prostate

[cheapskate]

Don't wish to bother gp as I have other problems and don't wish to appear a hypochondriac. Is there any significance in my urination becoming more frequent? I don't have problems in passig urine and there is ni pain. Although sometimes I feel a little cold in my back

[Dr Jon Rees]

Hi

passing urine more frequently can be caused by a number of things:

1. drinking too much! especially caffeinated / carbonated / alcoholic drinks
2. diabetes - can present with frequent urination - if you have a family history, or are overweight, or other symptoms e.g. thirst, weight loss - get a diabetes check
3. an overactive bladder - usually this also causes episodes of urgency - where it is difficult to postpone passing urine - and sometimes accidents if you can't make it in time
4. benign enlargement of the prostate - usually with other symptoms like a slow flow
5. a urine infection - usually you would have burning on passing urine, smelly or cloudy urine etc
and there are more!

most of these are completely harmless - the diabetes and the infection are the main things that shouldn't be missed - otherwise - be driven by the bother the symptoms cause - if they are not too bothersome, then don't worry - but if they are annoying you, see your GP.