Difficulty passing urine
Difficulty passing urine is a common problem.
It can be caused by conditions that affect the kidneys, bladder or prostate gland (in men).
What are the causes of difficulty passing urine?
Difficulty passing urine can be triggered by different problems in men and women. Only men have a prostate gland (which can become infected or enlarged), whereas women are more prone to simple bladder infections (cystitis).
Anyone who experiences difficulty passing urine for more than 24 to 48 hours should see a doctor.
The most likely cause of difficulty passing urine
The most likely cause of frequent but difficult urination in a man is a problem with the prostate gland, such as
- enlargement of the prostate gland
- infection or inflammation of the prostate gland
- kidney stones
- a narrowing of the urine tube (also known as a stricture of the urethra).
A detailed history and careful examination in clinic will provide insight into the cause of your symptoms.
We will undertake urine flow tests, urine testing and a post-void bladder scan at the time of your initial appointment, which in most cases will help identify the underlying problem.
Additional tests, such as a PSA blood test, MRI scan of your prostate, ultrasound of your kidneys and bladder, flexible cystoscopy or urodynamic investigations may be required to ascertain the underlying cause when it is not clear.