|  | Conditions Treatments | Urinary Disorders

Alternative Treatments for Frequent Urination

Frequent urination can be triggered by an underlying medical issue, according to the Mayo Clinic. Urinary tract infection, side effects from medications, and the weakening of bladder, urethra and pelvic floor muscles can contribute to the need to urinate more often. Diabetes is also a common cause of frequent urination. Once your doctor has ruled out serious underlying medical issues, alternative therapies may help, according to the Mayo Clinic.

  1. Biofeedback Therapies

    • During biofeedback therapy, the therapist focuses on helping the patient become more aware of the urinary tract area. This is accomplished by learning pelvic floor exercises. Kegels are a common exercise therapists use to help patients strengthen the area around the urethra. This can reduce pressure and the urge to urinate, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    Double Voiding

    • Another cause of frequent urination is the bladder not emptying completely during bathroom breaks (even though the patient's brain says it's empty). Double voiding is a therapy where the patient urinates a second time a few minutes after the initial bathroom visit. Because the extra urine is eliminated, patients experience a decrease in bathroom visits, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    Sleep Disturbances

    • Frequent urination during the sleeping hours may have an underlying cause, according to the Mayo Clinic. Medical conditions that may cause nighttime urination include sleep apnea (when breathing stops periodically) or peripheral edema (the accumulation of fluid around the feet). People with peripheral ederma can get rid of frequent urination by staying off their feet more during the day.

    Beverages to Avoid

    • Coffee and other beverages containing caffeine may increase the need to urinate, according to the National Institutes of Health. Also, to prevent nighttime issues, which can be disruptive to sleep, avoid drinking fluids before bed.

    When to Call a Doctor

    • If you have back or side pain, or a fever, contact your doctor right away. An increase in thirst or sudden weight loss may also indicate an underlying medical issue that needs attention, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Urinary Disorders - Related Articles