Getting Up at Night to Urinate (Nocturia)

It is common for an individual to get up at night to go to the bathroom. However, if it happens every night at least twice and disrupts sleep, it may be a condition called nocturia. Nocturia can happen at any age, but is most common in individuals over the age of 60.

procedures offered by urogynecologist

Nocturia is caused by an overproduction of urine. Nocturnal polyuria is the cause of high urine volume at night, while global polyuria causes both daytime and nighttime overproduction of urine. Getting up at night to urinate regularly can be caused by menopause, previous childbirths, and pelvic organ prolapse and the condition can be worsened with excessive fluid intake before going to bed. Alcohol, caffeine, reduced bladder capacity, and diuretic medications may increase the need to void the bladder at night. It can be linked with various conditions including diabetes, heart disease, restless leg syndrome, and sleep disorders, so a thorough examination and proper diagnosis is essential to ensure that the symptoms are not part of a bigger, more serious medical condition.

When visiting Dr. Gandhi of Partners in Pelvic Health North Shore Urogynecology, it is important to keep track of your symptoms to ensure you can give the doctor a thorough history of the condition you are experiencing. Keep track of what you are eating and drinking throughout the day, any medications that you are taking, as well as how many times you are waking up to void the bladder. The amount of urine voided and notations of recurring urinary tract infections may be helpful in diagnosing nocturia.

There are only two methods used to address nocturia, including behavioral therapy and medication. Behavioral therapy may include reducing fluid intake near the end of the day, elevating the legs during sleep, and wearing compression stockings. Medications used to treat nocturia include anticholinergic medications such as solifenacin, tolterodine, and darifenacin. These can reduce bladder spasms and address overactivity of the bladder, especially during the nighttime hours.

When patients address their nocturia, they are able to improve their quality of life, as well as their quality of sleep. If you are a patient in the area that is concerned that nocturia is affecting your day-to-day lifestyle, contact Dr. Gandhi of Partners in Pelvic Health North Shore Urogynecology today to schedule an examination.

Sanjay Gandhi, M.D.

Sanjay Gandhi, M.D.
Partners in Pelvic Health North Shore Urogynecology

Conditions affecting the female pelvis are the focus at Partners in Pelvic Health North Shore Urogynecology. We provide effective solutions for these problems from our offices at Park City, Woodstock, and Lake Forest in Illinois.

Our team is headed by Sanjay Gandhi, MD, Urogynecologist. Dr. Gandhi’s specialized education included a residency in gynecology and obstetrics at Northwestern University and a three-year urogynecology fellowship. He is among a few in the country to pass the first examination in Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery (URPS) of The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He also teaches healthcare students.