What Causes Frequent urination in men?

Frequent urination can affect both men and women and is defined as an increased need to go to the toilet. It’s a common problem for men over 50. 

As a male, peeing frequently as you get older has several potential causes, for example it could be due to producing more urine overnight. Your sleep may also be disturbed as you wake to go to the toilet at night (known as nocturia).  

If you are a male urinating more often and it begins to negatively impact your lifestyle, or you are experiencing other symptoms including pain, fever, red or dark brown urine or loss of bladder control, you should consult your doctor. 

Excessive urination in men can have a few causes, some of which are quite normal. One example would be simply drinking over the recommended 1.5 litres (or 6-8 cups) of fluids a day1 or taking on fluids towards the end of the day. Urine production can also be stimulated by a high intake of diuretics (things that cause you to pass more urine). Some examples of these include:  

• Tea 

• Coffee 

• Alcohol  

• Certain medications (such as those used to treat high blood pressure) 

While it’s normal for urination to vary a little day to day,  increased urination in men over an extended period could be a sign of several health issues. Some examples include:  

• Urinary tract infection (UTI) 

• Overactive bladder 

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)*  

• Kidney disease 

• Diabetes2. 

*Because of the position of the bladder in male bodies, the prostate gland can also affect your toilet habits. Sometimes, an enlarged prostate can press against the urethra, blocking the flow of urine, which can stimulate the bladder wall to try to overcome the obstruction.  

To learn more, read our interview with Professor Ralph Peeker on the prostate and male urine leakage. 

Surgery or radiation therapy can also sometimes lead to increased urination in men.  

Frequent urination in men may also be a sign of other health issues, so it’s important to speak to your doctor if you notice changes.  

There are several ways to address frequent urination in men. 

Lifestyle Changes 

• Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake: Reducing the number or quantity of diuretics you consume can help reduce urinary frequency. 

• Avoiding excessive fluid intake: Making sure to drink enough water without overdoing it can also help reduce increased urination in men. 

• Bladder training: This is the process of increasing your bladder strength by increasing the time between bathroom visits, thus increasing bladder control. 

• Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels): Use pelvic floor training to strengthen the muscles that control urination. 

Medications 

There are several different medications your doctor may prescribe you once the cause of your increased urination has been diagnosed. The specific medications will vary depending on this, but it could range from antibiotics when dealing with a UTI, to muscle relaxants or other specific drugs to help treat your symptoms. 

Medical Procedures

Again, in very specific circumstances minimally invasive surgery may be required, most commonly when dealing with BPH. Bladder Botox is also a treatment that is sometimes used to help treat overactive bladder symptoms. 

Behavioral Therapy 

In some cases, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be used to help address habits or anxieties that lead to increased urination in men. 

You should consult a doctor if you’ve noticed a change, or if your increased toilet trips are coupled with other symptoms such as fever, pain in your back or side, vomiting, chills, increased appetite or thirst, fatigue, bloody or cloudy urine, or unusual discharge. 

And if you do want more information on incontinence, TENA can offer the support you need. 

Sources: 

1https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/the-eatwell-guide/ 

2https://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/frequent-urination-causes-and-treatments