Are you experiencing an increased urge to use the bathroom more frequently?While it can be easy to brush this off, this could be a telltale sign of two common conditions: Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).
WHAT IS A UTI?
A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is an infection that affects any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Although UTIs are more common in women, men aren’t exempt from them. Sexual transmission is often the cause, which is why latex protection usage is recommended.
SYMPTOMS OF UTI INCLUDE:
A burning sensation when urinating
Frequent urges to urinate
Cloudy, dark, or bloody urine
Pain or pressure in the lower abdomen or back
Feeling tired or shaky
Fever or chills (a sign the infection may have reached the kidneys)
WHAT IS BPH?
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate, is a non-cancerous increase in the size of the prostate gland. As the prostate enlarges, it can press against the urethra, causing a variety of urinary symptoms.
SYMPTOMS OF BPH INCLUDE:
Difficulty starting urination
Weak urine stream or a stream that stops and starts
Frequent urination, especially at night
Urgency to urinate
Dribbling at the end of urination
Incomplete emptying of the bladder
THE OVERLAPPING SYMPTOM: FREQUENT URINATION
Both UTIs and BPH can lead to the frequent need to pee, a symptom that can be both distressing and disruptive. This shared symptom can sometimes result in misdiagnosis or confusion. However, with the right knowledge and expert guidance, you can navigate this challenge and find the appropriate treatment.
