Small or large volumes?
To determine the cause, and therefore the measures to be taken, this is the first question to ask. Generally, you know if you get up to urinate frequently (polyuria) or very little (pollakiuria).
If you want to get more precise, keep a voiding diary. "For 24 hours, from 8 a.m. to 8 a.m. the following morning, urinate into a measuring cup and measure the amount each time," advises Professor Desgrandchamps. You can also use the free Mictionary app.
Small volumes: an overactive bladder?
"If you urinate very little at night (less than a third of your total 24-hour urine), it's probably due to an overactive or oversensitive bladder," says the specialist. Normally, the bladder sends a signal to the brain indicating it's time to urinate when it's full. But when it's overactive, it sends this signal to the brain even when it's only partially empty.
Good habits: First, take the time, consistently, to completely empty your bladder each time you go to the toilet. Then, impose a time limit between trips to the toilet and gradually increase it, both day and night, to retrain your bladder, until you reach 3-4 hours between each visit. If you feel the urge beforehand, try to let it pass: think about something else (count backward from 100, do your sums…), take 5 deep breaths. If that's not enough, go to the toilet, but do it calmly.
Also work on your perineum to tone your pelvic floor muscles. Finally, watch your diet (avoid coffee, tea, alcohol and sodas, and consume more fiber).
Large volumes: several possible causes
If you urinate frequently at night (more than a third of your total 24-hour urine), there could be several explanations. "If the volumes are significant throughout the day, reaching 2 liters or more in total, it may simply be that you are drinking too much," warns Professor Desgrandchamps.
