Everyone occasionally wakes in the middle of the night with the need to urinate, but when does frequent nighttime urination signal a bigger problem? Nocturia is defined as having to urinate twice or more during the night. This urinary problem can lead to poor sleep, tiredness during the day, and other health problems. Knowing what causes nocturia and familiarizing yourself with its treatment options can allow you to take measures to help yourself and your condition.
At Comprehensive Urology, our expert urologists can help treat nocturia. If you would like to schedule a consultation with our specialists, please call (310) 499-2756 today.
Causes of Nocturia
Nocturia is more common among older individuals, since our bodies produce less of an anti-diuretic hormone as we age. The condition occurs in males and females differently because of anatomical differences. Women experience nocturia as a result of childbirth, menopause, or pelvic organ prolapse. For men, nocturia can be attributed to BPH, otherwise known as an enlarged prostate. For both males and females, different factors could cause this type of nighttime voiding. These factors include:
- Diuretic medicines
- Caffeine
- Fluid intake before bed
- Alcohol
- Fluid redistribution due to fluid retention. This condition could also cause swelling of the legs, ankles, and fingers.
- Decreased nighttime bladder capacity
- Incomplete bladder emptying
Underlying Conditions Of Nocturia
Nocturnal incontinence is also associated with certain underlying conditions. Ruling these conditions out is important when treating nocturnal incontinence:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Congestive heart failure
- Vascular disease
- Restless leg syndrome
- Sleep apnea
- Insomnia
If you are suffering from nocturia, it’s important to note your symptoms so that your physician can properly diagnose this type of urinary incontinence. You should keep a diary. Included in the diary should be:
- When and how often you urinate during the day and night hours
- The amount voided
- The number of times you wake in the night to urinate
- What you drink and how much
- Medications you are taking
- Also, note any other symptoms you may be having such as a strong urge to void and urinary leakage.
Treatment of Nocturnal Urination
Treatment of nocturnal urination is dependent upon the exact diagnosis. Once underlying conditions are ruled out, your doctor can get a better idea of how to treat the problem. Medications of different kinds can be prescribed. Behavioral modifications may also be in order including:
- Restriction of fluid intake (drinking less fluids later in the day)
- Afternoon naps
- Elevation of legs
- Compression stockings
If you are suffering from bothersome nighttime urination, call the doctors at Comprehensive Urology today. Here, our expert team of physicians will help correctly diagnose the cause of your nocturia. The team at Comprehensive Urology understands the causes of overactive bladder, nocturia, and incontinence and can assess your condition with a correct diagnosis.
Contact Comprehensive Urology at (310) 499-2756 to schedule an appointment to discuss your incontinence.
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