Browse Medications by Everyday Health Concerns: Difficulty urinating
Written by Amar Lunagaria
Pharm.D • NiHowdy Founder
Reviewed by James Wong
Pharm.D • NiHowdy Founder
Updated Jan 27, 2025
•Published Jan 15, 2025
Fact checkedWhat is Difficulty urinating?
Difficulty urinating, also known as dysuria or urinary retention, refers to trouble initiating or maintaining urination. It can occur for various reasons, ranging from infections to structural issues in the urinary tract.
Symptoms of Difficulty urinating
Symptoms associated with difficulty urinating include:
- Straining to urinate or feeling as though the bladder is not emptying fully
- Weak or interrupted urine stream
- Pain or discomfort during urination
- Frequent urges to urinate, but little output
- Feeling of fullness or pressure in the lower abdomen
- Leaking urine or incontinence in some cases
What causes Difficulty urinating?
Difficulty urinating can be caused by:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can cause inflammation and block urine flow
- Enlarged prostate in men, which can obstruct the urethra
- Bladder or kidney stones, which can block the urinary tract
- Neurological conditions, like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease, affecting bladder control
- Medications, such as antihistamines or decongestants, that may affect urine flow
- Pelvic floor dysfunction, where muscles of the pelvic area are too tight or weak
Risk factors for Difficulty urinating
Risk factors for difficulty urinating include:
- Age, as prostate enlargement or weakened pelvic muscles become more common with age
- Sex, with men being more likely to experience difficulty urinating due to prostate issues
- Chronic conditions, such as diabetes, that affect bladder function
- Infections, which can inflame the urinary tract and cause difficulty urinating
- Medications, such as diuretics or antihistamines, that can interfere with urination
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How is Difficulty urinating diagnosed?
Diagnosis of difficulty urinating may involve:
- Physical exam to check for prostate enlargement or other abnormalities
- Urine test, to check for infections or blood in the urine
- Bladder scan, to measure how much urine remains in the bladder after urination
- Imaging tests, such as ultrasound or CT scans, to look for obstructions or stones
- Urodynamic testing, to assess bladder function and pressure
How is Difficulty urinating treated?
Treatment for difficulty urinating depends on the underlying cause and may include:
- Antibiotics, if an infection is the cause
- Alpha blockers, which relax the muscles around the prostate and bladder neck to improve urine flow (for men with prostate issues)
- Surgery or procedures, such as prostate surgery or stone removal
- Pelvic floor therapy, to strengthen or relax the pelvic muscles
- Catheterization, for severe cases where urine retention is significant
Medications for Difficulty urinating
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Can Difficulty urinating be prevented?
To prevent difficulty urinating, consider these steps:
- Stay hydrated to keep the urinary system healthy and flush out bacteria
- Maintain a healthy weight to avoid pressure on the bladder
- Avoid irritants, such as caffeine, alcohol, or spicy foods, which can irritate the bladder
- Practice good hygiene to prevent urinary tract infections
- Exercise regularly, especially pelvic floor exercises, to strengthen muscles involved in urination
Managing Difficulty urinating at home
At home, you can manage difficulty urinating by:
- Drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
- Avoiding irritants, such as alcohol, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners
- Using warm baths to relax pelvic muscles if there is pain
- Practicing relaxation techniques to manage stress that can affect bladder function
When should you seek help for Difficulty urinating?
Consult a healthcare provider if:
- You cannot urinate at all or if the flow stops completely
- You experience severe pain during urination
- You notice blood in your urine or unusual color changes
- You feel like your bladder is never fully empty, even after urinating
- You have a fever, which could indicate an infection
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How NiHowdy helps with Difficulty urinating
NiHowdy helps you save on medications for conditions causing difficulty urinating, such as antibiotics or alpha blockers. With NiHowdy's savings and Bitcoin rebates, managing your health becomes more affordable.
Success stories with Difficulty urinating
Sally struggled with difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate. By using NiHowdy to save on her medication, she managed her symptoms more effectively and returned to a more comfortable lifestyle.
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