For many men, difficulty urinating can be a concerning issue. A weak urine stream or feeling of urgency to go but being unable to can be signs of a health issue. Understanding why this happens and what can be done about it is important. We can explain the reasons behind these problems and the different ways to make them better. Dr. Slade, a Boise urologist, has the goal to help improve your urinary health and overall well-being.

Reasons for Urge to Urinate Accompanied by a Slow Stream

Urinating is a complex process that involves careful coordination between bladder signals, the brain, relaxation of some muscles and the contraction of others. Disruptions in this process can lead to feeling a strong need to urinate but only having a slow stream. 

Common causes for the urge to urinate accompanied by a slow stream include:

  • An enlarged prostate presses against the urethra (the tube urine flows through), causing feelings of urgency but resulting in a weak flow.
  • Increased tone of the pelvic floor muscles which restrict the outflow of urine
  • Urethral strictures or scar tissue can impede the flow of urine, causing a discrepancy between the urge and the actual stream.
weak stream from hose

What Causes a Weak Urine Stream in Men?

A weak urine stream in men can be caused by several factors, especially as they get older. 

  • For men over 40, an enlarged prostate, known as BPH, is a common cause. This enlargement can squeeze the urethra, weakening the stream. 
  • As men age, the muscles used for urinating can also weaken, reducing the stream's strength. 
  • Sometimes, the muscles around the urethra develop increased tone, which can slow the urine flow. 
  • Urethral strictures or scar tissue can impede the flow of urine resulting in a weak stream.
  • Additionally, certain medicines for blood pressure or mood stabilizers, as well as nerve or infection problems, can affect the volume of a stream.

How Do You Treat a Weak Urine Stream in Men?

The first step is discovering what is creating these changes in order to develop a personalized treatment plan. Depending on the cause, some treatments may include simple lifestyle changes, like timing when you go to the bathroom or changing how much water you drink in one sitting. Medicines can help too, especially those that target the prostate or muscle function, but they might come with undesirable side effects. Procedure treatments may also be recommended which allow a more durable solution and eliminate the need for major surgery or long-term medications. These include:

man with weak stream at urinal

Each treatment has its benefits, and the best choice depends on the man's specific situation. Dr. Slade is passionate about providing patients with solutions that give them back the freedom and comfort they once had with personalized treatment options.

Contact Boise Urologist Dr. Slade for BPH Treatment

If you're facing issues with a weak urine stream, it's time to get expert help. Dr. Austen Slade is an endourology fellowship-trained surgeon in Idaho and has the smallest tools available in Idaho. Trained under renowned urological experts James Lingeman, Marcelino Rivera, and Tim Large, Dr. Slade specializes in advanced treatments tailored to your specific needs. 

His expertise in cutting-edge techniques ensures you get the best possible care for your urinary health. Don't let these problems affect your life any longer. Contact Dr. Slade to schedule an appointment and start your journey toward improved urinary well-being.

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