Regimen Way Q&A Men’s Health

What causes men to be unable to urinate?

Asked by:Medusa

Asked on:Apr 11, 2026 12:38 AM

Answers:1 Views:556
  • Black Black

    Apr 11, 2026

    Difficulty urinating in men may be related to factors such as prostatic hyperplasia, urethral stricture, neurogenic bladder, bladder stones, and drug side effects. Difficulty urinating is mainly manifested by symptoms such as thinning of the urine stream, difficulty in urinating, frequent urination and urgency. In severe cases, urinary retention may occur.

    1. Prostatic hyperplasia

    Prostatic hyperplasia is a common cause of urinary difficulty in middle-aged and elderly men. The enlarged prostate compresses the urethra, causing increased resistance to urination. Patients are often accompanied by symptoms such as increased nocturia and post-urinary dripping. For treatment, tamsulosin hydrochloride sustained-release capsules, finasteride tablets and other drugs can be used as directed by the doctor. In severe cases, transurethral resection of the prostate is required.

    2. Urethral stricture

    Urethral stricture is mostly caused by trauma, inflammation or iatrogenic injury, and the urethral lumen becomes narrowed, resulting in poor urination. It may be accompanied by symptoms such as bifurcated urine lines and painful urination. Mild strictures can be treated with urethral dilation, while severe strictures require urethroplasty.

    3. Neurogenic bladder

    Diseases such as diabetes and cerebrovascular accidents may damage the nerves that control the bladder, resulting in weak bladder contractions or urethral sphincter coordination disorders. Patients may experience urinary retention or alternating incontinence. Treatment needs to be targeted at the primary disease, and tolterodine tartrate tablets can be used to improve symptoms.

    4. Bladder stones

    Bladder stones blocking the internal urethral orifice can cause sudden interruption of urination, which may resume after changing body position. It is often accompanied by symptoms such as lower abdominal pain and hematuria. Smaller stones can be expedited by drinking more water, while larger stones require cystoscopic lithotripsy.

    5. Drug side effects

    Certain anticholinergic drugs and antihistamines may inhibit bladder detrusor contraction, causing difficulty in urination. Common drugs such as trihexyphenidyl hydrochloride tablets, chlorpheniramine maleate tablets, etc. If symptoms occur, you should consult your doctor promptly to adjust your medication regimen.

    It is recommended that men avoid holding urine when they have difficulty urinating, reduce alcohol and caffeine intake, and keep the perineum clean. If symptoms persist or worsen, you should seek medical examination promptly and determine the cause through uroflowmetry, ultrasound and other examinations. Daily pelvic floor muscle training and limiting water intake before going to bed can help improve nocturia symptoms. During the treatment period, medication should be strictly followed as prescribed by the doctor, and the treatment effect should be reviewed regularly to evaluate the effect.

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