Night time urgency

  I continue to experience nocturnal urgency only. I have been awakened every 3 hours at nite to void. I had an IVP and all was normal. No bladder prolapse. I am a 48 year old female. My two children were sections and no resultant trama. I really don't drink that much however I would like to drink more water due to my overweight condition but I'm afraid I'll never sleep again. According to the IVP I am emptying my bladder but I still feel like I can "squeeze" more out when I am moving my bowels. I was
  checked for diabetes and all was ok. I have noticed stress incontinance upon sneezing. Please suggest something as my GP appears to think this is normal. Thank You
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Dear Jan,
Nocturia, awaking at night to urinate, is a common problem.  It has many possible causes.  For example, people who develop swelling in their legs during the day sometimes mobilize the fluid when they lie down.  The fluid is then excreted by the kidneys filling the bladder frequently at night.  Some people just make more urine at night because their bodies hormone levels that regulate fluid metabolism cycle that way.
Conservative treatments like limiting fluids after dinner, elevating the legs during the day, avoiding caffeine or alcoholic beverages can be helpful.  To test for a bladder problem, a urologist can perform urodynamic studies with special equipment.  This measures the pressures and capacity of the bladder.
More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its suburban campuses at (1
800 653 6568). We can also arrange local accommodations through this number if this is your need.
Please bring any physicians