Home / Wellness / HEALTHY REASONING: Urine Problems In Men
HEALTHY REASONING: Urine Problems In Men

HEALTHY REASONING: Urine Problems In Men

By Allan Jones
Pride Health Columnist

I recall as a youngster growing up in Jamaica that a resident of the community, the plumber Mr. Miah, once had “stoppage of water” and had to be taken to the hospital. The term “stoppage of water” is describing an inability to pass urine, even though the bladder is full and you feel a strong need to pass urine. Many of you reading this column can relate to similar experiences. Not much has changed since, because still many men over 50 years old, right here in Canada, experience reduced urine flow, or a complete inability to pass urine, or, on the other hand, a regular need to pass urine, sometimes urgently with little or no warning.

So what is causing all this to happen? In most cases it is the enlargement of the prostate gland. The prostate is about the size of a large walnut. It is located close to the rectum just below the bladder at the base of the penis. The prostate gland surrounds the urethra, the tube that runs the length of the penis through which urine passes from the bladder. When the prostate enlarges, it makes the urethra narrower and therefore restricts urine flow. In extreme situations it completely blocks urine from coming out, and the person gets “stoppage of water”. It is a very painful and uncomfortable situation and necessitates an immediate visit to a hospital. It is an emergency.

This enlargement of the prostate gland is known medically as BPH or benign prostatic hyperplasia. One third of all men experience BPH-related symptoms by age 50, and by age 70 the number increases to 70%. BPH generally begins in a man in his 30’s, evolves slowly, and most commonly causes symptoms after 50.

The good news is that BPH is not prostate cancer, and just because you have BPH now does not mean it will develop into prostate cancer in the future. The first name of the condition, BENIGN, means it is not cancerous.

The situation of “stoppage of water” is the end stage of the many symptoms of BPH. The symptoms experienced from an enlarged prostate are many, and is not a “one size fits all” diagnosis. A man may experience any of the following;

  • Frequent or urgent need to urinate both day and night
  • Difficulty starting urination
  • Weak urine flow
  • Stopping and starting urine flow while urinating
  • Feeling of being unable to completely empty the bladder

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms they should not be ignored. You should see your family doctor who may refer you to a specialist. The symptoms can affect your quality of life; you may have to stop frequently when on a drive somewhere; cannot sit through a meeting or church service; getting up several times at night.

Drug treatment is usually reserved for men with significant symptoms. Watchful waiting with medical monitoring once a year is appropriate for most men. Men with significant symptoms can be treated with drugs that relax the smooth muscles of the prostate and the bladder neck, relieving the obstruction caused by the enlarged prostate. Other drugs block the conversion of the male hormone testosterone into its active form. This active form contributes to prostate growth.

Surgery is recommended for men who have not responded satisfactorily to medication, or those with severe problems such as a complete inability to urinate (“stoppage of water”). There are a number of surgical options. Men should carefully weigh the risks and benefits of each option. Removing the prostate gland has traditionally been seen as offering the most benefits for prostate enlargement, but unfortunately carries the most risks including impotence and incontinence.

For men over 45 it is recommended to have a prostate exam as part of their annual check-up. The exam should include the digital rectal exam (DRE) and the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. For the DRE the doctor uses a gloved finger to assess the consistency and size of the prostate. The PSA test is a blood test, which due to an enlarged prostate, can record a high number, not because of cancer, but because the gland is large. These two tests still remain the best way to detect prostate cancer.

Having the prostate gland acting up after men reach 50 is a necessary evil. Be vigilant, monitor the situation and ensure that you are not faced with a condition that surprises you…..the earlier a problem is detected, the easier the treatment, and the better the chance for success.

Allan Jones is a Health Promoter and Broadcaster. He can be reached at ajones@jjmedical.ca.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Scroll To Top