9 reasons you need to pee so often

A typical healthy adult will pee around 4-8 t9 imes a day and once at night. The need to urinate usually kicks in when your bladder is holding around 200-300 ml of urine.

It’s important to note that factors like age, sex, and overall health can influence this number, so don’t be alarmed if yours is slightly higher or lower. However, if you pee 10 times a day or more, consult a qualified healthcare provider to rule out underlying causes. Some people even urinate 20 times a day or more, which may require prompt medical help.

Many of my patients are reluctant to talk about their bathroom habits, but frequent urination is more common than people think and may require medical attention. Addressing the root cause of your urinary problems is important and can greatly improve quality of life.

Dr. Caroline Fontana Lead Prescribing Doctor

There are many possible reasons as to why you are peeing so frequently. If you go to the toilet more than 10 times a day, it may be a sign of an underlying health condition.

If you're constantly feeling the urge to pee, the first step is understanding why. Keep reading to discover 9 common causes and symptoms, along with treatment options and practical solutions from our doctors to help you get back to normal.

1. High fluid intake

While it’s important to stay hydrated, drinking too much is one of the most common causes of excessive urination.

Most people should aim to drink at least 2-2.5 litres (around 6-8 glasses) of water a day to stay hydrated, however, recommended fluid intake may differ depending on your health profile. It’s fine to drink more than this in most cases, but if you find yourself needing to pee every 5 minutes, you may be overdoing it.

2. Alcohol, caffeine, and other diuretics

It’s not just how much you drink, but what you drink as well. Diuretics like alcohol and caffeine are substances that help reduce fluid buildup in the body, causing you to urinate more often.

Even small amounts of these substances can make you urinate far more frequently. This shouldn’t be a cause for concern, but try to limit your intake if frequent urination is becoming difficult to manage. If you’re struggling to limit your alcohol or coffee intake, opt for non-alcoholic and decaffeinated versions of your favourite drinks to make it easier.

3. Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Urinary tract infections like cystitis are highly common (especially in women), and one of the main symptoms is excessive urination.

Other symptoms of a UTI include pain or burning during urination, cloudy or bloody pee, and pain in the lower abdomen. If you experience any of these alongside frequent urination, you may have a UTI.

If this is the case, a short course of an antibiotic like Nitrofurantoin may cure your infection, relieving the constant urge to pee in the process. Complete a quick online consultation with euroClinix if you think you may have a UTI and one of our UK-registered doctors will determine the best course of treatment for you.

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4. Interstitial cystitis

Interstitial cystitis, also known as bladder pain syndrome (BPS) is a chronic condition that causes bladder pain and problems peeing. While not a UTI, it can cause similar symptoms—the most common of which is frequent urination.

While there is no cure for interstitial cystitis, symptoms can often be managed with lifestyle changes, bladder training, physiotherapy, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Avoiding trigger foods and drinks, like caffeine and acidic foods, may also help reduce flare-ups.

5. Diabetes (type 1 and 2)

Diabetes mellitus—a group of conditions affecting insulin levels—commonly causes frequent urination, especially at night.

This is because diabetes causes high blood sugar levels. The body tries to get rid of this extra sugar by flushing it out in urine. To do this, it takes water from the body, often leading to excess thirst and changes in how you pee, including:

• Polyuria: excessive urination during the day
• Nocturia: waking up in the night to urinate

If you are diagnosed with diabetes, medications like Metformin can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce frequent urination.

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6. Pregnancy

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make you pee a lot more, particularly during the first and third trimesters. The growing uterus can also put pressure on the bladder, increasing the urge to pee.

While it can be annoying, needing to pee more during pregnancy is completely normal. However, if you notice symptoms like burning when peeing, fever, or back pain, you may have a UTI and will require further treatment.

Note down how much you are peeing every day. If you find this number is increasing, alert your doctor.

7. Overactive bladder

An overactive bladder is a common condition where the bladder muscles tighten even when there is not much urine in the bladder. This causes you to feel the urge to urinate more frequently, and can make it hard to hold it in.

Kegel exercises and certain medications can help you strengthen your pelvic muscles and improve bladder control. An overactive bladder may also make it difficult to hold in your pee, a condition known as incontinence. If you experience this, you may benefit from treatments offered by euroClinix, such as Solifenacin or Detrusitol.

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8. Enlarged prostate (BPH)

Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition common in men over 50 which causes the prostate gland to grow in size. Studies show that by age 60, half of all men will have an enlarged prostate—rising to 90% by age 85.

Since the enlarged prostate presses on the bladder and urethra, one of the first things men with BPH notice is an increased urge to go to the bathroom.

Fortunately, safe and effective treatment is available:

• Alpha blockers (e.g. Doxazosin, Tamsulosin) – relax bladder and prostate muscles, helping you pee.
• Bladder control medicines (e.g. Oxybutynin) – relax bladder muscles for better bladder control.
• 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (e.g. Finasteride, Dutasteride) – reduce hormone levels to stop your prostate from growing.

9. Anxiety or stress

Sometimes, an increased need to urinate is psychological in nature. When we experience anxiety, the body’s fear response is activated, triggering the release of stress hormones that signal the bladder to empty. This is part of the “fight or flight” reaction, where the body prepares for potential danger.

Fortunately, managing your anxiety disorder will also help relieve the urge to pee if this is the cause. There are several treatment options available to achieve this, including relaxation techniques, therapy, and medication.

Other factors may increase your need to urinate, including:

• Age – bladder capacity shrinks with age, and muscle tone weakens, often leading to more frequent trips to the loo.
• Certain medications – diuretics and some antidepressants can increase urine production or irritate the bladder.
• Bladder cancer – tumours can cause irritation or blockages, leading to urgent and more frequent urination.
• Bladder stones – these can irritate the bladder wall and mimic symptoms of an overactive bladder.
• Radiation therapy – treatment in the pelvic area can inflame the bladder lining, making you feel the need to go more often.
• Pelvic floor dysfunction – weak or uncoordinated pelvic muscles can make it harder to control urination.
• Kidney infection – this can irritate the urinary tract and increase the urge to urinate, often painfully.
• Hormonal changes – shifts in oestrogen or testosterone levels, especially during menopause, can affect bladder control.
• Sleep apnea – disrupted sleep and low oxygen levels can affect hormones that regulate nighttime urine function, causing you to need to pee more at night.
• Vaginitis – inflammation and irritation in the vagina can irritate the bladder and cause an increased need to pee.
• Stroke – nerve damage caused by a stroke can interfere with signals between the brain and the bladder, possibly leading to urinary urgency or incontinence.
• Constipation – a backed-up bowel can put pressure on the bladder, causing an increased need to empty it.

Speak with your GP about possible causes to rule out anything serious.

Making some lifestyle changes can help you manage your bathroom habits:

Managing frequent urination

Practical strategies to reduce urinary frequency

Fluid management

• Moderate daily fluid intake
• Reduce fluids 2-3 hours before bedtime
• Aim for 6-8 cups (1.5-2 litres) of water daily

Avoid bladder irritants

• Limit caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks)
• Limit alcohol intake
• Avoid artificial sweeteners

Dietary adjustments

• Avoid spicy foods
• Limit citrus fruits and juices
• Eat less tomato-based products

Watch sodium intake

• High salt can increase urination frequency
• Choose low-sodium food options
• Read nutrition labels for sodium content

Pelvic floor exercises

• Strengthen muscles that control urination
• Practice Kegel exercises regularly
• Hold contractions for 3-5 seconds, gradually increase

If you struggle with frequent urination, bladder retraining could help. When you feel the urge to go, try holding it for 2-5 minutes longer than usual. This will gradually train your bladder to hold more urine and you may need to pee less often.

Dr. Caroline Fontana Lead Prescribing Doctor

In some cases, lifestyle changes aren’t enough to effectively manage your condition. Seek medical help if frequent urination is accompanied by any of the following.

If you are experiencing frequent urination, you may benefit from treatment from an expert healthcare provider like euroClinix. Our EU-registered doctors will assess your symptoms and recommend the best course of treatment so you can get better as soon as possible. Once approved for treatment, you can expect your order to arrive directly to your door in discreet packaging.

Start a free online consultation today and experience expert care from the qualified professionals at euroClinix.