Is frequent urination a common symptom of ovarian cancer?

Frequent urination can be one of the symptoms seen with ovarian cancer, typically described as an urgent or often‑repeated need to pass urine. This tends to occur alongside other persistent pelvic or abdominal symptoms. ^[1] It is also listed among recognized ovarian cancer symptoms such as abdominal bloating, pelvic pain, feeling full quickly, appetite changes, and bathroom habit changes. ^[2] Authoritative patient information sources include sudden or frequent urges to urinate among common signs. ^[3] Public health guidance highlights a more frequent or urgent need to urinate as a possible sign of gynecologic cancers, including ovarian cancer. ^[4]

Why ovarian cancer can cause urinary frequency

• Pelvic pressure from a mass: An enlarging ovarian tumor can press on the bladder, reducing its capacity and triggering urgency and frequency. This pressure is often described together with abdominal or pelvic fullness or pain. ^{[3] [2]}
• Ascites (fluid buildup): Fluid accumulation in the abdomen in more advanced disease can increase intra‑abdominal pressure and worsen bladder symptoms. ^[5]
• Associated bowel changes and bloating: Ovarian cancer commonly causes bloating and changes in bowel habits, which can share space in the pelvis and indirectly affect bladder function. ^{[1] [2]}
• Constellation and persistence of symptoms: Ovarian cancer symptoms can be vague early on but are usually fairly constant when they occur; urinary urgency/frequency that persists and is new for you is more concerning. ^[6]

How common and what to watch for

While not every person with ovarian cancer has urinary symptoms, needing to urinate frequently or urgently is repeatedly cited among core symptoms. ^{[1] [2]} Symptoms of ovarian cancer may be subtle at first and often overlap with benign conditions (like urinary tract infections or overactive bladder), so the pattern matters: new symptoms that occur frequently (for example, more than 12 days in a month) and last for several weeks deserve medical evaluation. ^[6]

When to seek medical care

• Persistent urinary frequency without a clear trigger (not explained by extra fluids, caffeine, or alcohol), especially if paired with pelvic/abdominal pain, bloating, early satiety, or changes in bowel habits, should prompt a visit to a clinician. ^[1]
• If frequent urination comes with red flags blood in urine, painful urination, fever, flank or groin pain, or trouble emptying the bladder seek care promptly, as these may signal infection or other urgent issues. ^{[7] [8]}

Evaluation your clinician may consider

• History and pelvic exam: To check for pelvic masses, tenderness, or signs of fluid buildup. ^[5]
• Imaging: Ultrasound or other imaging if an ovarian mass is suspected. ^[9]
• Blood tests: CA‑125 can be used in the diagnostic work‑up when imaging suggests ovarian cancer, though it is not a good screening test on its own. ^[5]
• Urinalysis/culture: To rule out urinary tract infection, which is a common alternative cause of urinary frequency. ^[7]

Management of urinary frequency in the context of ovarian cancer

Management depends on the underlying cause and may include:

• Treat the root cause: If a mass or ascites is driving bladder pressure, cancer‑directed treatments (surgery, chemotherapy) are the main way to relieve symptoms. ^{[9] [5]}
• Bladder and pelvic strategies: Timed voiding, reducing bladder irritants (caffeine, alcohol), and pelvic floor therapies can help ease urgency and frequency, especially when overactive bladder features are present. ^[10]
• Manage treatment‑related bladder irritation: Some cancer therapies can inflame the bladder (cystitis); supportive care includes hydration, avoidance of irritants, and symptom‑targeted measures guided by your oncology team. ^{[11] [12]}
• Address constipation and bloating: Gentle bowel regimens may reduce pelvic pressure and indirectly improve urinary symptoms. ^[1]
• Monitor for infection: Prompt treatment of UTIs, if present, can quickly improve frequency and urgency. ^[7]

Key takeaways

• Frequent or urgent urination can be a symptom of ovarian cancer, often due to pelvic pressure from a mass or fluid buildup. ^{[1] [3] [2] [5]}
• The symptom is more concerning when it is new, persistent, and accompanied by other pelvic or abdominal changes. ^[6]
• Evaluation typically includes pelvic exam, imaging when indicated, and urinalysis to rule out common causes like UTI, with CA‑125 used in context rather than for screening. ^{[5] [9]}
• Management focuses on treating the underlying cause and using supportive bladder strategies to reduce discomfort. ^{[11] [12] [10]}

If your urinary frequency is new, persistent, or paired with other symptoms like bloating, pelvic pain, or feeling full quickly, it would be reasonable to seek medical evaluation. ^{[1] [2]}