If you are experiencing LUTS, read on to learn a few of the common causes in men, such as BPH and pelvic floor dysfunction.
What Is LUTS?
Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms, abbreviated as LUTS, describe a range of issues that affect somebody’s ability to store urine in their bladder without worrying about incontinence and their ability to feel as though they fully emptied their bladder. Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms affect approximately 1 in 5 adult men. Research shows that the prevalence of LUTS increases with age. Symptoms of LUTS are organized into two categories: storage symptoms and voiding symptoms.
Storage symptoms are associated with high blood sugar and cholesterol levels and obesity. This category of symptoms is twice as common as voiding symptoms in men. Storage symptoms include:
- Increased, more frequent need to urinate
- Passing a larger volume of urine than usual
- The feeling of having a full bladder more quickly than normal, or feeling as though you cannot completely empty your bladder
- Urinary incontinence, or involuntary loss of urine
Voiding symptoms are associated with erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and thyroid dysfunction. Voiding symptoms include:
- A delay in the ability to urinate when you are ready or occasional inability to start
- Urine flow that starts and stops
- Urine flow that becomes a dribble or spray
- Pain during urination, or discomfort or pain from being unable to fully empty one’s bladder
Both storage and voiding symptoms are also associated with sleep apnea. In men, other causes of LUTS include UTIs (urinary tract infections), weak pelvic floor muscles, or cancer of the kidneys, bladder, or ureters. As Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms describe a wide range of symptoms that could indicate a number of medical issues, it is best to consult your doctor if you are experiencing LUTS to determine the cause.
What Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, also referred to as BPH, is colloquially known as prostate gland enlargement. This medical condition is non-cancerous and common as men get older. LUTS is associated with BPH, as an enlarged prostate gland can block the urine flow out of the bladder and cause other problems with one’s bladder, kidney, or urinary tract. To help with urinary problems, most men often need treatment to shrink the prostate or its surrounding muscles
What Is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
Pelvic floor dysfunction is a medical condition that is common with obesity and age in which someone has difficulty coordinating or relaxing the pelvic floor muscles. This causes issues with urination and being able to pass a bowel movement. Pelvic floor dysfunction in men can also be a cause of erectile dysfunction. Heavy lifting can often make the symptoms worse. Treatments for pelvic floor dysfunction include biofeedback, medication, and physical therapy.
What Is Stress Incontinence?
Stress incontinence is a condition in which weakened urinary sphincter and pelvic floor muscles cause urine leakage. Causes can include obesity, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or smoking. Stress incontinence can also occur after prostate surgery. Because urine leaks whenever pressure is put on the bladder, stress incontinence can be inconvenient and uncomfortable. Unexpected urine leakage can occur in daily activities such as bending over, lifting objects, coughing, sneezing, or laughing. Stress incontinence can be treated with exercises or electromagnetic technology that stimulates the pelvic floor muscles.
If you are experiencing stress incontinence, or you are concerned that you may have benign prostatic hyperplasia or pelvic floor dysfunction, look no further than SoHo Men’s Health. Based in Manhattan, SoHo’s Men’s Health is the first men’s health and wellness experience in New York City. Call 347-749-1174 to ask about our range of men’s sexual and reproductive health services and your options for wellness and rejuvenation today.
