DIFFICULTY URINATING
Difficulty urinating is the difficulty initiating or maintaining the urine flow. It may be accompanied by short urine radius and intermittent urination. Slowly, over time can lead to urinary retention and incontinence.
WHO DOE IT AFFECT?
Difficulty in urination occurs in people of all ages and occurs in both sexes. However, it is more common in older men with enlarged prostate gland .
WHAT ARE THE COMMON CAUSES?
The most common cause of difficulty in urination in older men is benign prostatic hyperplasia. Almost all older men have even a small problem with the flow of urine and the start of urination.
Another common cause is an infection of the prostate or urinary tract . The symptoms of a possible infection include:
- Burning or pain during urination.
- Frequent urination.
- Sense of urgency (strong, sudden need to urinate).
The problem may also be caused by:
- Some medications (such as treatments for colds and allergies, tricyclic antidepressants, certain drugs used for incontinence, and certain vitamins and supplements).
- Nervous system disorders.
- As a side effect of surgery.
- Urethral stricture.
WHEN SHOULD I SEEK MEDICAL HELP?
Call your doctor immediately if difficulty urinating is accompanied by:
- Fever , chills.
- Vomiting, back pain.
- Blood in your urine.
- Cloudy urine.
- A frequent or urgent need to urinate.
- Discharge from the penis or vagina.
- You can not urinate.
If difficulty in urination occurs gradually you may want to arrange an appointment with your urologist to inform you about what happens next.
WHAT WILL I DO WHEN I VISIT THE DOCTOR?
Your doctor will take a medical history and examine you thoroughly .
Your doctor may ask you questions such as:
- How long have you had the problem and when did it start?
- It is worse in the morning or evening?
- Is the power of your urine good?
- Did you have other medical conditions or surgeries that could affect the flow of your urine?
- What medications do you take
WHAT TESTS MAY BE NEEDED?
Some of the tests that will give the diagnosis are:
- Ultrasound of the urinary tract.
- The transrectal prostate ultrasonography.
- Urinalysis and culture.
- Uroflowmetry
These tests give after diagnosis that will determine the treatment that your urologist will suggest.