Urination frequency varies widely according to a number of factors, although for most healthy people going four to eight times a day is typical. More frequent urination or waking up at night to go to the bathroom might mean either a health problem or simply that you’re drinking too much at bedtime.

Not necessarily, although urinary incontinence occurs about twice as often in females than males. Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause and female anatomy account for the difference. But of the approximately 12 million sufferers in the United States, about one-third are men. Male incontinence is often associated with prostate problems or treatments.

Often it’s a combination of factors, such as having given birth multiple times, age, obesity and smoking. Other factors include a history of having given vaginal birth, having had hysterectomy, a post-menopause drop in estrogen, chronic bladder infections, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke and spinal cord injury. While age can be a contributor, no one should accept incontinence as an inevitability of growing older.

For men incontinence may be related to a number of health conditions or medical treatments. It can also be caused by lifestyle or family history. Most men have decreased bladder capacity as they age, naturally increasing risk of incontinence to some degree. Other contributors can be smoking, obesity, a high consumption of alcohol and caffeinated and carbonated drinks and injury to the bladder. In addition, just as in women, neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease can play a role.

Generally, it’s a good idea to call your doctor or schedule an appointment if you have a sudden onset of incontinence or if you’re having enough accidents that you need to either wear a pad for urine absorption or if incontinence is interfering with your lifestyle.

A change in the normal balance of water salts, mineral and other components in urine creates a process known as urolithiasis in which solid mineral particles cluster in the kidneys. There are different types of stones, including calcium oxalate, uric acid, ammonic magnesium and cystine.

Yes, such a tendency may be inherited. If others in your family have had them, you may be more prone to them, too.

Drink lots of water with freshly squeezed lemon juice. Lemon juice contains citric acid, which not only inhibits stone formation but also breaks up small stones just beginning to form. Generally, the more citric acid in your urine, the more protected you are against forming new kidney stones. The most common cause of stones is an insufficient daily water intake. The goal should be to drink enough to keep your urine clear – about eight to ten glasses per day. In addition, studies have indicated that staying physically fit and keeping your weight in check can help as well.

Yes, levels of calcium, protein, sodium, vitamins C and D, and oxalate-rich foods (dark vegetables, chocolate, nuts, cranberries and coffee and tea, for example) can increase the chances of stones. In general, it’s a good idea to eat less salt and talk to a doctor or dietitian about how much calcium you need daily. If you have had an oxalate kidney stone, you should probably consume fewer oxalate-rich foods. In addition to the ones above, others include spinach, colas, peanuts, beets, rhubarb, berries, beans, tofu, oranges, sweet potatoes and draft beer.

Certain groups of people are more prone to stones, and some medical conditions can be contributors. Men in their 30s, 40s and 50s are mostly likely to get stones, and postmenopausal women and women who have had their ovaries removed are at a higher risk than normal. Other contributors include frequent urinary tract infections (UTI), insulin resistance, cystic fibrosis, gout, inflammatory bowel disease, gastric bypass surgery, hyperparathyroidism, high blood pressure, and bladder problems resulting from spinal injuries.