Urine is the body's way of removing excess salts and electrolytes from the body, as well as certain waste products. The amount of urine excreted from the body is tightly controlled to prevent dehydration; however, there are a number of conditions, such as bacterial infections that can cause frequent urination. Determining the underlying cause of the problem is essential for reducing your urination frequency.
Step 1
Cease consumption of alcohol, caffeine and any diuretics. These products, HealthLine explains, can increase urinary frequency because they signal to the kidneys to eliminate more fluid from the body. Diuretics, also known as water pills, are sometimes taken as a quick weight-loss solution; they work by increasing urination. Patients who are urinating too often should also avoid drinking large quantities of any beverage in a short period of time.
Step 2
Keep a log of when and how much you urinate. Keeping a log may help you identify foods or activities, such as reclining, that trigger the urge to urinate, the National Sleep Foundation explains. Identifying and avoiding these triggers can help you reduce how often you urinate.
Step 3
Take a sample of your urine. Urine that has an unusual smell or is cloudy may be caused by a bacterial infection of the urinary tract, which is a common cause of increased urination. Alternately, if you are losing large amounts of fluid due to urination, you may have diabetes, which results in sweet-tasting urine.
Step 4
Take your urination log and a urine sample to a doctor. Your doctor will be able to look through your urination log and can use this to narrow down potential causes of your urinary problem. Your doctor can also analyze your urine sample for the presence of sugar, bacterial cells or electrolyte imbalances that may indicate a hormonal problem, the Mayo Clinic notes. Your doctor may also perform other tests, such as a cystoscopy, which uses a flexible camera to examine the health of the urinary tract. Men who are passing small amounts of urine may need a prostate exam. Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics, because many cases of increased urination are due to an infection.
Step 5
Take the full course of antibiotics. Even if your symptoms improve after taking only some of your antibiotics, it is important to take all of the pills you have been prescribed to make sure that any infections are completely eradicated.
