Which disorders cause an increase in urination?

Urinary frequency—the need to urinate more often than normal—can be caused by several different disorders affecting the urinary tract, the bladder, and other organs.

The most common cause of urinary frequency is a urinary tract infection (UTI), which occurs when bacteria enter the bladder or urethra, leading to an inflammation that causes increased urination. Other possible causes include benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition in which urine flow is obstructed due to enlarged prostate tissue; chronic kidney disease; diabetes mellitus; stress incontinence, in which unexpected leakage occurs during physical exertion such as coughing or sneezing; interstitial cystitis (also known as painful bladder syndrome) a condition affecting the lining of the bladder with intense pain and discomfort causing frequent urges to go; overactive bladder syndrome (OAB), in which detrusor muscle instability causes sudden urgent needs to urinate without awareness of full-bladder sensations; and urethral syndrome, in which there are recurrent abnormalities identified on urinalysis despite negative findings for UTIs.

Additionally, some medications including diuretics and certain antihistamines can contribute to increased frequency. Finally lifestyle choices such as drinking too much caffeine or alcohol can also lead to bouts of frequent bathroom visits.

If you are experiencing recurrent episodes of excessive urination it's important to consult with a physician so that any underlying medical conditions can be treated expeditiously.