Answer:

Producing a large volume of urine at night (around one liter) is quite unusual and could be related to various medical conditions in women. Typically, nighttime urine volume accounts for about 20-30% of the total daily urine output (1.5-2 liters), equivalent to approximately 400-600 ml, depending on age and weight.

In addition to increased urinary frequency, if you experience other symptoms such as urinary urgency, burning sensation during urination, blood in the urine, or other symptoms like headaches, dizziness, nausea, tinnitus, weight loss, excessive thirst, etc., it could indicate a urinary tract infection, urinary stones, overactive bladder, or even urinary tract cancer. Frequent nighttime urination can also be a warning sign of decreased kidney function, diabetes, high blood pressure, or diabetes insipidus due to a deficiency or lack of response to the antidiuretic hormone ADH.

Associate Professor Nguyen Thi Hong Oanh consults with a patient at the Urogynecology Unit. Photo illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital

Other potential causes include pregnancy-related hormonal changes and pressure on the bladder, uterine pressure on the bladder, chronic stress leading to sleep disturbances, or the use of diuretic medication. Consuming coffee or alcohol at night before bed can also stimulate the bladder, leading to increased urination.

You should visit a hospital for a check-up and testing to determine the underlying cause of your nighttime urination. Keeping a record of urination times, urine volume, fluid intake, and types of beverages consumed throughout the day for three days can be helpful for the doctor's assessment.

To reduce nighttime urination, it's advisable to drink enough fluids during the day and limit intake in the evening. Avoid alcoholic beverages, and refrain from consuming tea or coffee at night, as they can disrupt sleep and have a diuretic effect. Carbonated drinks and acidic foods like orange, lemon, or grapefruit juice, as well as pickled vegetables, can irritate the bladder and should also be limited. Maintaining a healthy diet, reducing salt intake, exercising regularly, and managing stress are also beneficial.

Establishing a regular urination schedule, especially before bedtime, is recommended. Your doctor may prescribe antidiuretic medication if lifestyle changes and treatment of underlying conditions are ineffective. Individuals using medication that can lower blood sodium levels should be closely monitored by a specialist.

Associate Professor Nguyen Thi Hong Oanh

Urogynecology Unit

Center for Urology - Nephrology - Andrology

Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City