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Intermittent Urination: A Symptom of BPH
Intermittent urination is when a person has trouble starting or maintaining a stream of urine, particularly when the stream is not continuous. The most common cause of intermittent urination is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate. Many men who suffer from BPH may experience intermittent urination at some point during their diagnosis. While intermittent urination may be painful and uncomfortable for those who suffer from it, the symptom is also very treatable.
Symptoms of Intermittent Urination
Usually the first sign of intermittent urination is noticing that it is taking you longer than normal to urinate, particularly due to a stopping and starting sensation while urinating. Other symptoms may include:
- Urine flow pauses
- Pain while urinating
- Urinary hesitancy
- Straining during urination
- Weak urine stream
- Incomplete emptying
Causes of Intermittent Urination
The most common cause of intermittent urination is an enlarged prostate gland (BPH). This condition occurs when the prostate becomes large enough to partially block the urinary tract. Other causes of intermittent urination include:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Overactive bladder
- Bladder or kidney stones
- Urinary incontinence
- Diabetes
- Urinary retention
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How Does BPH Cause Intermittent Urination?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a health condition most common in older men, in which the prostate gland becomes enlarged. BPH can cause many problems in the urinary tract, which often leads to frequent urination or trouble urinating. The prostate gland can grow large enough to block urine flow or cause symptoms of intermittent urination. This constant pressure on the urethra over time will cause the bladder walls to weaken, slowly losing the ability to empty fully. When the prostate is at a normal size, there is no blockage or added pressure, and the flow of urine is not disrupted. For people who suffer from intermittent urination, the prostate gland is too large for urine to flow through regularly. This results in the pausing sensations experienced during urination.
Treatment for Intermittent Urination
It is important to treat intermittent urination, not only due to BPH, but it can also cause other issues such as UTIs, bladder stones, and kidney damage. If you have any of these conditions as well as BPH, our affiliated physicians at American Prostate Centers can help. Our medical center provides prostate artery embolization (PAE), a minimally invasive procedure aimed at treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Alongside this treatment, our affiliated physicians offer recommendations for lifestyle changes to support overall prostate health.
Lifestyle Changes
Many instances of intermittent urination have been treated simply by making lifestyle changes without the need for surgery. When dealing with intermittent urination it is important to limit fluid intake, especially ones that can inflame the bladder, such as alcohol, caffeine, and sugar. You can also work with your physician to train your bladder and make sure you are emptying as thoroughly as possible after each urination.
PAE: Minimally Invasive Prostate Treatment
PAE is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedure used to treat BPH and its symptoms. During PAE, one of our affiliated and skilled interventional radiologists inserts a thin catheter into the arteries that supply blood to the prostate. Small particles are then delivered through the catheter to block the blood flow to the enlarged prostate, causing it to shrink over time. By reducing the blood supply to the prostate, PAE alleviates the symptoms of BPH, such as intermittent urination. This innovative and safe approach offers patients a faster recovery time and minimal side effects, providing significant relief and improvement in their quality of life.
What to Expect from Prostate Artery Embolization
Frequently Asked Questions About Intermittent Urination
Intermittent urination is a pattern of irregular or sporadic urination. It can involve changes in frequency, urgency, or difficulty in initiating or completing the urination process.
While prostate cancer can cause urinary symptoms, intermittent urination is more commonly associated with benign conditions such as BPH. However, any changes in urination should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
If you experience any of the following along with intermittent urination, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional:
- Blood in the urine
- Painful urination
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- Fever or chills
- Frequent urination at night
- Inability to empty your bladder completely
- Urinary incontinence
Schedule an appointment at your nearest American Endovascular affiliated center.
Our Prostate Specialists
At American Prostate Centers, we are proud to say that our specialists are among the country’s most respected interventional radiologists. We assure you that your case will be handled with the utmost care and respect when you visit our centers. Our affiliated interventional radiologists are committed to treating your BPH and symptoms.
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Schedule an appointment at your nearest American Prostate affiliated center.