Men’s bladder conditions can affect quality of life
Although common, particularly in those older than 50, men’s bladder conditions often go undiagnosed and untreated because men are hesitant to discuss the problem. Our North Austin bladder specialists encourage men to seek medical help for urinary problems. Treatments are available to address the symptoms, improve male bladder health, and enhance a man’s quality of life.
Causes of unwanted bladder symptoms in men
- An enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH) can obstruct the urethra, making it difficult for the bladder to empty.
- Diabetes can cause sensory nerve problems in the bladder, leading to an urgent need to urinate and leaking urine.
- Obesity and excess body weight put additional pressure on the bladder and urethra and can cause leaking urine.
- Some prescription medications, including diuretics, laxatives, sleeping pills and antidepressants, can cause bladder problems.
- With age, the bladder muscles may weaken, resulting in urine leakage or inability to empty the bladder.
Common male bladder health conditions
Of the wide-ranging men’s bladder conditions our North Austin bladder specialists treat, these are the most common.
- Urinary incontinence, an inability to fully control the bladder, leading to leaking urine
- Overactive bladder, a sudden, urgent need to urinate
- Nocturia, or waking to urinate more than once a night
- Incomplete emptying, an inability to fully empty the bladder that can lead to further complications, such as urinary retention
- Interstitial cystitis, which causes pain and pressure in the bladder, back, abdomen, testicles and penis, and can result in frequent urination
Identifying men’s bladder conditions
Your urologist will walk you through the evaluation and management of your concerns. Based on the symptoms, your doctor might order a number of tests.
- Urinalysis, which tests the urine for abnormalities or infections
- Uroflowmetry, which checks the urine flow rate
- Cystoscopy, which uses a very small instrument to look inside the bladder and urethra
- Urodynamics, which tests for function of the lower urinary tract
- Voiding cystourethrogram, a diagnostic X-ray that examines the urinary tract
Resolving men’s bladder conditions
In many cases, treating underlying issues, such as an enlarged prostate, is the first step in addressing bladder concerns. Multiple approaches are available to improve male bladder health.
- Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, improving diet, reducing alcohol intake, and stopping smoking, may help. Common diet changes include adding vegetables and fruit, eliminating soft drinks, and reducing caffeine.
- Medications can be used to treat infections and relieve symptoms.
- Surgery is available to address incontinence and other bladder disorders.
Our North Austin bladder specialists are highly skilled in treating men’s bladder conditions. We can offer treatment that will relieve symptoms and enhance quality of life. Contact North Austin Urology for an appointment with one of our North Austin bladder specialists.
