What Does Frequent Urination Mean for a Woman?

An overactive bladder is a common problem among women, one that can be embarrassing and can control your life. If you are a women who suffers from bladder control issues, it is important to inform yourself about what symptoms you should be aware of.

Overactive Bladder

• Women who have an overactive bladder urinate eight or more times a day, wake up to urinate two or more times during the night (nocturia), suffer pain before or during urination, get sudden and strong urges to urinate, and suffer from involuntary loss of urine or incontinence.

Social Risks

• Having an overactive bladder could lead some women to avoid physical activities and social interactions for fear of involuntary urine loss. Incontinence can affect a woman's work life and can lead to depression.

Health Risks

• An overactive bladder could mean that you have an underlying medical condition, like diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or a bladder infection.

Bladder Training

• A woman can train her bladder by using control techniques, like keeping a diary of urinating patterns and habits, extending the time between urinations by 15 minutes at a time, and establishing a schedule. She should also keep track of her fluid intake and avoid heavy consumption of alcohol and/or caffeine.

Medical Help

• If you feel you suffer from an overactive bladder, seek medical advice from a specialist, like a urogynecologist or urologist, and be sure to show your progress through your diary.