urinate frequently

hello sir
my aunt(approx 43yrs) needs to urinate frequently.even her mother had a same problem.what problem they might have?
is the problem really serious or what need to be done.?

[David A Burks, MD]

HI,  Urinary frequency can be caused by a number of problems.  A urinary tract infection is a common cause of frequency and everyone with frequency needs to have a urine checked for infection.  Blood in the urine can be a sign of a kidney stone in the ureter or other serious bladder problems like a tumor.  If the urine is clear of infection or blood, the most common cause of urinary frequency and urgency is overactive bladder.  Its a common problem, especially as people get older.  Urgency is the driving symptom, which causes the frequent voiding, often getting up at night to urinate, and about one-third of patients can't make it to the bathroom in time and have urge incontinence. Other more complicated problems require a specialist evaluation.  Your aunt's primary care doctor or gynecologist should be able to do a basic work up and start her on treatment.  There are a number of medications for overactive bladder that are very effective in controling the symptoms.  Good Luck.