frequent night urination

I am 33, had a hysterectomy when I was 25, and am now having to get up 3 - 4 times / night to urinate... this can't be normal... I don't take diuretics, I don't drink an excessive amount of caffiene, or an excessive amount of anything before bed... any suggestions.. ideas.. comments?

[Machelle Seibel, MD]

Getting up at night 3-4 times is a lot for a young woman so it is something to look into so you can find the cause. If your ovaries were removed, it could mean that your bladder has had reduced estrogen for eight years and it has caused a change in the muscles that support the bladder. It could also mean there is a bladder infection. But there are many other possible causes as well.

It is difficult to know the reason without more history and an exam. The best thing to do is to see your gynecologist, or make an appointment with a urogynecologist. These are gynecologists that have taken extra training in the female urinary tract and can likely help you with a solution.

Machelle M. Seibel, MD

[JustTrish]

I was waking up 2-3 times a night  for years supposedly to "go to the bathroom".  I was more annoyed than worried.  Then I started getting sleepy and eventually, was getting drowsy while driving.

Come to find out that I was going to the bathroom as a learned response to waking up.  What I had was sleep apnea, and this was what was waking me up.

Now I don't get up anymore.

Hugs

Trish