Urinary hesitancy

Definition:

Difficulty in starting a urinary stream.

Considerations:

Urinary hesitancy affects people of all ages and occurs in both sexes but is most common in older men with enlarged prostate glands.

Urinary hesitancy often comes on gradually. It sometimes goes unnoticed until urinary retention produces distention and discomfort in the bladder.

Virtually all older men have some degree of difficulty in starting urination, dribbling, or decreased force of the urinary stream.

Common causes:

• benign prostatic hyperplasia
• chronic or recurrent urinary tract infection
• cystitis, acute (uncomplicated UTI)
• prostatitis (infection of the prostate gland)
• drugs (some cold remedies, some nasal decongestants, tricyclic antidepressants, and anticholinergics)
• shy or bashful bladder syndrome in younger people (unable to urinate when another person is in the room)

Note: There may be other causes of urinary hesitancy. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for urinary hesitancy, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.