frequent urination - Urology Message Board

stocklord · 10-31-2001, 01:50 AM

Hi, I am a 38 year old male, and for about the last 4 to 5 years have noticed that my bladder does not perform as it used to. I have to get up once almost every night, and if not I am absolutely bursting in the morning. When I relieve myself, the flow is not strong, and sometimes when I have finished, I need to go again within 10 minutes, when a dribble comes out.
I do seem to be dehydrated a lot of the time (very yellow urine), but if I drink lots of water, I can be urinating every 30 minutes. I had a test (the finger) about 4 years ago, and all was fine. Any ideas?

Speedgal · 11-01-2001, 02:31 AM

Have you been checked for prostate problems? That can affect the flow of urine. I'd do that first, your prostate could be slightly enlarged.

As far as being dehydrated and having yellow urine, as a runner I am an expert on hydration :-) and I'll make the following comments.

Even I pee every thirty mins if I drink heaps of water. Just becuase you drink it don't expect it to go in! You will need to make a concerted effort at rehydrating and drink all day. The peeing will subside as your body starts to hang on to the fluid. At first its almost like your body also just wants to get rid of all the toxins its had to hold onto becuase you haven't been drinking enough.

Also you could try adding a weeny bit of lite salt to the water - like 1/4 tsp per 1L. That may help. But unless you're drinking gallons it shouldn't be necessary. We do it when we're running for long periods when its warm and we are sweating profusely and losing a lot of salt. Too much water then and you can end up with sodium deficiency or hyponatraemia. That is quite a dangerous condition but normally one that only marathon or ultra runners would encounter.

So you should be drinking at least 2L water a day not counting tea, coffee and booze. And that's assuming minim al activity, cool weather and no exercise. Also if you are drinking booze you will need to up that dramatically becuase it is (a) a diuretic and (b) you need masses of water just to metabolise it. So if you are drinking alcohol, especially in the evening, you need to drink water before bed and even during the night to counteract it.

I presume when you say you've been tested you mean blood sugar for diabetes? Good luck!

stocklord · 11-02-2001, 01:53 AM

Thanks Speedgal. The test I was referring to was "the finger" as I think I said...which showed no enlargement, but that was a couple of years ago. I have also been tested for Diabetes...negative. I do quite a lot of sport...mainly football,although I was always a runner in my youth and did a marathon a couple of years ago, and I always drink lots of water before, during and after. But I still have a headache and am dehydrated afterwards for the rest of the day. I think I must have an enlarged prostate, but just want to know the cancer risk associated.

Speedgal · 11-02-2001, 09:18 PM

With regard to the prostate bit - there is heaps of info on the net. I woldn't be too worried. There are ttmts - both herbal and medical available to help shrink the prostate. I'd go back and see the doc on that.

I do quite a lot of sport...mainly football,although I was always a runner in my youth and did a marathon a couple of years ago, and I always drink lots of water before, during and after. But I still have a headache and am dehydrated afterwards for the rest of the day.

As far as this goes - there does seem to be a post exercise headache phenomenon. If I do a particularly hard workout - either in length or intensity I often get a headache after. And so do lots of others. I just take and aspirin to get rid of the headache. I am usually fairly sure I am not dehydrated.

Might pay to experiment with food/carbs during workouts and also salt. They may be contributing to the problem. You don't say if you use a sports drink. That may help to keep the fluid in. Good luck.

focus · 11-02-2001, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by stocklord:
I think I must have an enlarged prostate, but just want to know the cancer risk associated.

If you're worried about prostate cancer, have a PSA test done. It's a simple blood test that will determine if your prostate has cancer or not. At your age, it's unlikely.

[This message has been edited by focus (edited 11-04-2001).]