Getting the Facts About Nocturia | Urology Associates P.C.

Do you find yourself frequently waking up during the night to go to the bathroom? You could have a problem known as nocturia, which is characterized by the disruption of the normal sleep cycle due to the need to urinate more than once during the night. This urology issue can lead to other health problems associated with chronic sleep deprivation. Fortunately, a urologist can determine the underlying causes and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Causes

Some of the potential causes of nocturia are sex-specific. Women may suffer from nocturia because of childbirth, menopause, or pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Men may develop this problem because of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or an enlarged prostate. The causes that could affect a patient of either sex include the excessive use of caffeine or alcohol or drinking any fluids to excess before bedtime. Uncontrolled diabetes, diuretic medications, sleeping disorders, and bladder inflammation are other possible causes. Some patients may have low nocturnal bladder capacity due to interstitial cystitis, bladder obstruction, or recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Diagnostics

When you visit a urologist to discuss your symptoms, they may ask you to keep a fluid and voiding record for a few days. You’ll make notes about the time and amount of your fluid intake, medication usage, caffeine and alcohol usage, and voiding behaviors. The urologist might also request medical tests such as a urinalysis.

Treatments

Treating nocturia may involve a combination of medical interventions and lifestyle changes. Your doctor might recommend medications to help you manage your symptoms. If you have an underlying medical condition that is causing nocturia, then treating this medical condition can help relieve your symptoms. You might also consider making lifestyle changes, such as limiting your fluid intake in the evening and adjusting your schedule of diuretic medications. You might also consider taking naps in the afternoon, wearing compression stockings, and elevating your legs.

Urology Associates P.C. connects patients with urology issues with effective treatment options to improve quality of life. Nocturia, incontinence, and sexual dysfunction are just a few of the conditions we treat. Call 888-245-0702 to set up an appointment with our urology team in Tennessee.