Difficulty passing urine

SYMPTOMS

This is a very common complaint. Symptoms may include difficulty initiating the flow of urine, passing a slow and intermittent flow, having to strain in order to pass urine, difficulty emptying the bladder and spraying of urine during your flow along with unwanted dribbling at the end or even once finished.

There are many reasons why people may have difficulty passing urine; the most common of these is due to a blockage. In men this is commonly caused by the bladder neck and prostate, although may also be due to a narrowing in the water pipe (urethra). In women the urethra may also become narrowed.

Difficulties urinating may also be caused by a weakness in the bladder affecting its ability to pump urine effectively.

A detailed history and careful examination in clinic will provide insight into the cause of your symptoms. A crucial aspect of these investigations in men may be to rule out prostate cancer. We will undertake urine flow tests, urine testing and a post-void bladder scan at the time of your initial appointment, which in most cases will help identify the underlying problem. Sometimes additional tests, such as a PSA blood test, MRI scan of your prostate, ultrasound of your kidneys and bladder, flexible cystoscopy or urodynamic investigations may be required to ascertain the underlying cause when it is not clear.