Published on: 7/4/2025
What are the common causes of difficulty starting urination in males?
Difficulty starting urination in males is often caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or certain medications that can lead to urinary retention.
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.
(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.
Learn more about symptoms
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.