NOCTURIA
PROBLEM
Nocturia is waking up to urinate more than once or twice a night. Symptoms include having to go to the bathroom more often, especially at night; trouble starting or stopping your urine; decreased stream; and feeling that you do not empty.
CAUSES
There are many causes of nocturia, including drinking liquids too close to bedtime, certain medicines, chronic health problems, hormone changes, pregnancy, and aging.
PREVENTION
Prevention of nocturia depends on the cause.
TREATMENT PLAN
Treatment depends on how bad the symptoms are and what is the cause:
A.Empty your bladder on a schedule every 2 to 3 hours to prevent overfilling of the bladder.
B.Do not drink liquids within 2 hours of your bedtime.
C.You may be asked to keep a 24-hour bladder diary.
D.Your provider will review all of your medications. You may need to change your schedule of when you take certain medicines. You also may need other medications prescribed.
E.Men with prostate enlargement may need an operation if there is an obstruction or other causes that need to be fixed by surgery.
F.Double void to empty your bladder more completely. Once you have finished passing urine, count to 10 slowly and try to pass urine again.
Activity:
A.There are no activity restrictions.
B.You may need to plan schedules with access to bathrooms in mind.
C.Getting up during the night increases your risk for falls. Safety measures include the following:
1.Remove small area carpets and rugs.
2.Keep night lights along the path to the bathroom or use a flashlight.
3.Install grab bars.
Diet: Avoid spicy foods that irritate the bladder. Caffeine and alcohol act as diuretics and increase your need to urinate.
Medications:
A.Medications that help relieve the blockage may block hormones or relax the muscles that control urination.
B.Antibiotics are used if there is an infection in your bladder or prostate.
C.Do not take over-the-counter medications such as cold medications, decongestants, antihistamines (for allergies), and diarrhea medicines. They make symptoms worse.
D.Always read labels to check for advice: for example, Do not take if you have prostate enlargement.
You Have Been Prescribed: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Take: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Notify the Office If:
A.You cannot urinate.
B.Your symptoms worsen.
C.You have a fever.
D.Other: ___________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________
RESOURCES
American Urogynecologic Society: www.augs.org
American Urological Association: www.UrologyHealth.org
National Association for Continence: www.nafc.org
The Simon Foundation for Continence: www.simonfoundation.org
PATIENT TEACHING GUIDE