Dr. Shalabh Agrawal

Do you find yourself rushing to the bathroom every 20 minutes? If yes, then this article is for you. Frequent urination in men is a commonly shared woe. Most men, especially in the age group of over 50 years, experience distressing symptoms associated with urination. In this article, we will explore the various reasons for frequent urination and ways to manage it. 

In the piece below, Dr Shalabh Agrawal, a leading urologist at the CK Birla Hospital, explains the reasons for frequent urination in males. 

What is meant by frequent urination in men?

Urination is our body’s natural mechanism of getting rid of waste fluids. Your urinary tract includes your kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra. 

Urine is produced in the kidneys where the waste and toxins are filtered from the blood. Then the urine flows through the ureters and gets stored in the bladder. Through the urethra, the urine is passed from the bladder and out of our bodies. On average, a person urinates nearly 4-8 times during the day. 

Frequent urination in men is exactly what the name entails. It is majorly a symptom of an underlying condition that causes a person to pass urinate several times (more than 4-8 times) throughout a day. In this condition, a man experiences a reduced ability to hold urine in the bladder and an increased urge to pass urine. 

Frequent urination is often associated with an underlying health condition. It can even compel you to wake up several times in the night to urinate. The condition in which your bladder forces you to wake up in the middle of the night is known as nocturia. 

Who experiences frequent urination? 

Everyone, irrespective of age and gender, can be affected by frequent urination. However, some men have an increased risk of suffering from this problem than others. 

Older men, above the age of 50 and men with an enlarged prostate are at a higher risk of being affected by frequent urination. 

What are the causes of frequent urination?

As mentioned above, frequent urination is a sign and symptom of another health condition. Experiencing an increased need to urinate implies that there may be something wrong with a part of your urinary tract. 

There are several different causes of frequent urination. Various health issues can affect the organs of your urinary tract. 

Here are some common reasons for frequent urination in men:

Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Urinary tract infection in men is a highly common bladder infection. UTI is classified into two types – the upper tract UTI (the one that affects the ureters or kidneys) and the lower tract UTI (the one that affects the bladder or urethra). UTI is more commonly found in women, as compared to men. However, the prevalence of this infection in men is also rising. 

Along with frequent urination, the symptoms of UTI include painful urination, burning sensation while urinating, pain in the lower abdomen and blood in the urine. 

Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH): Benign prostate hyperplasia or prostate enlargement is among the top causes of frequent urination in men. It is an age-related health condition that leads to abnormal growth of the prostate. The enlarged prostate, then, begins to press against the urethra and causes the bladder to weaken. 

Common symptoms of BPH, besides frequent urination, are a feeling that the bladder is full, even right after urinating, a weak flow or stream of urine, disrupted urine flow and more. 

Bladder stones: If you are wondering why frequent urination occurs, bladder stones may be the answer. Bladder stones are small hard deposits of minerals that form inside the bladder. This condition happens when minerals found in the urine crystalise and clump together. 

Changes in the urine colour, blood in urine, a disrupted flow and increased urge to urinate are common causes of bladder stones. 

Prostatitis:  The prostate gland sits right below your bladder. It is responsible for the production of seminal fluid. Prostatitis is a condition that causes the prostate gland to swell and become inflamed. It is a common condition that mostly affects the health of men over the age of 50 years. 

Frequent urination symptoms can indicate the presence of this ailment. Other common signs include pain in the groin, genitals or pelvic area and flu-like symptoms. 

Urinary incontinence: Urinary incontinence is the inability to hold urine often leading to involuntary leakage. Simply put, urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control. Incontinence is widely different from frequent urination. Urinary incontinence is associated with urine leaking while frequent urination is related to an increased frequency. 

There are different types and symptoms of urinary incontinence such as stress incontinence, urge incontinence, functional incontinence and overflow incontinence.  

Diabetes: Diabetes is a chronic condition that leads to increased levels of sugar in the blood. The kidneys of a diabetic person have to work extra to filter excessive blood sugar. Sometimes, the kidneys cannot function properly due to which the extra glucose is excreted from your body through urine. Excretion of sugar can also lead to dehydration. 

Frequent urination symptoms are common in a person suffering from type 1 and type 2 diabetes. 

Interstitial cystitis: Interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome is a chronic condition that leads to pain and pressure in the bladder. Interstitial cystitis is more commonly found in women as compared to men. 

Common symptoms include chronic or intermittent pain, pressure or discomfort in the bladder, frequent urination day and night. 

If you are wondering what is the reason for frequent urination, one of the above conditions may be your answer. However, only an experienced urologist can diagnose the problem correctly. 

How to control frequent urination? | Diagnosis

The management or treatment of frequent urination depends upon its underlying cause. If the symptoms begin to disrupt the quality of your life, you should instantly seek medical intervention. 

Your urologist will perform a variety of tests and analysis to diagnose the correct cause of frequent urination. Here is what you can expect during the diagnosis:

• Detailed consultation: Your healthcare provider will ask you a variety of questions. They will aim to get a better understanding of your symptoms and your medical history of the illness.  
• Physical exam: Your doctor will analyse your general wellbeing. At the physical exam, you will be checked for your weight, blood pressure, heart rate and overall health. 
• Urine analysis: Urine analysis is a series of tests for visual and microscopic examination of the components of urine such as the presence of blood, bacteria, red blood cells, white blood cells, crystals, proteins, pH and more. 
• Ultrasound: Ultrasound scans of the kidney or bladders can help your doctor to visualise abnormalities. 
• Urodynamic test: Through urodynamic tests, your doctor assesses the strength and effectiveness of your bladder. 

Your healthcare provider may order additional tests to confirm the diagnosis if they suspect the need for it. 

How to stop frequent urination in men? | Treatment 

The treatment of frequent urination depends upon the reason behind it. Your healthcare provider will aim to manage or treat the underlying cause leading to urinary symptoms. 

If you are passing urine frequently due to diabetes, your doctor will offer effective management of your blood sugar levels. If the same is caused due to an infection such as UTI, then you will be offered certain medications to treat the bacterial infection. 

Along with medication, your healthcare provider will help you regain bladder control through training and exercises. There are different forms of bladder training techniques used by doctors to control the constant urge to urinate male.

• Kegel exercises: Kegel exercises are helpful in strengthening the muscles below the bladder and control urination. 
• Bladder training: Your healthcare provider will assist you to train your bladder and control urination for longer than usual. 

How to stop frequent urination naturally?

Frequent urination can easily translate into a habit. It is, however, possible to effectively control the urgency through some natural measures, such as:

• Monitoring fluid intake: You can prevent increased frequent urination by carefully monitoring the intake of fluids throughout the day. You should make sure to not drink excessive fluids while maintaining a state of hydration. 
• Limit alcohol & caffeine: Caffeinated beverages can irritate your bladder and lead to an increased urge to urinate. 
• Eat high-fibre foods: Foods rich in fibre content are known to help prevent constipation and improve the passing of urine. 

The concluding note

Frequent urination in men is a leading cause of distress in older men. This condition can also equally impact younger men. 

If you are experiencing increased frequency to urinate along with symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, pain in the lower back or side, changes in urine or abnormal discharge, you should immediately seek medical intervention. 

For more information or personalised guidance on men’s urinary health, book an appointment with Dr Shalabh Agarwal, a leading urologist at the CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon. 

FAQs

Ques: What is the cause of frequent urination in males?

Ans: There are several reasons for frequent urination in men including prostate problems, urinary tract infection, sexually transmitted infection, diabetes and more. 

Ques: How many times a day should a man urinate?

Ans: Normally, a man should urinate four to eight times a day. 

Ques: When should you see a doctor about frequent urination?

Ans: You should see a doctor if you experience fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, cloudy or smelly urine, abnormal discharge and loss of appetite along with frequent urination. 

Ques: Is frequent urination at night a sign of diabetes?

Ans: Yes, diabetes can cause frequent urination in the day and even at night. 

Ques: Is frequent urination bad for the kidneys?

Ans: Yes, frequent urination can cause damage to kidney function. 

There are some things in life that we tend to ignore unless we find something bothersome about them. For instance, urine. When was the last time you thought of something like urination? Our guess: when you felt pain or discomfort like a burning sensation when urinating. 

Most of us can relate to the burning sensation after urinating. However common, it is a serious health concern that we must not ignore. In this article, Dr Shalabh Agrawal, the best urologist in Gurgaon, talks about the reason for pain during and after urination. 

What is dysuria?

• Dysuria is a urological health concern in which a person feels burning and pain when urinating or after urination at the opening of the urethra (the tube that carries urine for removal from the body).  
• The intensity or severity of painful urination is different for everyone. However, the burning sensation after urinating is often described as a sharp sting. 
• The discomfort caused by dysuria is often a sign of some other underlying condition. It is often considered a symptom rather than a condition in itself. 

What are the symptoms of dysuria?

Here are some of the common symptoms of dysuria in women and men.

In Women

• Burning sensation while urinating
• Change in urine colour (cloudy, dark, or tea-coloured)
• Blood in urine (haematuria)
• Foul-smelling urine
• Frequent or urgent need to urinate
• Vaginal discharge (thick, watery, or foul-smelling)
• Itching or irritation around the vaginal area
• Painful intercourse
• Pelvic or lower abdominal pain/pressure

In Men

• Burning sensation while urinating
• Change in urine colour or cloudy urine
• Blood in urine
• Foul-smelling urine
• Urinary urgency or difficulty starting urination
• Penile discharge (common with urethritis or STIs)
• Pain in the testicles or scrotal swelling (epididymitis)
• Pelvic or perineal pain (prostatitis)
• Weak urine stream or incomplete emptying (linked to prostate conditions)

Severe Symptoms in Both Men and Women (Require Immediate Care)

• Fever, chills, or night sweats
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Pain in the lower back, sides, or groin (may suggest kidney infection or stones)
• Swelling or redness in the genital area

What causes pain when urinating?

Dysuria occurs when the urinary tract suffers from inflammation, injury or infections. There is a wide range of conditions that cause pain during urination by harming the urinary system. 

For Women:

• Vaginitis: Conditions like yeast infections (Candida overgrowth), bacterial vaginosis, or trichomoniasis can irritate the vaginal tissues and urethra, leading to burning sensation while urinating, itching, and abnormal discharge.
• Menopause (Urethral Atrophy): Reduced oestrogen levels cause thinning and dryness of vaginal and urethral tissues. This makes women more prone to irritation, infections, and pain while peeing, especially post-menopause.
• Irritation from Feminine Products: Scented soaps, bubble baths, vaginal sprays, and sanitary products can trigger allergic reactions or chemical irritation, causing slight burning after urination or discomfort without infection.

For Men:

• Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate can cause pelvic pain, frequent urination, a weak urine stream, and a burning sensation when urinating. It may be bacterial or non-bacterial.
• Epididymitis: Infection/inflammation of the epididymis, often linked to UTIs or STIs, can cause scrotal swelling, tenderness, and pain during urination.
• Urethritis: Inflammation of the urethra, commonly due to STIs like chlamydia or gonorrhea, leads to burning micturition, discharge, and discomfort at the tip of the penis.

What are the complications of painful urination?

A burning sensation when urinating is an indicator of some other health condition. If this symptom is ignored, you cannot get proper treatment for the root cause. 

Pain during urination can lead to various complications such as chronic pain, sepsis (a blood infection), infertility and spread of numerous other infections. 

When to seek medical help for dysuria?

While mild burning or discomfort during urination may sometimes resolve on its own, certain warning signs should never be ignored. These symptoms may indicate that the problem is more serious and requires urgent medical care:

• Fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting: These are not typical of a simple bladder infection. They often suggest that the infection has spread to the kidneys (pyelonephritis), which can be dangerous if left untreated.
• Back or flank pain: Pain felt in your lower back or sides, just below the ribs, may indicate kidney involvement or stones blocking the urinary tract. This needs prompt evaluation.
• Blood in urine (haematuria): Seeing blood, either visibly red or as tea/cola-coloured urine, can signal urinary stones, severe infections, or bladder-related conditions that require further testing.
  
• Persistent or worsening burning sensation: If symptoms continue for more than a couple of days despite drinking fluids and self-care, or if the pain intensifies, it is important to see a doctor to rule out underlying causes like STIs, chronic bladder conditions, or resistant infections.

How do doctors diagnose burning sensations when urinating?

Your healthcare provider will do preliminary investigations to find the cause of painful urination. He/she will discuss your personal medical history and symptoms. It is helpful to track symptoms if the burning and pain when urinating has lasted for a long time. 

Your urologist or gynaecologist will perform some basic diagnostic tests. You can expect to have blood tests, urine tests, ultrasound scans and X-rays. You may be indicated for additional tests depending upon your overall health.

The diagnosis is drawn to figure out the dysuria causes. 

What is the treatment for pain during and after urination?

The treatment module is dependent upon the reason behind dysuria. The accuracy of the diagnosis can help your doctor decide which treatment method to offer. 

1. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

• UTIs are most often treated with oral antibiotics.
• Common choices include nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, or fosfomycin.
• In most women, the course lasts 3–7 days.
• In men or people with recurrent infections, the course is usually longer to ensure the infection is fully cleared.

2. Vaginitis

Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina due to infections or an imbalance of natural bacteria/yeast. Treatment depends on the type:

• Yeast infection (Candida): Treated with antifungal creams/suppositories (like clotrimazole, miconazole) or a single-dose oral antifungal (fluconazole).
• Bacterial vaginosis: Managed with oral or vaginal antibiotics such as metronidazole or clindamycin.
• Trichomoniasis (parasitic infection): Treated with a single oral dose of metronidazole or tinidazole.

3. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

STIs that cause burning urination are treated with targeted medicines:

• Chlamydia: Doxycycline taken for 7 days.
• Gonorrhoea: A combination therapy with a ceftriaxone injection plus doxycycline tablets.
• Genital herpes: Managed with antiviral drugs like acyclovir or valacyclovir, which reduce outbreaks and discomfort (not a permanent cure).

4. Interstitial Cystitis (Bladder Pain Syndrome)

This is a chronic condition where no infection is found but bladder pain and frequent urination persist. Management includes:

• Dietary changes: Avoid caffeine, alcohol, acidic or spicy foods which worsen symptoms.
• Bladder training: Techniques to gradually increase the time between urination.
• Medications: Such as pentosan polysulfate sodium (to protect the bladder lining), antihistamines, or low-dose tricyclic antidepressants for pain relief.

5. Menopause-Related Symptoms

In postmenopausal women, reduced oestrogen levels can cause thinning and dryness of the vaginal and urethral tissues, leading to burning or pain while urinating.

Treatment may include oestrogen therapy:

• Topical oestrogen creams, tablets, or vaginal rings to directly restore tissue health.
• In some cases, systemic oestrogen therapy is advised if symptoms are more widespread.

Note: The above is a general overview of dysuria treatment. Do not self-medicate. Your doctor will prescribe you the right treatment plan as per your unique health condition.

Prevention Tips for Dysuria

1. UTI Prevention:
   • Drink plenty of water to flush bacteria.
   • Urinate frequently and empty bladder completely.
   • Wipe front to back after using the toilet.
   • Urinate soon after sexual intercourse.
2. STI Prevention:
   • Practice safe sex (condoms, dental dams).
   • Regular STI screening if sexually active with multiple partners.
   • Limit high-risk sexual behaviours.
3. General Tips:
   • Avoid holding urine for long periods.
   • Maintain good genital hygiene.
   • Avoid scented feminine products or harsh soaps.

Self-Care / Home Remedies for Symptom Relief

• Hydration: Drinking 8–10 glasses of water daily dilutes urine and eases burning.
• Avoid Irritants: Limit caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and acidic drinks (like citrus, carbonated beverages), which worsen bladder irritation.
• Warm Compresses / Sitz Baths: Relieve lower abdominal or bladder discomfort.
• OTC Pain Relief: Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help reduce pain while waiting for medical evaluation.
• Cranberry Products (supportive): May help reduce risk of UTIs in some women (not a treatment, but a preventive measure).

The concluding note

It is highly normal to feel a burning sensation when urinating once in a while. If you continue to experience painful urination along with other symptoms, then you should seek clinical care. 

You can book an appointment with Dr Shalabh Agrawal, a senior urologist at the CK Birla Hospital, to learn more about the health of the urinary tract.  

FAQs

Ques: How can I prevent the burning sensation when urinating?

Ans: You can prevent burning sensation when urinating (dysuria) by drinking plenty of water, increasing your intake of Vitamin C and passing urine whenever the need arises. 

Ques: What complications can arise if I don’t address dysuria?

Ans: Untreated dysuria can further cause chronic pain, sepsis (a blood infection), infertility and spread of numerous other infections. 

Ques: When should I seek medical help for burning sensation when urinating?

Ans: You should consult a medical expert if you see blood in the urine or have a high-grade fever along with persistent painful urination. 

Ques: How can I avoid UTI?

Ans: You can avoid UTI by staying hydrated, restricting your consumption of caffeine, maintaining hygiene and completely emptying your bladder every time you pass urine. 

Prostate cancer is among the top ten cancers affecting men across age groups. It is highly prevalent in India and is the 6th leading cause of death in men. Despite the figures, the rising incidence of this cancer can be controlled by practising prevention measures. Prostate cancer prevention is a conscious choice to substantially lower the risk of its spread. 

In this article, Dr Shalabh Agrawal, the best urologist in Gurgaon, offers his insights on how to prevent prostate cancer. 

Prostate cancer prevention strategy

Before we help you with ways to prevent prostate cancer, let us get a general overview of what is prostate cancer all about. 

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is the abrupt growth of cancer cells found in the prostate gland. The prostate is responsible for producing seminal fluid and promoting the reproductive health of a man. 

Prostate cancer symptoms usually become visible when cancer has advanced. Some of the common symptoms include:

• Frequent urge to urinate 
• Leaking of urine 
• A sense of pressure, discomfort or pain in the bladder 
• Pain in the bones

Prostate cancer can only be diagnosed by a verified medical expert. Most people present with the above-given symptoms and undergo a variety of tests to find that they have prostate cancer. 

Who can get prostate cancer?

Any man can develop prostate cancer during his reproductive age. Some men, however, have an increased risk of getting prostate cancer (prostate cancer doctor). The common risk factors include:

• Age: This condition is more prevalent in older men, especially over the age of 50 years. 
• Family history: Your chances of developing this cancer increases if someone (a blood relative) in your family has, previously, battled with prostate cancer. 
• Obesity: Several studies have proved a direct link between being obese and developing prostate cancer. There are also higher chances that cancer may recur if the patient suffers from obesity.

Can prostate cancer be prevented?

Yes, prostate cancer prevention is possible and effective. Though there is no single strategy that ensures ways to prevent prostate cancer, a variety of precautionary measures can be successful. 

Here are some expert-approved tips on how to prevent prostate cancer:

1. Load up on fruits and vegetables: A healthy diet filled with a range of fruits and vegetables is customary to prostate cancer prevention. Several studies have proved that the antioxidants present in these food items prevent damage to cells present in the prostate. 

Red fruits such as tomatoes are rich in lycopene (an antioxidant). Lycopene has been associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer. Other fruits and vegetables that protect against this cancer are leafy greens such as spinach, beans, peas, blueberries, grapefruit, oranges and watermelon.

2. Consider taking vitamin supplements: Vitamins and minerals are essential to our overall well-being. They are regarded as significant in prostate cancer prevention guidelines. 

However, maintaining a well-balanced intake of vitamins, minerals and proteins through natural means is not always possible. Supplements help us to compensate for any nutrient demand that has not been met. 

3. Exercise most days of the week:  The importance of exercise for cancer prevention is crystal clear. Irrespective of your body weight, you are advised to engage in physical activity regularly.

Exercising helps promote better blood circulation, removal of toxins from the body and uplifting mood. Your immune system will be strengthened even if you exercise at least 4 days a week. 

4. Maintain a healthy weight: Prostate cancer is linked with obesity – the more overweight a person becomes, the higher his chances of cancer get. One of the most natural ways to prevent prostate cancer is to maintain a healthy weight. Exercising regularly is a great path for healthy body weight. Physical activity promotes the loss of excess weight and fats. 

5. Quit smoking: Tobacco consumption has a direct impact on the development of cancerous cells in the prostate gland. If you smoke cigarettes, it is your time to quit for prostate cancer prevention. If you do not smoke, we suggest that you should not start. 

6. Restrict alcohol intake: An uncontrolled consumption of alcohol impacts your heart health negatively. It can additionally worsen your blood pressure levels, blood cholesterol and cause other health problems. A limit on the intake of alcohol is one of the top prostate cancer prevention guidelines. If you are already living with prostate cancer risk factors, it is advised that you restrict your alcohol consumption. 

7. Take in more Vitamin D: All vitamins are essential to a healthy mind and body. However, vitamin D has additional proven effects. It is among the natural ways to prevent prostate cancer. 

You should extend your exposure to the sun along with eating foods rich in vitamin D. Foods that can prevent prostate cancer and are rich in vitamin D are mushrooms, salmon and more. 

8. Stay sexually active: The prostate gland has direct involvement in your sexual health. A healthy sexual life is your answer to can prostate cancer be prevented. Men who ejaculate frequently are at a safer distance from developing cancer cells. 

9. Live stress-free: Stress is a leading cause of health complications in men and women. A man who lives a stressful life is often faced with problems on the sexual front. 

It is necessary to monitor your way of living and perform meditation to alleviate stress levels. A sedentary lifestyle along with high-stress levels can increase the risk of prostate cancer. 

10. Get early screening: Prostate cancer symptoms are not easily detectable in the early stages. Sometimes men may misinterpret these signs and symptoms of other health conditions. It should be noted that early detection of prostate cancer is the best prevention measure. 

If you are living with risk factors such as obesity, old age, family history or even a sedentary lifestyle, you should consider going for regular screening for prostate cancer prevention. Your healthcare provider would offer a full range of diagnostics and imaging services to detect the presence of a cancerous cell and offer relevant prostate cancer treatment

If the cancer is found in its early stages, effective treatment can be given so that the patient feels complete relief and cancer does not occur again. 

Things to consider for prostate cancer prevention guidelines

• You should choose items that are low in fats and carbs while eating foods to prevent prostate cancer. 
• Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids such as nuts, fish and seeds are good foods that can prevent prostate cancer.
• Green tea and soy milk are beneficial for reducing the risk of this cancer. 
• You should consult with your urologist to discuss your personal medical history if you are uncertain about your chances of this ailment.
• Tomatoes, broccoli and cauliflower are superior among foods that can prevent prostate cancer. 
• You should take into regard what are the risk factors for prostate cancer for yourself and your family. 

The concluding note

Prostate cancer prevention can be successfully done by incorporating the above-given tips in your every day. 

If you wish to learn more about your risk of prostate cancer, book a consultation with Dr Shalabh Agrawal, urologist & andrologist at the CK Birla Hospital  for personalised guidance. 

Visit the CK Birla Hospital for more details on prostate cancer prevention guidelines and treatment. 

FAQs

Ques: What are the main causes of prostate cancer?

Ans: There is no single cause of prostate cancer. Medical experts believe a change in DNA in the prostate gland leads to cancer, over time. 

Ques: Can I prevent prostate problems naturally?

Ans: Yes, you can prevent prostate problems naturally by following healthy lifestyle habits that involve a well-balanced low-fat diet, regular exercise, no smoking and drinking, more vitamin D and low levels of stress. 

Ques: What foods kill prostate cancer?

Ans: Foods that may help in slowing down the spread of prostate cancer include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, spinach and kale.

Ques: Does Ejaculation cause or prevent Prostate Cancer?

Ans: Medical experts have found that more ejaculation is linked to a decreased prostate cancer risk.