Published on: 5/21/2025
What Is the Medical Term for Difficulty Starting Urination?
The medical term for difficulty starting urination is 'urinary hesitancy.'
Explanation
Urinary hesitancy refers to the difficulty or delay in starting the urine stream when trying to urinate. This condition can be caused by several factors, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is a common condition in older men where the prostate gland is enlarged.
Causes of Urinary Hesitancy:
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): This is a common cause of urinary hesitancy in men, especially as they age. The enlarged prostate can press against the urethra, making it hard to start urination.
- Medications: Some medications can lead to urinary hesitancy as a side effect.
Symptoms:
- Difficulty in starting urination
- Weak urine stream
- Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
Understanding these symptoms and their causes can help in managing and treating urinary hesitancy effectively. If you experience these symptoms, it may be helpful to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and management.
(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.
- Lowenstein L, Mueller ER, Sharma S, & FitzGerald MP. (2007). Urinary hesitancy and retention during treatment with .... International urogynecology journal and pelvic floor dysfunction, 17089079.
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