8 Common Urinary Problem In Men

Urinary problem can occur in men at any age. The urinary tract system is designed to cleanse the body by removing waste products and other toxic material from the body through urination. For normal urination, it is very important for the urinary system to function properly. The urinary system includes the kidneys, the ureters, the urinary bladder and the urethra (opening at tip of the penis, through which the individual urinates). Any damage or malfunctioning of any part of the urinary system can give rise to urinary issues in men. Urinary issues in men can include the following:

• Delay or difficulty to start urination
• Sudden start and stop of urination flow
• Incomplete empting (After urination, a small amount of urine may trickle out)
• Increased urinary frequency and urinary urgency
• A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying.

The most common urinary problem seen in men is discussed below in details:

Decreased urine output occurs due to constriction or blockage of the channels through which the urine flows out of the body. This is generally caused due to presence of enlarged prostate or dehydration. Other causes includes side effects of certain medications such as diuretics (water pills), anti-cholinergic, and sometimes even antibiotics. Decreased urine output can also be due to less common causes such as excessive blood loss, urinary tract infection, history of trauma or injury to the area.

Bladder stones occur mostly in men. Contrary to common belief, bladder stones are quite different from kidney stones and they are comparatively less common than kidney stones. Bladder stones generally occur from accumulation of highly concentrated urine in the bladder leading to formation of hardened crystals. These crystals can block the downward flow of urine and cause irritation over the inner lining of the bladder. Bladder stones are associated with symptoms such as blood in urine (haematuria), painful urination (dysuria) with frequent urge to urinate (urinary urgency).

This condition is more common among women than men. However, it does affect men leading to urinary problems. It is a condition where the muscle that assists in holding the bladder and controlling urination becomes weak. As a result, voluntary control over urination becomes weak leading to leakage and unintentional urination. This involuntary urination can be triggered by normal physical activities such as coughing, laughing, sneezing, lifting heavy objects which produce stress over the bladder.

Bladder cancer is the fifth most common type of cancer in the United States of America. This type of malignancy mainly affects the epithelial lining (inner lining) of the urinary bladder. The most common symptoms associated with bladder cancer include painful urination (dysuria), blood in urine (haematuria) with frequent urge to urinate (urinary urgency). It commonly affects men from Caucasian origin and men with a family history of bladder cancer.

Urethritis is a medical condition used to describe inflammation of the urethra. It is commonly caused by bacterial or viral infection and also through sexual intercourse. Men between the ages of 20 to 35 years are at highest risk of developing this condition. This risk is higher among men who practices unprotected sex with multiple partners. Symptoms are associated with burning sensation while urination along with an abnormal milky discharge from the penis. In some cases, the condition arises without any specific reasons or cause. In such cases, it is called as non-specific urethritis.

Urinary tract infection is more common in women; however, cases are seen in men too. It is caused by entry of bacteria into the bladder (through the urethra) where they multiply further and cause infection. Symptoms generally include urinary urgency, painful urination, foul smelling urine, pain in the lower abdominal area, cloudy urine, fever, malaise etc. This condition is more common among older men and also among men with history of damage to the urinary tract (most likely from a previous infection or illness) and also among men with congenital malformation of the urethra.

One of the most common causes of urinary issues in men is enlargement of the prostate gland. It is associated with aging and often considered as a normal process of aging. Prostate growth can be caused due to non-cancerous reasons (called as benign prostate hyperplasia) and sometimes due to prostate cancer. It is often associated with hormonal changes and reduced urinary output. There may be narrowing of the outlet from enlargement of the prostate, which may cause the bladder to work harder to empty the bladder.

There may be number of urinary issues associated with aging among men. The muscles of the bladder become weak and may contract suddenly giving an urge to use the toilet frequently. In some cases, there may be leakage or involuntary urination, before he can reach the toilet. With aging, the body tends to store fluids during the day leading to extra production of urine at night, thus increasing the frequency of urination at night.

Urinary problems are not much common in men as compared to women. However, if one notices any of the symptoms like painful urination, foul smell or bloody urine, then one must consult a doctor at the earliest to diagnose the correct condition and to devise the appropriate treatment plan without delay.

Also Read:

• Urinary Bladder Cancer: Types, Symptoms, Stages, Treatment- TUR Surgery, Immunotherapy
• Urinary Bladder Rupture: Causes, Types, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
• Urinary Incontinence: Causes, Risk Factors, Symptoms, Treatment, Lifestyle Modifications
• Urinary Bladder Infection: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Prognosis, Prevention, Risk Factors, Diagnosis
• Common Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) & Ways to Prevent it
• Urinary Incontinence Treatment in the Elderly