Men often notice a slight change in their urinary habits around the age of 50. This can be quite normal and may simply be a sign of getting a little older.
On average you should pass urine about four to seven times a day depending on how much you drink. You should be aware when your bladder is full, but still have enough time to reach a toilet. Every time you pass urine your bladder should empty completely and you should not experience leaking.
At night, most people will be able to sleep for six to eight hours without having to pass urine. As we get older we produce more urine overnight and middle aged and older men often find they have to get up once in the night.
Changes in your urinary habits may be a sign that you have a problem. This might be your prostate or another health condition such as diabetes. If you notice a change, you should consult your doctor.
Symptoms to look out for are:
- Urinating more frequently especially at night
- Difficulty starting to urinate
- Straining or taking a long time to urinate
- Weak flow of urine
- Feeling that your bladder has not completely emptied
- Urgency – occasionally leaking urine before you get there
- Dribbling urine
- Pain when passing urine
- Pain when ejaculating
- Problems getting or keeping an erection
- Blood in urine or semen
Please be aware that having one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily indicate you have prostate cancer.