Waking up in the middle of the night with the urgent need to use the bathroom isn’t just frustrating- it is exhausting. And this condition, known as nocturia, can be more than just a nuisance.

If you are a man who wakes frequently (two or more times per night), it may be a sign of an underlying issue known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

What Is Nocturia?

Nocturia refers to waking up during the night to urinate.

It isn’t a disease; it’s a symptom of something else. It’s often linked to how your body regulates urine or how well your bladder empties. While occasional nighttime bathroom trips are normal, waking up multiple times can indicate a problem.

Why Men with BPH Wake Up at Night

BPH is one of the leading causes of nocturia in men. The prostate gland surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. It tends to grow larger with age. When the prostate enlarges, it can press against the urethra and partially block the flow of urine. This restriction makes it difficult for the bladder to empty fully.

When your bladder doesn’t empty all the way, it fills up faster. As a result, you may wake up multiple times feeling the urgent need to urinate.

Symptoms of Nocturia Due to BPH

If your nocturia is linked to BPH, you may notice additional urinary symptoms, such as:

  • A weak urine stream
  • Stopping and starting during urination
  • A sensation of incomplete emptying after you finish voiding
  • Increased frequency of urination during the day, too

These symptoms occur when the bladder works harder to push urine past the narrowed urethra. Over time, this can make the bladder overactive or less efficient.

How Is Nocturia Diagnosed?

If you’re frequently waking at night to urinate, your doctor will want to figure out what’s causing it. Diagnosing nocturia typically involves:

  • Reviewing your medical history and symptoms.
  • A physical exam, including a digital rectal exam (DRE), to check the size of your prostate.
  • Urine tests to look for signs of infection or other abnormalities.
  • Bladder scans to measure how well your bladder empties after you urinate.

How Is Nocturia Managed?

There are several steps you can take to manage symptoms and improve your sleep:

  • Try to drink most of your fluids earlier in the day and reduce your intake two to three hours before bedtime.
  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol. They are bladder irritants that can increase urine production.
  • Empty your bladder before bed, wait a few minutes, and try to urinate again to make sure your bladder is as empty as possible.
  • Maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight can put pressure on your bladder and worsen symptoms.

Medical Treatments for BPH-Related Nocturia

If lifestyle changes don’t provide enough relief, your doctor may recommend medication including:

  • Alpha-blockers to relax the muscles around the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier for urine to flow.
  • 5-alpha reductase inhibitors to shrink the prostate over time, which can help reduce the blockage.

Some men benefit from taking both an alpha-blocker and a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor.

Minimally Invasive Treatments

Minimally invasive procedures are available if medications are ineffective or cause side effects. One option is UroLift, which uses small implants to hold the enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra. This improves urine flow without cutting or removing tissue.

When to See a Urologist

If nocturia is causing you to lose sleep and affecting your daily life, it’s time to see a urologist.

Also, if you notice any worrying symptoms, such as blood in your urine, severe pain, or sudden changes in your urinary habits, make an appointment right away. These could indicate a serious issue.

Don’t continue to lie with nocturia – call (541) 334-3350 to schedule an appointment today!

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