TAKING THE PEE
The 6 reasons you need to pee all the time – and when you must see a doctor
MOST of us need to visit the toilet to wee between six and seven times a day.
Even needing to pee during the night, which despite being very annoying, is very normal, experts say.
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But Mr Petr Holy, consultant urological surgeon at , Kingston told The Sun that needing to pee more than ten times a day is worth a trip to your GP.
“The body produces urine as a way of expelling toxins and waste and it is one of the most important functions," he explained.
“Any more than ten could be a sign that something isn’t quite right as a range of conditions can cause us to pee more often than usual."
These include...
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1. Urinary tract infections
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are often caused when bacteria enters the urethra (the tube which you pee from) and creates inflammation.
"This can lead to more frequent urination as well as a burning sensation or even the appearance of blood in the urine," Mr Petr added.
Should I see a doctor?
You can usually treat a UTI with things like painkillers and drinking plenty of fluids. A GP may prescribe antibiotics.
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If you don't get a UTI treated, it can sometimes lead to a kidney infection and even sepsis.
2. Diabetes
"When there’s too much sugar in the blood, our kidneys are forced to work even harder to filter and absorb the glucose and excrete it as urine," Mr Holy explained.
When someone who consumes a lot of sugar and has to pee a lot, this can be a warning sign of type 2 diabetes.
"The presence of the glucose may also create a sweet smell in the urine," he added.
Should I see a doctor?
Many people have type 2 diabetes for years without realising because the early symptoms tend to be general - or, often, non-existent.
You can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes through healthy eating, regular exercise and achieving a healthy body weight.
If diabetes isn't treated, it can lead to a number of health problems including heart disease, kidney damage, peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain), or blindness.
3. Stroke
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel carrying oxygen to the brain is either blocked or bursts.
This creates problems with our central nervous system.
"Nerves linked to the bladder can be affected and as a result we might need to pee more often, or lose the ability to hold it in our bladders," Mr Holy said.
Should I see a doctor?
A stroke needs to be treated in hospital as soon as possible.
Treatments include medicines to treat blood clots and sometimes brain surgery.
4. Sexually transmitted infections
Chlamydia and gonorrhea are among the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the UK and both are linked to increased weeing.
"STIs might also create a burning sensation when we pee, make the urine more cloudy in appearance, or create a strong smell," Mr Holy explained.
Should I see a doctor?
Your GP can treat an STI with antibiotics or antiviral drugs - depending on what infection you have.
Left untreated there can be serious consequences including blindness, neurologic conditions, infertility, mother-to-child transmission, birth defects, or even death.
5. Bladder cancer
"The bladder is a vital part of the urination process and a tumour in it can affect how we pee," Mr Holy said.
A sign of bladder cancer is the need to urinate more often, feeling pain while doing so and the feeling of needing to pee even when the bladder isn’t full.
Should I see a doctor?
It's important to make an appointment with your GP as soon as you notice "any changes" to your peeing habits, says.
You won't be wasting yours or your doctor's time.
"If there is something more serious wrong like cancer, the earlier it's picked up the more likely it can be treated successfully," they added.
6. Pregnancy
It makes sense that as the baby grows, it places more pressure on the mother’s bladder and causes more frequent urination.
However, an increase in frequency of urination can appear in the very early stages before the woman knows she’s pregnant.
"This is caused by an increase of the hormones progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin," the doctor said.
Should I see a doctor?
You should contact your GP surgery or local midwife service as soon as you find out you're pregnant.
It's important to see a medic as early as possible so you can begin l to ensure you have a healthy pregnancy.
You can also talk to your GP of local sexual health clinic if you don't wish to continue and want to have an abortion.
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Most abortions in England, Wales and Scotland are carried out before 24 weeks of pregnancy.
They can be carried out after 24 weeks in very limited circumstances – for example, if the mother's life is at risk or the child would be born with a severe disability.
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