Low Urine Output

About the Symptom

Reduction in the usual amount of urine. For adults, this is less than 400-500mL of urine in 24 hours.

When to See a Doctor

Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms

• Decrease in urine volume

Possible Causes

Generally, Low urine output can be related to:

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

  Non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. Age-related changes in male hormone levels are thought to be the cause. Incidence increases with age with an estimated 80% of men over the age of 70 with BPH. Symptoms may include a weak urinary stream, leakage of urine after voiding and urinating frequently at night (nocturia).

• Drug-Induced Urinary Retention

  This condition occurs when patients have trouble urinating after taking specific medications. Middle-aged men with an enlarged prostate are more susceptible to this condition.

• Urethral Stricture

  The urethra is a tube that carries urine from the bladder and allows urine to leave the body. A urethral stricture is when the urethra is narrowed, restricting the flow of urine from the bladder. This condition usually occurs due to inflammation or the presence of scar tissue. Pelvic fractures and an enlarged prostate can also cause urethral strictures.

• Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Related Serious Diseases

Sometimes, Low urine output may be related to these serious diseases:

• Urinary Retention

  Urinary retention is a condition where the bladder cannot empty completely or at all during urination. It can be acute—a sudden inability to urinate. It can also be chronic — a gradual inability to fully empty the bladder of urine. Urinary retention may be caused by a host of different ailments.

• Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
• Acute Glomerulonephritis
• Dehydration
• Renal Infarction
• Cyclic Vomiting

Doctor's Diagnostic Questions

Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:

• Have you been experiencing difficulty urinating or producing less urine?
• When did you first notice having difficulty urinating or producing less urine?
• Has it been over 12 hours since you last passed urine?
• Is your urine output slightly decreased?
• Are you urinating less than usual?

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