frequent urination is an overactive bladder, a condition affecting 33 million Americans. An overactive bladder increases urination frequency and intensifies feelings of urgency. Spasms make the bladder contract, making you feel the need to urinate even if you j went. Some treatments for overactive bladder include

• Prescription medication
• Bladder relaxing exercises
• Avoiding foods that may irritate the bladder

Diabetes

Frequent urination is a calling card of diabetes. 

If diabetes runs in your family, talk to your doctor if you’ve been urinating too often. Although frequent urination is a symptom, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have diabetes.

Getting tested in a professional setting can determine if you have diabetes or not. If so, following the management plan prescribed by your doctor can help you adjust. 

If you have diabetes, managing the condition can help restore normal bladder function.

Changes In The Prostate

As men age, the prostate sometimes enlarges and causes changes in urination patterns. Some changes include 

• Increased urination and urgency
• Difficulty starting to urinate
• Incomplete emptying of the bladder 

Prescription medications can help relieve symptoms and relax the bladder. A prostate exam determines if the prostate is enlarged and needs medication.

Bladder Cancer

Although it is uncommon, frequent urination may signify bladder cancer. A sign to look out for is blood in your urine that accompanies a constant need to urinate. Get evaluated as soon as possible if you notice blood in your urine. 

The professionals of the Metropolitan Vascular Institute can answer questions about bladder health. Call our Waldorf office to schedule a consultation at (301) 374-8540.