Frequent urination in males is sometimes overlooked as merely a symptom of aging, or a problem that some people just have to deal with. Unfortunately, it can often be a symptom of an underlying condition that should be treated. For example, frequent urination in men may point to an enlarged prostate gland, or it could signal an overall issue with the bladder that does not affect the rest of the body. Of course, it may also be an issue that is not just related to the bladder or the sex of the patient, as it could be a symptom of a medical condition.
The prostate gland is a major part of the male reproductive system, and one symptom of it becoming enlarged is frequent urination. This is because as it grows in size, it tends to put pressure on the urethra, resulting in the feeling of having to urinate frequently. The only symptoms of this condition involve changes in urinating habits, such as difficulty starting or stopping the flow, a weak stream, leakage or dribbling afterward, and a constant feeling of having to go. Getting this cause of frequent urination in men checked out by a doctor is important since it often leads to other issues if ignored.
Some conditions mainly affect the bladder, causing discomfort without leading to other medical issues. For example, the use of diuretics can lead to frequent urination in men, often caused by high blood pressure medication or other types of medicine. Interstitial cystitis is another condition that mainly affects the bladder, leading to urinary frequency, pelvic pain, and general inflammation of the area. Overactive bladder syndrome and urinary tract infection are also possible bladder-related conditions associated with frequent urination in men.
On occasion, this symptom may be caused by an underlying disease that will eventually affect the entire body. For example, it may be one sign of either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, since the body often tries to get rid of excess glucose through urinating. A stroke can also cause the frequent or sudden urge to urinate. Neurogenic bladder is caused by issues in the brain rather than the bladder, as an injured spinal cord or brainstem can cause frequent urination in men, sometimes signaling multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, or herpes zoster, to name a few conditions. Finally, frequent urination may also be a sign of other serious conditions, such as cancer of the bladder or prostate gland.