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Is Frequent Urination In An Elderly Man A Concern?

Posted on Tue, 13 Sep 2016

Question: I am a 56 year old male in good health as far as I know. About 4 weeks ago I noticed a steady, during the day dose of frequent urination. When I go to the bathroom I don't urinate for that long, but I now go more often than was the case previously. I also notice when the "thought" of urination hits, I almost have to run to the bathroom - i.e. I feel that I can't "hold it" like normal, though no accidents. I haven't had a PSA test in many years but I have had a thorough physical otherwise and my numbers are good. I am seeing a urologist in early October but wanted to get some insight on what frequent urination might mean between now and then. Thanks!

Answered by Dr. Dr. P. T. Patil (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Likely to be due to Enlarged Prostate

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for your query ,based on the facts that you have posted it appears that you have frequency for urination and urgency for urination since very recently ,

I shall be happy if you can post me few more details to help me in making comments on your problem
1) Are you diabetic?

The frequency and urgency for urination that you is likely to be due to Enlarged prostate and needs to be confirmed .

Consult qualified Urologist for clinical and digital rectal examination and get following basic tests done to confirm the diagnosis.
1) Urine routine and culture.
2) Ultrasound scanning of abdomen and pelvis
3) Serum PSA.

In the mean while start taking Tomsulosin once daily along with Ciprofloxacin twice daily.

Further treatment will depend upon result of these tests and final diagnosis .

Hope I have answered your query ,please feel free to ask if you have more questions , I shall be happy to help you .
Thanks and Regards.
Dr.Patil.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. P. T. Patil (1 hour later)

1) I am not diabetic

2) I have been a heavy drinker and went to rehab 8 months ago, then relapsed, now have restarted by sobriety with 3+ weeks sober and a high degree of confidence that I will remain sober. I mention this because I know alcohol can cause frequent urination and/or irritation?

3) similarly, I used to just drink one coffee (Starbucks latte) a day. About a month ago I discovered Ice Coffee and now drink several glasses throughout the business day. Perhaps this causes an increase in urination given the increase in caffeine?

4) Finally, I had a full physical in rehab and my numbers were good but have not had a PSA test in 15 years. So no telling what I have, but agree it sounds like a classic case of enlarged prostrate. Enlarged prostate in a 56 year old doesn't mean cancer does it? :) It will be October until I see a urologist so looking for hope.

Finally, are Tomsulosin Ciprofloxacin over the counter? If scripts, are you able to write a script?

Thanks Dr Patil!

Answered by Dr. Dr. P. T. Patil (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
These are scheduled drugs hence will need presciption of Dr.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for follow up .

Increased frequency for urination and urgency needs evaluation .It does not necessarily be due to cancer of the prostate It can be suspected only after you get checked by qualified Urologist and get your PSA done .

Excessive consumption of coffee can lead to increased frequency but not urgency.

The drugs which I have prescribed are available only on prescription of qualified Dr..

My prescription will not be valid in U.S.You need to get it from your family phuysician ,

Thanks and Regards.
Dr.Patil.

Note: Consult a Urologist online for consultation about prostate and bladder problems, sexual dysfunction, kidney stones, prostate enlargement, urinary incontinence, impotence and erectile dysfunction - Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar