Its medical term is micturition, but most of us simply call it peeing—a natural and essential bodily function. “Urination helps cleanse the body of toxins, excess sodium and fluid, and metabolic waste,” explains Dr. Rolando Guillermo O. Saulog, a urologist at Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed).

On average, a person urinates six to seven times a day. But according to Dr. Saulog, there’s actually a wide range of what’s considered normal. “If you go only four times in a 24-hour period, that’s fine. If you go 10 times, that’s also okay,” he says.

So what affects how often you go? Several factors come into play:

Age
As we get older, the bladder’s ability to expand decreases, meaning it fills up more quickly. Hormonal changes, such as reduced estrogen levels during menopause, can also affect bladder function.

What (and how much) you drink
Caffeinated and alcoholic beverages act as diuretics, prompting the kidneys to release more fluid. The more coffee, tea, beer, or wine you consume, the more frequent your bathroom trips may be.

Pregnancy
Frequent urination is common among pregnant women due to hormonal shifts, increased blood and fluid production, and pressure on the bladder from an expanding uterus.

Medical conditions
Frequent urination in small amounts may signal a urinary tract infection (UTI). Conditions like diabetes, kidney problems, low potassium, abnormal calcium levels, an enlarged prostate, and even heart issues can also affect urination patterns.

Medications
Certain drugs—especially diuretics for high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney issues—can increase urine production. Some medications for diabetes and mental health may have similar effects.

Bladder capacity
On average, a man’s bladder can hold up to 700 ml of urine, while a woman’s bladder typically holds around 500 ml.

On the other end of the spectrum is oliguria, or urinating only once or twice in 24 hours (less than 400–500 ml per day). This may be caused by dehydration, urinary blockages, or infection.

When Should You See a Doctor?
Seek medical advice if you experience pain or a burning sensation while urinating, or discomfort in the lower back, pelvis, or genitals. Blood in the urine, difficulty controlling urination, or sudden changes in frequency are also warning signs.

Other symptoms to watch for include cloudy, dark, or foul-smelling urine.

To determine the cause, doctors may recommend tests such as urinalysis, kidney function tests, or imaging procedures like ultrasound or CT scans. A uroflowmetry test—available at MakatiMed—can also assess how well the bladder and urinary system are functioning.

Healthy Habits for Better Bladder Health
Maintaining good health plays a key role in proper urinary function. Stay well-hydrated, eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and probiotics, and limit caffeine and alcohol intake.

To help prevent UTIs, practice proper hygiene. Peeing and washing with mild, unscented soap after sexual activity can reduce risk. For women, wiping from front to back is also recommended.

And one simple but important rule: don’t hold it in. “Go when you feel the urge,” Dr. Saulog advises.

For more information, contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632 8888 8999, email [email protected], or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.