Bladder and Urinary Problems in Men

This article includes those conditions which are particular to men or where the conditions manifest in very different ways.

Don’t forget that if you’re worried about any symptoms you may have, you can get in touch. Find out more about our urology centre.

Male urology vs female urology

Male and female urology differ significantly due to the anatomical and physiological differences between the sexes, which affect the urinary tract and reproductive organs. These differences influence the types of urological conditions commonly seen in men and women, the symptoms experienced, and the approaches to diagnosis and treatment.

Men are more likely to experience conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer, and prostatitis, all related to the prostate gland. Conditions affecting the testes, such as testicular cancer and epididymitis, are also male-specific.

Recognizing these differences is not just a matter of anatomical distinction but an important aspect of providing accurate, relevant, and effective health information. And so, we have created separate articles for men and women on urological health for several compelling reasons.

Common Urological Conditions

For the following conditions which affect men and women, please visit our article: A Guide to Common Urological Conditions

This includes:

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
• Urinary Incontinence
• Kidney Stones
• Overactive Bladder (OAB)
• Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Painful Bladder Syndrome
• Hematuria
• Bladder Cancer
• Kidney Infections
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
• Urethral Stricture.

Bladder and Urinary Problems in Men

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition characterised by an enlargement of the prostate gland. This enlargement can lead to urinary problems, such as difficulty starting urination and the need to urinate frequently, especially at night.

BPH is common as men age. The exact cause is not well understood but is thought to be related to changes in hormone levels as men grow older, including the balance between testosterone and oestrogen.

Symptoms

• Difficulty starting urination
• Weak urine stream or a stream that stops and starts
• Frequent or urgent need to urinate, especially at night
• Inability to completely empty the bladder
• Dribbling at the end of urination

Treatment options

• Medications to relax the prostate or shrink the prostate
• Minimally invasive therapies to remove excess prostate tissue
• Surgery for severe cases (e.g., transurethral resection of the prostate, TURP)
• Lifestyle changes and monitoring for mild cases

How to reduce the chances of developing BPH

• Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight
• A diet rich in fruits and vegetables
• Regular medical checkups to monitor prostate health

Prostatitis

Prostatitis is the inflammation of the prostate gland, which can cause pain, difficulty urinating, and sexual dysfunction. It can affect men of all ages and can be acute or chronic. Prostatitis can be caused by bacterial infections, but often the exact cause is not identified. Risk factors include a previous history of prostatitis, injury to the pelvic area, and certain types of infections.

Symptoms

• Pain or burning sensation during urination
• Frequent urination, particularly at night
• Urgent need to urinate
• Cloudy urine
• Pain in the abdomen, groin, or lower back
• Pain in the area between the scrotum and rectum
• Pain or discomfort of the penis or testicles
• Erectile dysfunction

Treatment options

• Antibiotics for bacterial prostatitis
• Anti-inflammatory agents
• Alpha-blockers to relax the muscle fibres in the prostate
• Pain relievers
• Warm baths
• Prostate massage

How to reduce the chances of developing prostatitis

• Practise good hygiene
• Stay hydrated
• Practise safe sex
• Regularly empty the bladder.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men, affecting the prostate gland. It may grow slowly and is initially confined to the prostate gland, where it may not cause serious harm. However, some types are aggressive and can spread quickly.

The exact cause of prostate cancer is unclear, but factors like age, race, family history, and obesity can increase the risk. Changes in the DNA of prostate cells can cause the cells to grow and divide more rapidly than normal cells do.

Symptoms

• Trouble urinating
• Decreased force in the stream of urine
• Blood in the urine
• Blood in the semen
• Bone pain
• Losing weight without trying
• Erectile dysfunction

Treatment options

• Active surveillance for slow-growing cancers
• Surgery (prostatectomy)
• Radiation therapy
• Hormone therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted drug therapy

How to reduce the chances of developing prostate cancer

• A diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in fats
• Regular exercise
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Regular screening for men at higher risk

Read: Prostate cancer treatment: what are the options?

Erectile dysfunction (ED)

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for satisfactory sexual intercourse. It’s a common condition that affects men of various ages, particularly older men.

Symptoms

• Trouble getting an erection
• Difficulty maintaining an erection during sexual activities
• Reduced interest in sex
• When and Why This Condition Develops

ED can result from physical or psychological factors or a combination of both. Common causes include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, low testosterone, stress, anxiety, and depression.

Treatment options

• Oral medications (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil)
• Lifestyle changes (e.g., exercising, losing weight, stopping smoking)
• Psychological counselling for cases related to stress, depression, or anxiety
• Vacuum erection devices
• Penile injections or suppositories
• Surgery (penile implants)

How to reduce the chances of developing erectile dysfunction (ED)

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise
• Eat a balanced diet
• Avoid excessive alcohol and smoking
• Manage stress and mental health issues
• Regularly check and manage chronic health conditions.

Read: Prostate cancer surgery: erectile dysfunction

Hydrocele

A hydrocele is a fluid-filled sac around a testicle, which causes swelling in the scrotum. Most hydroceles are painless and harmless. Hydroceles are often caused by an imbalance in the production and absorption of fluid or by injury or inflammation within the scrotum. They are common in newborns and usually resolve without treatment.

Symptoms

• Swelling of the scrotum, varying in size
• Feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
• Discomfort in the swollen scrotum

Treatment options

• Observation for newborns, as many hydroceles resolve without treatment
• Surgery to remove the hydrocele if it’s large or doesn’t disappear by age 1 or 2, or in adults if it becomes uncomfortable

How to reduce the chances of developing hydrocele

• Protective gear during sports or physical activities to prevent scrotal injury
• Prompt treatment of scrotal inflammation or infection

Epididymitis

Epididymitis is the inflammation of the epididymis, a coiled tube at the back of the testicle that stores and carries sperm. Epididymitis is most often caused by a bacterial infection or a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as gonorrhoea or chlamydia. However, it can also result from non-infectious causes, such as trauma to the groin area or urinary tract issues that lead to the backward flow of urine into the epididymis. Men of all ages can be affected, but it is more common in men between the ages of 14 and 35.

Symptoms

• Pain and swelling in the testicle, which may develop gradually
• Redness and warmth in the scrotum
• Painful urination or an urgent or frequent need to urinate
• Discharge from the penis
• Fever

Treatment options

• Antibiotics
• Pain relief
• Ice packs

How to reduce the chances of developing epididymitis

• Practise safe sex
• Urinate after sex
• Manage prostate and urinary tract health
• Avoid heavy lifting.

If you’re worried about any symptoms you may have, you can get in touch or find out more about our urology centre.