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Weak Urine Stream: A Symptom of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
A weak urine stream is when the bladder does not empty properly, causing problems starting or keeping a steady stream of urine. It’s a common symptom of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), which is an enlargement of the prostate gland that affects men as they age. Generally, men who have BPH experience a weak urine stream at some point during their diagnosis. While a weak urine stream may be uncomfortable and at times painful for those who suffer from it, this symptom is also very treatable.
Symptoms of Weak Urine Streams
Usually, the first sign of a weak urine stream is by noticing that it is taking you longer than normal to urinate. Other symptoms may include:
- Pain while urinating
- Lower abdominal discomfort
- Cloudy urine
- Inability to urinate
- Continuous dribble of urine after urination
- Feeling like you have not fully emptied your bladder after urinating
Causes of Weak Urine Streams
The most common cause of a weak urine stream in older men is an enlarged prostate gland (BPH). This condition occurs when the prostate becomes large enough to partially block the urinary tract. Other causes of a weak urine stream include:
- Bladder muscle dysfunction
- Tumors that block the urethra or bladder
- Kidney stones
- Nervous system disorders or problems with the spinal cord
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Some medicines
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How Does BPH Cause Weak Urine Streams?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a health condition most common in older men, in which the prostate gland becomes enlarged. It is very common for this condition to cause urinary tract issues which could lead to frequent urination or trouble urinating. The prostate gland can end up partially blocking the urethra if it becomes large enough. The blockage may lead to abdominal pain and pain while urinating, but it is also a likely reason why BPH would cause a weak urine stream. When the prostate is at a normal size, it does not block the urethra and disrupt the flow of urine. For people who suffer from a weak urine stream, however, the gland becomes too large for urine to flow regularly.
Treatment for Weak Urine Streams
When treating a weak urine stream, it is important to know if you have any other unusual symptoms. If you are experiencing other urinary issues associated with an enlarged prostate and have been diagnosed with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, our physicians at American Prostate Centers can help. They offer Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE), which is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat BPH and recommend lifestyle changes.
Lifestyle Changes
Many cases of a weak urine stream may be treated by making lifestyle changes instead of having a procedure. When dealing with a weak urine stream it is important to take note of medications you are taking, as some may be the cause. You can also work with your physicians to train your bladder to hold in urine longer and use exercise to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.
PAE: Minimally Invasive Prostate Treatment
Prostate artery embolization is a minimally invasive way to treat BPH and its symptoms. A small catheter will be inserted into the arteries that supply blood to the prostate by our expert specialists. Tiny particles will be injected into the arteries to disrupt blood flow to the prostate. This will cause the gland to shrink due to less oxygenated blood entering the prostate.
What to Expect from Prostate Artery Embolization
Frequently Asked Questions About Weak Urine Stream
A weak urine stream is when your urine flow is slow or hesitant. Men with a weak stream feel like they take longer than usual to urinate.
While a weak urine stream can be associated with an enlarged prostate it is not necessarily a sign of prostate cancer. However, any changes in urinary patterns should be evaluated by a healthcare professional, especially if there are other symptoms.
- If the weak stream is sudden or severe
- If you have any other urinary symptoms, such as pain, blood, or difficulty emptying your bladder
- If the weak stream is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever or chills
- If you are concerned about the cause of the weak stream
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Our Prostate Specialists
Our expert prostate specialists are dedicated to improving your quality of life and treating BPH and your symptoms. Our specialists are among the country’s most respected interventional radiologists. They will handle your situation with the utmost care and respect, and make well-informed decisions to get you the care you need.
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