Urination may not be frequently discussed in the medical community, but it is often closely linked to overall health. The number of times that you pee can often be a sign of an illness or other problem. Therefore, you should make sure that you are not urinating too little or too much. According to a professor of urology, Dr. Neil Grafstein, you should try to pee a certain number of times per day.
How Urination Works
The body naturally filters any food or drink we consume, and excess water is expelled as urine. After the kidneys filter fluids, the urine is sent to the bladder. When the bladder is full, it triggers nerves that send a desire to urinate to the brain. Most people can then choose to pee or hold their urine when they feel the need. However, if you do not drink the right amount of water or have a health problem, this can all change.
The Average Number of Times to Pee Each Day
The number of times you pee will depend on how much water you drink. It is also affected by how sensitive your body is to the urination urge. In general, Dr. Grafstein says that a healthy person should pee four to seven times a day. This can vary slightly, but healthy urine should always look clear and very light yellow.
Health Problems That Affect Urine
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Many different functions in the body can affect how often you pee. People with diabetes often urinate excessively because the high blood sugar levels affect water balance in the body. Those with kidney stones may not urinate as much as they should because the stone is blocking the urinary pathway. The most dangerous reason to not be urinating is dehydration. When a person is dehydrated, their body holds all water inside instead of expelling it as waste. Other conditions that may affect urination include cancer, urinary tract infections, weak pelvic muscles, kidney disease, vaginitis, and prostatitis.
Other Things That Can Affect Urination
The above health problems are not the only things that alter urinary frequency. People with anxiety, depression, or other mental problems may feel the need to urinate more often. Pregnant women also pee more frequently because the baby puts pressure on the bladder. Those who drink too much caffeine can also pee excessively because caffeine is a natural diuretic.
How to Pee the Right Amount
If your urine is cloudy, dark, and infrequent, you are most likely dehydrated. Try to drink more water if this is happening. People who pee over 11 times per day tend to just have weak pelvic muscles and an overactive bladder. You can train your body to pee less frequently by holding it longer. However, you should pee before it becomes painful. If these methods do not work, you may have a health problem, and you should see a doctor.
Though these guidelines are accurate for the average person, they can vary slightly if you are unusually sized. For example, larger people often urinate more because the weight puts pressure on their bladder. However, you should contact your doctor if you are urinating less than four or more than seven times a day. This can often be a sign that you have a medical condition or are not hydrating properly.
