What causes an intermittent urine stream and how can it be treated?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

An intermittent urine stream—when urine flow starts and stops involuntarily—is often caused by dysfunction of the pelvic floor muscles or an obstruction in the lower urinary tract, such as an enlarged prostate or urethral stricture. Common treatments include alpha-blocker medications like tamsulosin, pelvic floor therapy, and in some cases, surgical intervention.

Because an intermittent stream can stem from many different underlying conditions, identifying the likely cause early is key to effective treatment. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be driving your symptoms and get personalized guidance on the next steps to take.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover what causes intermittent urine stream See if your urine stream needs care Find out what’s behind your urine symptoms Learn OTC options for urine issues Find a doctor for urinary symptoms Discover home remedies for weak urine flow Understand if intermittent urine stream is serious

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Explanation

An intermittent urine stream means that the flow of urine stops and starts when trying to urinate. This can happen because of problems with the pelvic floor muscles or the lower urinary tract.

Causes:

Pelvic Floor Issues: The pelvic floor muscles help control urination. If these muscles are weak or not working well, it can make the urine stream stop and start.
Lower Urinary Tract Problems: Sometimes, there are issues with the bladder or the tubes that carry urine out of the body, which can also cause this problem.

Treatment:

Medications: Medicines like tamsulosin can help. Tamsulosin works by relaxing the muscles in the bladder and prostate, making it easier to urinate.

If you're experiencing problems with your urine stream, you can use our free AI symptom checker to better understand your symptoms, or talk to a doctor who can help figure out what might be causing the problem and how best to treat it.

(References)

Chermansky CJ, & Moalli PA. (2016). Role of pelvic floor in lower urinary tract function. Autonomic neuroscience : basic & clinical, 26209089.
Rakowska-Silska M, Jobs K, Paturej A, & Kalicki B. (2020). Voiding Disorders in Pediatrician's Practice. Clinical medicine insights. Pediatrics, 33293883.
Yanardag H, Goktas S, Kibar Y, Kilic S, & Erduran D. (2005). Intermittent tamsulosin therapy in men with lower urinary .... The Journal of urology, 15592062.

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