The need to urinate more often than usual may or may not be accompanied by an increase in the amount released. Common causes of frequent urination without an increase in the amount include urinary tract infection; STDs such as herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea; pregnancy; changes in the vagina due to menopause; and in women who've had more than one pregnancy, inability to completely empty the bladder and poor bladder support.

Stress can also make one feel the need to urinate more often, as can drinking beverages containing caffeine. Some people simply have small bladders that fill up more quickly.

Strokes or problems with the nerves that control the urinary system can affect the need to urinate. In adolescents, frequent urination can be a first sign of an overactive thyroid gland.

If the need for frequent urination is accompanied by an increase in the amount, possible causes include drinking more water than usual, diabetes, alcohol, diuretics ("water pills") for high blood pressure and other heart conditions, kidney disease, and high levels of calcium in the blood.

As you can see, frequent urination is not necessarily a cause for alarm, but if you see no simple explanation for it, a medical check-up may be in order. No matter how harmless a symptom may turn out to be, you can't be certain of your health without a visit to the doctor. If you suspect you have any of the conditions mentioned here, you'll find more information under other headings in this guide. Since no amount of knowledge can replace the certainty and relief that comes with a definite diagnosis, if you feel the slightest cause for concern, do call your doctor.