A guide to two common causes of urinary issues in men—and what to do next.
If you’re a man dealing with frequent trips to the bathroom, sudden urges to go, or trouble starting your stream, you’re not alone—and it’s not something you have to live with. These types of urinary issues can be frustrating, even a little alarming.
Often, the cause is either Overactive Bladder (OAB) or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). Knowing the difference between the two is the first step toward finding the right treatment—and getting your comfort and confidence back.
What is Overactive Bladder (OAB)?
OAB is characterized by a sudden, involuntary contraction of the bladder muscle, leading to an urgent need to urinate. This urgency can occur even when the bladder isn’t full, resulting in frequent trips to the bathroom and, in some cases, involuntary leakage. The root cause is often linked to malfunctioning nerves that trigger these uncontrolled bladder contractions.
What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?
BPH, commonly known as prostate enlargement, is a non-cancerous increase in the size of the prostate gland. As the prostate enlarges, it can press against the urethra—the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body—leading to urinary difficulties. It’s common in aging men and can significantly affect quality of life.
Distinguishing Between OAB and BPH
While both conditions affect urination, their symptoms have distinct differences:
OAB Symptoms:
- Sudden and intense urge to urinate
- Frequent urination, often more than eight times in 24 hours
- Nocturia: waking up multiple times during the night to urinate
- Possible accidental urine leakage when you suddenly need to go
BPH Symptoms:
- Difficulty starting urination
- Weak or interrupted urine stream
- Feeling that the bladder isn’t completely empty after urinating
- Increased frequency of urination, especially at night
Recognizing these symptoms can aid in identifying the underlying cause of urinary issues.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
If you’re experiencing symptoms associated with either OAB or BPH, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis. At Advanced Urology Associates, our team offers comprehensive evaluations to determine the cause of your urinary concerns.
For OAB Diagnosis:
Assessment typically involves a detailed medical history, physical examination, and possibly bladder function tests to evaluate bladder activity.
Treatment:
- Lifestyle Changes: Techniques like bladder training, going to the bathroom on a schedule, and doing pelvic floor exercises can help manage symptoms
- Medications: Certain medications can relax the bladder muscle, reducing episodes of urgency
- Advanced Therapies: If other treatments don’t work, options like nerve stimulation or bladder Botox may help
For BPH Diagnosis:
Tests may include a prostate exam, a PSA blood test, and scans to check prostate size and rule out other problems.
Treatment:
- Medications: Some medicines help relax muscles to improve urine flow, while others can shrink the prostate over time
- Minimally Invasive Procedures: Treatments like the UroLift® can move prostate tissue out of the way to make urination easier—without cutting or removing anything
- Surgical Options: In severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove part of the enlarged prostate and improve urine flow
