Weak Urine Stream

About the Symptom

When the urine stream lacks force. Individuals with a weak stream feel like they take longer to urinate. In men signs may include having to stand closer to the toilet. This is caused by either blockage of the urethra, the tube that empties the bladder, or a weak bladder.

When to See a Doctor

Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms

• Gross hematuria
• Urinary incontinence
• Fever
• Sensation of incomplete voiding
• Difficulty urinating
• Urinary frequency

Possible Causes

Generally, Weak urine stream 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).

• 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.

• Neurogenic Bladder

  A condition where nerves supplying the bladder are damaged. Causes include injury to the spinal cord and nerve diseases like Parkinson's disease and Multiple sclerosis.

• Cystitis
• Prostate Cancer
• Drug-Induced Urinary Retention
• Overactive Bladder
• Pollakiuria
• Nephrolithiasis (Kidney Stones)
• Diabetes Mellitus

Doctor's Diagnostic Questions

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

• Is your urine stream weaker than it used to be?
• How often have you experienced weak urine flow in the past month?
• How has the weak urine stream/flow changed since it started?
• How long have you had weak urine flow?

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