There is nothing more bothersome than the constant feeling of having to pee. Frequent urination in men can be a symptom of a condition called BPH or benign prostatic hyperplasia. In BPH, the prostate grows in size, which can lead to bothersome urinary symptoms such as the constant urge to urinate. Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms of BPH and when to see your doctor.
What is BPH?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is a condition that affects men as they age. The prostate is a donut-shaped gland that sits just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra. In BPH, the prostate becomes enlarged and swollen, which can then disrupt the normal flow of urine, leading to irritating urinary symptoms.
Symptoms of BPH
Frequent Urination
Increased or frequent urination, especially at night, is one of the most common symptoms of BPH. This is caused when the prostate becomes enlarged and does not allow for the complete emptying of the bladder.
Urinary Urgency
Urinary urgency is the sudden and strong urge to urinate, sometimes without much warning. Urinary urgency can also lead to urinary incontinence or difficulty holding back a urine stream.
Difficulty Starting a Urine Stream
BPH causes the prostate to enlarge, putting pressure on your urethra. Some men with BPH have difficulty initiating a urine stream or have to strain to empty their bladder.
Feeling Unable to Empty the Bladder
BPH can prevent you from being able to empty your bladder completely, which contributes to the constant feeling of having to pee and more frequent urination.
A Weak Urine Stream or Dribbling
A weakened or slowed urinary stream can also be caused by BPH. As the prostate enlarges, it can disrupt the normal flow of urine, making your urine stream weak or causing urine to dribble toward the end of urination.
Pain or Discomfort with Urination
Some men with BPH may experience pain or discomfort during urination. It is not normal to have pain when emptying your bladder, so you should speak with your doctor if you are experiencing this.
Discolored or Foul-Smelling urine
Because BPH can prevent complete emptying of the bladder, as the urine sits inside the body, it can become discolored or foul-smelling. This can also be a symptom of a urinary tract infection, so it is important to speak with your doctor if your urine does not appear normal.
When To See Your Doctor
Although BPH is considered a normal part of aging for men, the symptoms can be very disruptive to your life. It is important to note that the symptoms of BPH can often be mistaken for other conditions like urinary tract infections, prostatitis, or other more serious conditions like prostate cancer. If you are experiencing any change in your urination, consult your doctor for a thorough exam and testing to determine the cause.
BPH can be a frustrating condition. Luckily, there are medications and treatments available to help treat your symptoms.
Experiencing a constant feeling of having to pee? Schedule an appointment today to learn more about BPH and what you can do to treat it!