Dear Reader,

In order to learn more about your current pattern of peeing, consider the following: have you always had to urinate about once an hour, or is this a change from your normal frequency? That's an important question, because if you have always gone about once an hour, then the frequent bathroom breaks may just be your body's normal rhythm (in which case there's likely no need to try to change or worry about your fluid intake or your bladder control to decrease the frequency).

If, however, once per hour is an increase over your usual frequency, then you may wish to see your health care provider. Columbia students can call x4-2284 or log on to Open Communicator to make an appointment. A number of things can cause increased urinary frequency, including:

• urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• diabetes
• stress
• caffeine and alcohol intake
• use of certain medications, such as diuretics
• certain heart or kidney conditions
• in women: pregnancy or bladder changes after menopause
• in men: prostate enlargement

When you see your health care provider, s/he will probably ask you some of the following questions:

• When did you begin urinating once per hour?
• About how much do you urinate each time? Has the amount changed?
• Do you feel a sense of urgency to urinate?
• Do you have any trouble starting to urinate?
• Do you have any other symptoms, such as burning or pain with urination?
• How strong is your urine stream?
• Do you ever experience dribbling or incontinence (urine leaking when you don't actually intend to urinate)?
• Do you ever notice blood in your urine?
• Are you taking any medications?

A simple urine test can also give your health care provider a lot of important information, including screening for the presence of infection, diabetes, or kidney problems.

If frequent urination turns out simply to be your normal pattern, then try to relax and "go with the flow." Continue to drink reasonable amounts of fluids — unless the weather is quite hot or you are exercising, that's about eight 8 oz. glasses a day. You'll know you're drinking enough if your urine is clear and light in color.

Strengthening the muscles in the pelvic area through specific exercises called "Kegels" help improve bladder control, although whether or not they decrease urinary frequency has not been specifically studied. If you're interested in learning how to do Kegel exercises, check out Kegel technique in the Go Ask Alice! archives.

Alice

Related Q&As

Is it possible to drink too much water?

Consequences of holding your pee?

Diabetes mellitus

Prostatitis

Ouch! Burning pee! Is this a urinary tract infection (UTI)?