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Urinary Frequency (Pollakiuria)

Differential Diagnosis of Urinary Frequency

Urinary frequency is caused either by reduced bladder capacity or increased urine production.

Urinary Frequency due to Anatomically Reduced Bladder Capacity

• Bladder stones
• Compression of the bladder by pelvic tumors
• Bladder wall fibrosis
• Radiation cystitis
• Bladder cancer

Urinary Frequency due to Functionally Reduced Bladder Capacity

• Inflammation: e.g., bladder infection, prostatitis
• Postvoid residual urine by subvesical obstruction (e.g., BPH)
• Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction
• Psychological causes

Urinary Frequency due to Increased Urine Production

Increased urine production is defined by a urine output of more than 2.5–3 l/24 h.

• Excessive drinking, psychogenic polydipsia
• Diabetes mellitus
• Diabetes insipidus

References

  Deutsche Version: Pollakisurie