In medicine, we also speak of nocturia when the urge to urinate occurs at least twice a night. But what are the causes? We show you 9 reasons for the urge to urinate at night.
Causes of the urge to urinate at night
1. drinking too much
It makes sense: if you drink a lot of fluids late at night before going to bed, you will probably have to go to the toilet at night. Food rich in liquids, such as fruit or muesli with lots of milk, can also play a role. It is best to monitor your own drinking behavior in the evening and make sure that you don't drink too much one or two hours before going to bed.
2. caffeine or alcohol
Alcohol and caffeine have a diuretic effect. So if you like to have a glass of wine or a coffee in the evening, don't be surprised if your bladder starts to squeeze at night.
>> How coffee affects bowel movements
3. swollen legs as a cause of the urge to urinate at night
If you have a lot of water in your legs, you have to go to the toilet more often. You can prevent this by elevating your legs in a relaxed position for an hour before going to bed. This position directs the fluid to the center of your body so that you can relieve yourself again before going to bed and hopefully won't have to go out again at night.
4. bladder infection
With a bladder infection, the body tries to flush out harmful bacteria with the help of bodily fluids. Anyone suffering from a bladder infection will notice this effect. If you also have a burning sensation when urinating, you should see a doctor.
5. venereal disease
Sexually transmitted diseases also have the above-mentioned effect: anyone suffering from chlamydia or gonorrhea has to go to the toilet frequently. This is usually accompanied by annoying symptoms such as burning or itching. A visit to the gynecologist is advisable in this case.
6. hormone deficiency as a reason for nocturnal urination
A hormone def iciency can also be the cause of increased urination. The so-called antidiuretic hormone (ADH) normally helps the kidneys to keep their fluid balance in equilibrium. If the concentration is too low, this can lead to a more frequent urge to urinate. Incidentally, the hormone content of ADH automatically decreases with increasing age.
7. an enlarged uterus
Although this is a rather rare cause, uterine polyps, ovarian cysts, cervical or ovarian cancer can press on the bladder and cause a constant urge to urinate.
8. diabetes
Type 2 diabetes in particular is usually accompanied by symptoms such as severe thirst and the resulting increased urge to urinate. This is the body's attempt to flush out the excess blood sugar. Anyone who suspects that they have diabetes should definitely be examined by their GP!
9. bladder prolapse
Another less common cause of frequent night-time visits to the toilet is so-called bladder prolapse. Normally, the organ is supported by muscles and ligaments in the pelvic floor. However, if the pelvic floor is weak, this can lead to a prolapse of the bladder. Here, too, you should have an examination so that the doctor can make a diagnosis if necessary.
Date: 31.07.2020
Author: Ilka-Marie Hagenbücher