Frequent Urination: Care Instructions
Your Care Instructions
An urge to urinate frequently but usually passing only small amounts of urine is a common symptom of urinary problems, such as urinary tract infections. The bladder may become inflamed. This can cause the urge to urinate. You may try to urinate more often than usual to try to soothe that urge.
Frequent urination also may be caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or kidney stones. Or it may happen when something irritates the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body (urethra). It may also be a sign of diabetes.
The cause may be hard to find. You may need tests.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
How can you care for yourself at home?
- Drink extra water for the next day or two. This will help make the urine less concentrated. And it may help wash out any bacteria that may be causing an infection. (If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.)
- Avoid drinks that are carbonated or have caffeine. They can irritate the bladder.
For women:
- Urinate right after you have sex.
- After you use the toilet, wipe from front to back.
- Avoid douches, bubble baths, and feminine hygiene sprays. And avoid other feminine hygiene products that have deodorants.
When should you call for help?
Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have new symptoms, such as fever, nausea, or vomiting.
- You have new or worse symptoms of a urinary problem. For example:
- You have blood or pus in your urine.
- You have chills or body aches.
- It hurts to urinate.
- You have groin or belly pain.
- You have pain in your back just below your rib cage (the flank area).
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if you feel thirstier than usual.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
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Current as of: March 1, 2023
