Frequent Urination in Men

Frequent urination is defined as an urge to urinate more often than usual. Generally, our bladder has an ability to store urine until it is convenient to go to the toilet, which is usually four to eight times a day. But if a person urinates more than eight times a day, either he is drinking too much water or it is a sign of some kind of health problem. On an average, a person can sleep 6 to 8 hours without the need to urinate as the urine decreases in amount and becomes concentrated at night.

The condition in which a person develops an urge to urinate at night not once but many times, is termed as nocturia. In men, the frequency to urinate increases with aging, especially in older men the urge to urinate becomes more than usual. However, frequent urination in men accompanied by fever, pain or discomfort in the abdomen or bladder, etc., cannot be just due to aging, hence there are many factors that contribute to frequent urination in men which are given below in the article.

Frequent Urination in Men: Causes

• Urinary Tract Infection: Frequent urination in men 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 can spread up to the urethra, bladder, and sometimes kidneys also. Stress, weak immune system, poor diet, sexual intercourse with the infected person, etc. are some factors that lead to urinary tract infections in men.
• Diabetes: Frequent urination is an early sign of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Due to increased buildup of glucose in the blood, the body tries to get rid of it through urine which sometimes also results in dehydration in men.
• Prostate Problems: One of the most common cause for frequent urination in men is enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia. The enlarged prostate presses against the urethra (the tube that carries urine out the body) and obstructs the flow of urine.This causes the bladder wall to become irritable which leads to bladder contraction even when it contains minimal amounts of blood, resulting in more frequent urination.
• Interstitial Cystitis: Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a painful condition that occurs due to inflammation of the tissues of the bladder wall. Characterized by pain or discomfort in the bladder and pelvic region, the condition often includes symptoms like urgent or frequent need to urinate.
• Diuretic Use: The medications used to cure high blood pressure or fluid buildup work in the kidney to flush out excess fluids from the body, can also contribute to frequent urination in men.
• Neurological Disorders: Stroke or other neurological diseases that can damage the nerves that supply the bladder can cause problems with bladder function, including frequent, painful and sudden urges to urinate.
• Radiation Treatment: Radiation therapy given around the bladder area for treatment of say, bladder cancer, can weaken the wall of the bladder. The effect is such that it takes a year for the bathroom pattern to get back to normalcy.
• Other Causes: Bladder cancer, bladder dysfunction, overactive bladder, congenital heart failure, drinking alcohol and other caffeinated beverages are some other probable causes for frequent urination in men.
• Age: This is an important criterion as, with age the muscles of the pelvic area and bladder are bound to weaken and a person is not able to hold the same quantity of urine as he used to do, at a young age.

Frequent Urination in Men: Diagnosis

Depending upon the patient's medical history and physical exam, the doctor may ask him to conduct tests like:

• Urinalysis: It is a microscopic examination which detects and measures different compounds that pass through the urine.
• Cystometry: It is a test that measures the pressure inside the bladder to determine how well the bladder can hold or release the urine.
• Cystoscopy: It is a test in which the doctor uses a thin, lighted instrument called cystoscope to view inside the bladder and urethra.
• Neurological Tests: These are the diagnostic tests that help the doctor to confirm or exclude any nerve disorder.
• Ultrasonography: It is a diagnostic imaging test used to have a clear view of an internal body structure.

Frequent Urination in Men: Treatment

The treatment for frequent urination in men primarily depends upon the severity of the condition and its underlying cause.

• Medications like Detrol LA, Ditropan, Enablex, Oxytrol, Sanctura XR, Tofranil, and Vesicare can help control blood sugar levels and overactive bladder.
• Bladder training, or some pelvic muscle exercises help strengthen the muscles around the bladder and urethra which will improve bladder control and reduce urinary urgency and frequency.
• Foods that can trigger or irritate the bladder or act as diuretic like caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks, tomato-based products, artificial sweeteners, etc., should be avoided.
• While you are undergoing treatment, try to make use of quality absorbent pads to avoid any embarrassment for yourself.
• When medication or behavioral therapy do not serve the purpose, then one may have to opt for surgical options that are available.

Frequent urination in men is not a life-threatening disorder but if not treated in time can lead to other health complications. Hence, following a healthy diet comprising fiber rich foods and keeping a track of your daily fluid intake can help prevent this disorder.

Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only, and is not meant to replace the advice of a health care expert. Please consult your doctor for any medical advice you may need.