The urge to pee all the time: 8 reasons that explain the frequent urge to urinate

You peed when you left the house, you’ve barely reached the first traffic light and you already feel like going to the bathroom again. Or, you are waking up several times at night because your bladder always seems to be full. To make matters worse, you go to the bathroom and barely pee.

Most people pee 6 or 7 times a day, although going to the bathroom 4 to 10 times can be a normal frequency. However, if you need to urinate more than 10 times a day, or if you feel a lot of urge but have trouble urinating, there could be an important cause behind it. Meet some of them:

1. You are drinking too much water

Recommendations are always to stay hydrated and drink at least 2 liters of water a day. However, we rarely talk about possible excessive fluid intake, and this could be why you need to pee all the time. In general, drinking more than a cup of water an hour can end up having this effect.

2. Overactive bladder

Bladder overactivity is more common in older women, but it can affect people of all ages, including men. This condition, also known as a nervous bladder, causes an urgent urge to pee, even when the bladder is practically empty. This urge is very difficult to control and can lead to incontinence.

The cause of overactive bladder can range from anxiety and depression to urinary tract infections and cysts, menopausal changes, tumors and neurological diseases.

3. Onset of diabetes

The high levels of glucose in the blood of a person with diabetes make the body try to eliminate this excess through urine, increasing the urge to pee and also the volume expelled by the bladder.

In addition, diabetes increases thirst, as the liquids that the person ingests are quickly eliminated through urination. Therefore, when you notice an increase in thirst and the urge to urinate that lasts for several days, it is recommended to consult your trusted doctor.

4. Consumption of diuretic substances

Alcoholic or caffeine-rich drinks have a diuretic effect and increase the urge to pee – you may notice this after drinking beer or a few extra cups of coffee.

In addition, some drugs to control hypertension are purposely diuretics: they promote the reduction of blood pressure by stimulating the elimination of liquids through the urine, decreasing blood volume. If the frequent urge to urinate is getting in the way of your life, it’s important to talk to your doctor.

5. Consequence of pregnancy

With the increase in the size of the uterus, the bladder of pregnant women ends up suffering great pressure and the woman feels like peeing all the time, even if there is little liquid to be eliminated.

6. Ovarian cysts

Similar to what happens in pregnancy, a cyst that has appeared on the ovary can put pressure on the bladder and make the person feel like they need to pee, even though there is almost no liquid to be eliminated. As a result, despite the urge, the woman will find it difficult to urinate.

7. Chronic interstitial cystitis

Also known as painful bladder syndrome, this is a condition that affects the nerves that send signals from the bladder to the brain, causing pain and pressure in the pelvic area and a frequent urge to urinate.

Although patients are always feeling like they need to pee, there is little liquid to be eliminated at a time. Treatment is with medication and physical therapy.

8. Stroke or neurological diseases

Very serious conditions like a stroke or a neurological disease can also cause an increase in the urge to urinate, but these will most likely be accompanied by other, more specific symptoms.

When you realize that you suddenly need to pee all the time, it’s worth watching your fluid intake and diuretic substances. If you do not identify an excess, it is recommended to see a doctor to investigate the causes of this problem – no letting your body dehydrate in an attempt to have to go to the bathroom less!

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.