Causes of Frequent Urination in Men
Frequent urination in men can be a nuisance, disrupt sleep and cause concern.
Frequent urination in men can be a nuisance, disrupt sleep and cause concern. There are many possible causes of frequent urination, including infection of the bladder or prostate gland, an enlarged prostate gland or diseases that increase the body's production of urine, such as diabetes and some types of kidney failure. Frequent urination in men should be evaluated by a physician.
Enlarged Prostate
The prostate gland produces semen. Approximately the size of a walnut, it surrounds the urethra at the base of the bladder. Certain disorders can cause the prostate to become enlarged, causing it to press on the urethra and block drainage of urine from the bladder. Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, and prostate cancer cause prostate gland enlargement. Some of the signs of prostate cancer and BPH are the same, according to Southwestern Medical Center. Symptoms include more frequent urination, especially at night; dribbling of urine; a weak urinary stream and inability to urinate. Additional symptoms of prostate cancer can include pain in the lower back, thighs or hips, notes the National Cancer Institute.
Urinary Tract Infection
The urinary tract is made up of the urethra, bladder, ureters and kidneys. Infection can result when bacteria enters and travels upward, according to Drugs.com. Disorders that cause incomplete emptying of the bladder can increase the risk of infection. Other factors that increase risk are not being circumcised, an enlarged prostate gland, anal sex and a weakened immune system. Symptoms include burning or pain during urination, frequent or urgent urination, cloudy, bloody or foul-smelling urine, and fever. Treatment with antibiotics prevents serious complications that can result if the bacteria spreads to the kidneys or bloodstream.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland that can result in pain and swelling, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Dictionary. Prostatitis can be caused by a bacterial infection. Acute infections of the prostate develop rapidly and produce more intense symptoms than chronic prostatitis, which develops more slowly. Spasms of the bladder muscles can cause frequent, urgent urination that burns or is painful. Other symptoms include painful erection and ejaculation, pain between the scrotum and anus, and constipation. Acute prostatitis can also cause fever, blood in the urine or difficulty urinating.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a disorder that disrupts the body's ability to use glucose as fuel due to a lack of insulin or a resistance to it, according to Medline Plus. Type 1 diabetes develops rapidly and can quickly cause coma and death if not treated, while type 2 develops much more slowly and has milder symptoms. Signs of diabetes are the same for men and women. Increased urination, increased thirst and appetite, and fatigue are symptoms of both types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetics may also experience nausea and vomiting, as well as weight loss despite an increased appetite.