Urinary hesitancy, or difficulty urinating in the morning is a condition which mostly affects the older male populace. This HealthHearty post explain the causes that influence this condition.
Urinary hesitancy is a disorder which affects people of both sexes across all age groups. It is, however, 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, lower back, groin, rectum, or perineum (the area between the scrotum and rectum) are other symptoms that a person may experience alongside. Though it is not a serious health complication, there are various factors that contribute to this problem.
Causes
- 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 a condition that causes the prostate to enlarge―a common occurrence among elderly men. 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.
- Prostatitis: Prostatitis is a chronic bacterial infection that causes swelling and inflammation of the prostate gland. Frequent or infrequent ejaculation, sexual stimulation without ejaculation, withdrawal at the time of ejaculation, aggressive biking 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. Certain bacteria like Escherichia coli cause tissue damage and travel into the urethra, bladder, and sometimes to the kidneys as well. Stress, a 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, is considered as a probable cause inducing difficulty in urination. It is a bacterial infection which originates in the urethra, and then into the bladder, causing either a 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
Using heating pads on 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 the difficulty of 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 to the doctor, for the necessary course of treatment.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.