How many times should a person pee a day?
The frequency of urination can vary from person to person, but here’s a general guideline:
- Average frequency: 6-7 times in 24 hours (5-6x in the day, 0-1 at night)
- Normal range: 4-10 times in 24 hours.
Why? If you drink 2-2.5 L a day, after 500 mls insensible loss (through breathing, poo and sweat), you will make about 1.5-2 L of urine.
The human bladder holds upto 300 mls – yes, it is quite small. This leads to the frequency of urination described above.
Causes of weeing too frequently
- Fluid intake: Drinking more fluids can increase urine production
- Age: Older adults might experience more frequent urination
- Protaste enlargement (in a man): This can be benign (not cancer) or prostate cancer
- Medical conditions: Diabetes (may be first presentation), urinary tract infections (UTIs), or other kidney issues (e.g. CKD) can affect urination frequency
- Medications: Certain medications, like diuretics, can increase urine production. It is how they work, so they should be increasing urination
- Bladder problems: Stress or urge incontinence, overactive bladder.
If you’re concerned about your urination frequency or experience symptoms like pain, burning, or difficulty urinating, consult your GP, or local pharmacist.
