Difficulty urinating

Difficulty urinating means that urination is slow, interrupted, or feels difficult. The symptom may appear as a weak urine stream, a feeling that the bladder does not empty, a frequent urge to urinate, or difficulty holding urine. Some people may also experience dribbling after urination or urinary leakage.

The most common causes of difficulty urinating in Finland depend on age and sex. In men, age-related benign enlargement of the prostate is a common cause, because the prostate surrounds the urethra and, when enlarged, can press on it and make it narrower. Prostate inflammation can also cause urinary symptoms and pain, sometimes with fever. In women, urinary difficulties are often related to urinary tract infections, pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, or sometimes gynecological changes. Less common causes include urinary stones or neurological diseases.

You should seek help for difficulty urinating if the problem is prolonged, painful, if urination is not possible at all, or if it is associated with fever, severe pain, or a decline in general condition. At an appointment with a professional, the cause is investigated and suitable treatment is planned. Do not hesitate to seek advice if difficulty urinating worries you.