Difficulty Urinating in the Morning

Difficulty urinating in the morning or urinary hesitancy is a common health syndrome experienced by most of us. This disorder affects people of all age groups and occurs in both sexes, but is more common in older men with enlarged prostate glands. Most of the time, the syndrome goes unnoticed until urinary retention (complete inability to urinate) causes distention and discomfort in the bladder. Slowing of the urinary stream, pain or burning sensation while urinating, sexual dysfunction, discomfort in the lower abdomen, low back, groin, rectum or perineum (the area between the scrotum and rectum) are some other problems that a person may experience along with difficulty urinating in the morning. Though it is not a serious health complication, there are various factors that contribute to difficulty urinating in the morning.

Causes for Difficulty Urinating in the Morning

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: The prostate is a male reproductive organ that produces the fluid which transports sperms during ejaculation. It surrounds the urethra, the tube that passes urine out of the body. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is prostate enlargement that occurs in most of the men when they grow old. This disorder not only causes urinary hesitancy but also leads to a weak urine stream, painful urination in morning and dribbling at the end of urinating. Read more on benign prostatic hyperplasia: symptoms and treatment.
• Prostatitis: Prostatitis is a chronic bacterial infection that causes swelling and inflammation of the prostate gland. It grows slowly but continues for a long duration of time. Frequent or infrequent ejaculation, sexual stimulation without ejaculation, withdraw at the time of ejaculation, aggressive bike or horse back riding, and excessive intake of spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine are some probable causes for prostatitis.
• Urinary Tract Infection: Difficulty in urinating is a common symptom of the urinary tract infections (UTI), which occurs due to bacterial invasion of the urinary tract. The bacteria like Escherichia coli cause tissue damage and travel into the urethra, bladder, and sometimes kidneys also. Stress, weak immune system, poor diet, sexual intercourse with the infected person, etc., are some causes for urinary tract infections that can lead to weak and painful urination in morning.
• Bladder Infection: Cystitis, a bladder infection, though more common in women, can be an another probable cause for difficulty urinating in the morning. It is a bacterial infection which begins in the urethra, moves into the prostate and then into the bladder, causing either frequent urge to urinate, or pain or burning sensation while urinating.
• Medications: Drugs or some cold remedies, nasal decongestants, tricyclic antidepressants, and anticholinergics which may be used for incontinence, i.e. involuntary urination or defecation can also lead to urinary hesitancy.

Remedies for Difficulty Urinating in the Morning

Providing heat to the lower abdomen, i.e. bladder region which is below the belly button and above the pubic bone, will relax the muscles and help in normal urination. Massaging or applying light pressure over the bladder will also be helpful to over come difficulty urinating in the morning. Drinking plenty of fluids, at least 2 to 3 liters of pure, unflavored water daily will keep you hydrated and will definitely help you to get rid of this disorder.

However, if the aforementioned remedies don't work and the condition worsens with time, consult a doctor. Monitor, record and report your urination patterns and various other symptoms that you may experience along with the difficulty urinating in the morning to the doctor, for necessary medications.