How frequently should you visit the restroom daily?
When it comes to urination, there is a healthy frequency that is generally expected. Frequent urination might indicate certain conditions such as an enlarged prostate or a smaller bladder.
If this occurs frequently, it might also suggest diabetes or a urinary tract infection (UTI). Pregnant individuals also tend to urinate more frequently.
Nonetheless, there is an optimal number of times one should ideally urinate each day.
Interestingly, this frequency can vary with age, which is understandable given the physiological changes our bodies undergo at different life stages.
So, what are the recommended frequencies for different age groups? Consultant urologist Hamid Abboudi shared these insights with Metro.
Children generally urinate more frequently than adults. On average, children need to urinate between 6-12 times a day.
There are also differences among age groups, with younger children needing to go more often.
“Young children may urinate 8 to 14 times a day, which decreases to 6-12 times for older children,” Dr. Abboudi noted.
If someone consistently urinates more than this, it might indicate an underlying issue.
During puberty, hormonal changes can affect urination frequency, typically reducing it to about 4-6 times daily.
Dr. Abboudi mentioned that due to hormonal fluctuations during puberty, increased frequency might occur but is generally ‘nothing to worry about and will naturally clear up’.
However, if the frequency persists, it could signal a problem.
For adults under 60, urination typically occurs 5-8 times a day. However, various factors can influence this frequency over time.
Specifically, Dr. Abboudi indicated that individuals with a vagina might urinate more frequently than those with a penis.
Two factors affecting this include pregnancy and a higher risk of UTIs.
“Pregnancy can be a trigger,” Dr. Abboudi stated, “as the pressure effect of the baby on the uterus can cause increased frequency of urination and nocturia [peeing at night].”
The consultant further explained that UTIs ‘can lead to increased urinary frequency’.
As people age, they might find the need to urinate more frequently, up to 10 times a day. This can be due to factors such as weakening of the pelvic floor, declining kidney function, and weakening bladder muscles.
There is also a higher likelihood of medication use at this age.
Dr. Abboudi noted: “Older adults are more likely to be on a form of medication called diuretics for various medical conditions.”