Have you ever needed to go to the bathroom, but had only a weak stream of urine comes out? Have you ever been unable to pee when you tried? If so, you may have experienced a slow urine flow.
Slow urine flow, or a weak urine stream, can occur in people of both sexes. It most commonly occurs in men, especially those over 50 years old. Otherwise known as urinary hesitancy, this condition usually develops slowly over time, and may be unnoticeable until it ultimately leads to urinary retention, or an inability to pee. This may lead to discomfort.
What can cause slow urine flow?
A variety of medical conditions may affect normal urine flow. The most common cause of slow urine flow in men is having an enlarged prostate, or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). An enlarged prostate can press on the urethra, which is the tube through which urine travels from the bladder out of the body. If the urethra is compressed from the enlarged prostate, less urine can pass through, so the urine flow is slowed down. This is further exacerbated in people with diabetes that have diabetic neuropathy.
Other possible causes of slow urine flow are prostate or bladder cancer, blockage along any part of the urinary tract (from kidneys to bladder to urethra), neurogenic bladder dysfunction, frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs), and any other conditions that cause scarring or damage to the urinary tract.
Symptoms of slow urine flow
You may have slow urine flow if you have a slow urine stream. If you have slow urine flow or another lower urinary tract problem, you may dribble of urine after you finish urinating, wake up multiple times a night to pee, or feel lower abdominal discomfort. You also may feel like you have not completely emptied your bladder when you have finished urinating. Slow urine flow and associated urine problems can cause distress for many.
What should you do if you have slow urine flow?
If you experience urinary hesitancy or a slow flow of urine, it is important to see a urologist. Your doctor can help you figure out why you have slow urine stream and can work with you to resolve your urinary problems.
To better understand and help you with your condition, your urologist may do a physical exam, urine tests (like urinalysis or a urine culture), and a urine flow test.
A urine flow test calculates the speed of your urine flow over time. This will help you and your urologist understand how well your lower urinary tract is working, and to determine if there is a urine blockage. This test entails peeing into a funnel that has a measuring instrument, which calculates the amount of urine, the rate of urine flow, and the amount of time until you have finished urinating.
After examination and any tests needed, your urologist may help you identify medications or lifestyle changes that can help with your urinary flow.
If you think you might be experiencing slow urine flow, contact us today to schedule an appointment with the best NYC urologist.
For more information, please visit our website: www.UrocenterofNewYork.com