How many times a day is too often to urinate?

The short answer: as a general guide, passing urine up to about 8 times in a day is typical. Going more often than that, or waking more than twice a night, is worth mentioning to a doctor — especially if it is new for you or interfering with your life.

'Too often' is partly personal. What matters most is a change from your normal pattern, having to plan your day around toilets, or disturbed sleep from waking at night.

There are many possible causes, and most are treatable: an overactive bladder, a urine infection, an enlarged prostate in men, or simply drinking more caffeine or fluid than you realised. Occasionally frequency points to something that needs prompt attention, such as diabetes.

An assessment usually starts with your description of the pattern — how often, day and night, and what else you have noticed. Simple urine tests are often the first step.

You do not need to know the cause before asking. If frequent urination is disrupting your days or nights, request an appointment and describe what you are experiencing in your own words.