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Frequent Urination: A Sign of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
If you find yourself making trips to the bathroom to relieve that constantly full bladder throughout the day—and night—you could be dealing with a symptom called frequent urination. This inconvenient symptom can be caused by many conditions. It may be an overactive bladder, or a sign of something more serious, like kidney disease or prostate problems. In men, it’s a common symptom of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), which is an enlargement of the prostate gland that affects men as they age. Even though it’s disruptive, and can be stressful, it’s also treatable and can be managed with the help of an interventional radiologist.
Symptoms of Frequent Urination
The main symptom of frequent urination is having to urinate more often than normal in a 24-hour period. Symptoms may be mild or severe, depending on what’s causing you to urinate frequently. You may experience the following urinary problems or symptoms:
- A strong urge to urinate
- Urinating more than seven times per day
- Eliminating only small amounts of urine
- Pain or discomfort during urination
- Nocturia, or frequent urination at night
- Loss of bladder control
Causes of Frequent Urination
The causes of frequent urination can be as simple as drinking too much fluid. Your bladder can only hold a certain amount of volume. If you are drinking fluids excessively, such as water, carbonated beverages, caffeinated and energy drinks, and alcohol these can actually increase urine production. Not only can it be caused by drinking too much fluid, but it can also be caused by a variety of conditions, such as BPH.
- Anxiety
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Enlarged prostate gland (BPH)
- Caffeinated, carbonated, and alcoholic beverages
- Drinking excessive amounts of fluid
Take the BPH Symptom Assessment! Find out if you are a candidate for PAE.
How Does BPH Cause Frequent Urination?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common condition as men get older where the prostate gland becomes enlarged. A normal prostate is about the size of a walnut. When it grows larger due to BPH, it can become as big as an apricot or lemon. An enlarged prostate gland can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms, such as frequent urination. As the prostate begins to enlarge, it surrounds the urethra, narrowing the tube that eliminates urine from the bladder. This can cause men to pee more frequently, because only small amounts may be eliminated at one time. For men over 50, frequent urination is a common symptom of BPH.
Treatment for Frequent Urination
Treatment for frequent urination depends on how often and how urgent you need to urinate. If you are urinating frequently and have been diagnosed with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, our affiliated physicians at American Prostate Centers can help. They can offer options like Prostate Artery Embolization, a minimally invasive treatment, and suggest lifestyle changes that can help you regain control of your life and eliminate the symptom of frequent urination.
Lifestyle Changes
Changing your lifestyle can help you manage symptoms of frequent urination. Avoid drinking excessive amounts of fluid, including water. Eat a healthy diet, with less red meat, dairy, and fats. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Lose weight by being active daily, and participating in moderate to vigorous physical activity.
PAE: Minimally Invasive Prostate Treatment
Prostate Artery Embolization is a minimally invasive treatment for the symptoms of BPH. It is performed as an outpatient procedure with no anesthesia. Using image-guided technology, a small catheter is inserted into the arteries that supply blood to the prostate, usually through the groin or wrist. Tiny particles are injected to block the blood flow to the prostate gland, causing it to shrink. There is minimal discomfort and less recovery time than other treatments. As the prostate shrinks, the effects on the urethra will minimize or eliminate your symptoms.
What to Expect from Prostate Artery Embolization
Frequently Asked Questions About Frequent Urination
Generally, urinating more than 8 times in 24 hours is considered frequent.
Frequent urination is a common symptom of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate. It occurs when the enlarged prostate gland presses on the urethra. A doctor can diagnose BPH through a physical exam, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, and other tests like urinalysis or cystoscopy. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to avoid complications like bladder infections or urinary retention.
While waiting for treatment or alongside it, you can manage symptoms by:
- Emptying your bladder completely before going to bed.
- Avoiding caffeine and alcohol, especially before bed.
- Practicing pelvic floor exercises to strengthen bladder control.
- Maintaining a healthy weight and diet.
You should see a doctor if:
- Your frequent urination is interfering with your daily life or sleep.
- You have blood in your urine.
- You have difficulty urinating at all.
- You have any other concerning symptoms, such as pain or burning during urination.
Schedule an appointment at your nearest American Endovascular affiliated center.
Our Prostate Specialists
Our affiliated specialists at American Prostate Centers, are interventional radiologists in New York. They are committed to improving your quality of life by addressing frequent urination symptoms due to an enlarged prostate gland. When you visit American Prostate Centers, our team will make well-informed decisions regarding your health to relieve your symptoms of BPH.
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Schedule an appointment at your nearest American Prostate affiliated center.