What Is Difficult Urination?

Difficult urination, also called urination hesitancy, is the struggle to start or maintain a urination stream, according to Medline Plus. Urination hesitancy can affect anyone, regardless of age or sex.

• Urinary hesitancy affects men and women of all ages.

In Men

• The most common cause of difficult urination for men is an enlarged prostate, according to the Bladder and Bowel Foundation. The enlarged prostate partially blocks the urethra, requiring more pressure to urinate.

In Women

• A common cause for urinary hesitancy in women is a lack of urine in the bladder, which can be a result of an overactive bladder. Women, as well as men, may suffer from insufficient urine in the bladder, due to a voiding dysfunction, according to the Bladder and Bowel Foundation.

Other Causes

• Urinary tract infections, inflammation or infection of the prostate gland, some medications, shy or bashful bladder syndrome and neurological disorders can all cause difficult urination.

Home Treatment

• Applying heat to your lower abdomen and massaging your bladder with light pressure may encourage emptying. Drink plenty of fluids (cranberry juice is especially effective).

Doctor

• Go to the doctor if this is the first time you have experienced trouble urinating. Symptoms such as burning or pain with urination, frequent urination, cloudy urine and a sudden feeling of urgency may mean you have an infection and will need antibiotics. Seek a medical professional immediately if you have a fever, vomiting, back or side pain or little urination for one to two days.