Pollakiuria

Pollakiuria is a medical term that describes the frequent urination of small amounts of urine. It is characterized by an increased frequency of micturition without a significant increase in the total daily volume of urine produced. This means individuals with pollakiuria feel the urge to urinate more often than usual, but the amount of urine passed each time is typically small.

The causes of pollakiuria are varied and can range from benign to serious medical conditions. Common culprits include urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can irritate the bladder and trigger a frequent urge to urinate. Bladder irritation from other sources, such as interstitial cystitis or the presence of bladder stones, can also lead to pollakiuria. In some cases, increased fluid intake, particularly of diuretics like caffeine or alcohol, can contribute to more frequent urination.

Neurological conditions that affect bladder control, such as multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries, can also manifest as pollakiuria. Certain medications, particularly diuretics used to treat conditions like hypertension or heart failure, are designed to increase urine output and frequency. In men, an enlarged prostate can compress the urethra, leading to incomplete bladder emptying and a sensation of needing to urinate frequently. In women, pregnancy can cause pollakiuria due to pressure on the bladder from the growing uterus. Diabetes can also cause increased thirst and urination, though this is often associated with a higher overall urine volume.

Diagnosis typically involves a medical history, physical examination, and sometimes urine tests to check for infection or other abnormalities. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. For UTIs, antibiotics are prescribed. If medication is the cause, adjustments may be considered. For chronic conditions, management strategies focus on controlling symptoms and addressing the root medical issue.