What are abdominal pain and frequent urination?


Frequent urination is when you need to urinate more often than is normal for you. There is no concrete rule about what constitutes normal urination. If you find yourself going more often than usual but you haven’t changed your behavior (for example, started drinking more fluid), it is considered frequent urination. Urinating more than 2.5 liters of fluid per day is considered excessive.

What causes abdominal pain and frequent urination?

The combined symptoms of abdominal pain and frequent urination are common in a number of conditions related to the urinary tract, cardiovascular system, or reproductive system. In these cases, other symptoms are usually present.

Common causes of abdominal pain and frequent urination include:

When to seek medical help

Seek medical help if your symptoms are severe and last more than 24 hours.

Also seek medical help if abdominal pain and frequent urination are accompanied by:

  • uncontrollable vomiting
  • blood in your urine or stool
  • sudden shortness of breath
  • chest pain

Seek immediate medical treatment if you’re pregnant and your abdominal pain is severe.

Make an appointment with a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • abdominal pain that lasts longer than 24 hours
  • appetite loss
  • excessive thirst
  • fever
  • pain upon urination
  • unusual discharge from your penis or vagina
  • urination issues that affect your lifestyle
  • urine that is unusual or extremely foul smelling


How are abdominal pain and frequent urination treated?

If abdominal pain and frequent urination are due to something you drank, symptoms should subside within one day.

Infections are typically treated with antibiotics.

Rare and more severe conditions, such as right-sided heart failure, are treated with more involved regimens.

Home care

Watching how much fluid you drink can help you determine whether you’re urinating appropriately. If your symptoms are due to a UTI, drinking more fluids can be helpful. Doing so may help sweep harmful bacteria through your urinary tract.

Talk to a medical professional about the best way to treat other conditions at home.

How can I prevent abdominal pain and frequent urination?

Not all causes of abdominal pain and frequent urination are preventable. However, you can take some steps to reduce your risk. Consider avoiding beverages that commonly upset people’s stomachs, such as alcohol and caffeinated drinks.

Always using condoms during sexual intercourse and participating in a monogamous sexual relationship can reduce your risk of contracting an STI. Practicing good hygiene and wearing clean, dry underwear can help prevent a UTI.

Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly may also help prevent these symptoms.