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When Nature Calls (Multiple Times) in the Middle of the Night
If you get up two or more times in the middle of the night to urinate, you may have nocturia. This condition becomes more common as people age. It occurs in both men and women.
There are many possible causes, including
• Drinking too much fluid before bedtime—especially coffee, caffeinated drinks and alcohol
• Untreated diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
• Pregnancy-related diabetes
• Sleeping disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea
• Certain drugs, including diuretics (water pills)
• Bladder infection or recurrent urinary tract infection
• Enlarged prostate
Treatment for nocturia depends on the cause. If you have a medical condition such as sleep apnea, an enlarged prostate or a bladder or urinary tract infection, treating the problem may reduce or eliminate nocturia.
Your doctor may advise restricting fluids in the evening. If you take diuretics, you may be told to take them in the mid to late afternoon instead of the evening.
Medications to treat nocturia may include those that:
• Reduce symptoms of an overactive bladder
• Assist in regulating urine production
• Help the kidneys produce less urine
Scientists are studying new treatments for nocturia. A recent study found a nasal spray version of the drug desmopressin—used for bedwetting in children—showed promising results for treating nocturia in older adults.
For more facts about nocturia, visit UrologyHealth.org
UrologyHealth.org | WINTER 2016 | UROLOGYHEALTH extra