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Teens usually go between four and six times a day.
During puberty, hormonal changes can mean more frequent visits, but Abboudi reassured that most of the time this is ‘nothing to worry about and will naturally clear up’. However, if it doesn’t, frequent urination could point to an infection, diabetes, excessive caffeine use or in rare cases, something more serious.
Adults who are under 60 will generally go between six and nine times a day, with Abboudi adding that it’s common to go once in the night as well. He said: “Women tend to urinate more frequently than men,” pointing to one study that found women average 5.6 times per day while men average 4.8.
Pregnancy is another cause, with the baby putting pressure on the uterus, while urinary tract infections are also a frequent cause of extra trips.
Once you turn 60, things are likely to change again.
Abboudi shares that older adults may find themselves going up to ten times a day. Kidney function declines with age, bladder muscles weaken, and medications such as diuretics can all increase the need to go.
On top of that, according to the NHS, nocturia — regularly needing to get up during the night to pee — becomes more common as people age. For men, in particular, a growing prostate can also put pressure on the bladder and cause more frequent urination.
It’s worth remembering that everyone is different, yet there are warning signs to look out for. Abboudi suggests getting checked if you notice blood in your urine, a sudden change in your usual habits, or if you find yourself waking up more than once each night. Also, he advised that smokers should be extra cautious about any changes in pattern, because they face a higher risk of bladder ca:n:cer.
So, though there’s no single number that works for everyone, knowing the normal range for your age can help you spot when something isn’t right.
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