What are the common causes of difficulty starting urination in males?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Difficulty starting urination in males, medically known as urinary hesitancy, is most commonly caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), an enlarged prostate that puts pressure on the urethra. Other frequent causes include certain medications (such as antihistamines, decongestants, and antidepressants), urinary tract infections, nerve damage, or prostatitis.

Because urinary hesitancy can stem from many different conditions—some minor, others requiring prompt medical attention—it's important to identify the likely cause before deciding on next steps. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you understand what may be driving your symptoms, assess urgency, and guide you toward the right care. It takes just a few minutes and could save you time, worry, and unnecessary appointments.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

Quick answers

Frequently Asked Questions

4 answers

The most common questions men ask Ubie

Concerned about your symptoms?

Start a symptom check

Explanation

Difficulty starting urination is a common issue in males, especially as they age. One frequent cause is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is when the prostate gland becomes enlarged and presses on the urethra. This can make it hard for urine to flow easily.

Another cause can be medications that affect the bladder or the muscles that control urination. Some drugs can make it difficult to start urinating by causing urinary retention, a condition where urine is held in the bladder and not released properly.

Here are some key points to understand:

BPH: As men age, the prostate can grow larger, which can block the flow of urine.
Medications: Certain drugs for allergies, colds, or depression can affect how the bladder works.

If someone is having trouble starting to urinate, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider to find out the cause and get the right treatment. You can get started by taking a free symptom checker assessment to better understand your symptoms and help guide your next steps.

(References)

Chaikin DC, & Blaivas JG. (2001). Voiding dysfunction: definitions. Current opinion in urology, 11429500.
Mobley D, Feibus A, & Baum N. (2015). Benign prostatic hyperplasia and urinary symptoms. Postgraduate medicine, 25823641.
Verhamme KM, Sturkenboom MC, Stricker BH, & Bosch R. (2008). Drug-induced urinary retention: incidence, management .... Drug safety, 18422378.

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Was this page helpful?

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.