Frequent Urination: A Sign of Prostate Cancer
Authored by:
Dr Gaurav Aggarwal (Uro-oncologist and Robotic Surgeon)
Men, especially those past 50, often have a common concern: frequent urination. It is an admitted inconvenience which can interfere with work, social life, and even lead to sleep deprivation, affecting mental health. It starts suddenly, and googling the symptom tends to add to the anxiety, rather than dispel any fear.
“Could it possibly be a sign of prostate cancer?“ is commonly asked. The truth, however, is that frequent urination is usually caused by something far less alarming.
Let’s clear up what frequent urination really implies:
What Exactly Is Frequent Urination?
When someone says he urinates frequently, it means he feels the need to go more often than he normally does. For one person, this might mean every hour, for another, just a few extra times a day. Many things can trigger this—drinking lots of fluids, certain medications or infections. In older men, the prostate gland enlarges and often plays a key role, leading to a constellation of symptoms (known medically as LUTS or Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms), one of which is frequent urination.
How does the Prostate Affect Urination?
The prostate is a small gland just beneath the bladder, wrapped around the urethra- the tubing which evacuates urine outside the body. As men age, the prostate tends to enlarge too- a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. This enlargement can encroach on the urethra, i.e., squeeze the urethra, making it harder to pass urine and causing a frequent urge to urinate, so as to adequately empty the bladder.
BPH is very common and is not cancer, but its symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for other prostatic issues.
Does Prostate Cancer Cause Frequent Urination?
Prostate cancer is frequently asymptomatic in the early stages of the disease. A majority of early prostate cancer cases are picked up by a simple blood test- PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen). Unlike BPH, prostate cancer usually grows in the outer or peripheral part of the prostate, which actually doesn’t block urine flow right away.
However, if the cancer grows or spreads, it may start affecting urination. This can include more frequent trips to the bathroom, trouble starting or stopping urine flow, or even seeing blood in the urine. These signs may indicate advanced disease and should be evaluated promptly.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you notice sudden changes in your urinary habits—such as needing to urinate much more often, especially at night, or feeling that your bladder isn’t empty—act without delay.
Other symptoms to watch for include:
- Blood in your urine or semen.
- Pain or burning while urinating.
- Difficulty with erections.
- Unexplained weight loss or persistent bone pain.
Any of these should prompt you to consult with Dr. Gaurav Aggarwal, the best urologist in Kolkata, without delay. Get the right advice and treatment – book an appointment today.
Other Causes of Frequent Urination:
Many things can cause frequent urination besides prostate problems. Some of these are:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Overactive bladder, where the bladder muscles contract too often.
- Diabetes which increases urine production and consequently leads to frequent urination.
- Certain medications, such as diuretics or blood pressure pills.
- Drinking large amounts of fluids, especially caffeine or alcoholic beverages.
Being open with your doctor about your overall health helps pinpoint the cause.
How Is Frequent Urination Diagnosed?
Your doctor will begin with questions about your symptoms and health history, followed by a physical examination that includes a digital rectal exam (DRE) to check your prostate.
Tests will often include urine analysis to rule out infections, basic blood tests, sometimes imaging studies, and a PSA test if indicated clinically.
This helps determine whether your symptoms are due to BPH, infection, cancer or something else.
What Treatment Options Are Available?
If BPH is the cause, treatment may involve lifestyle changes such as reducing fluids before bed and avoiding caffeine, medications to help control your symptoms, and/or surgery, in more severe cases.
If prostate cancer is diagnosed, treatment varies based on how advanced the disease is. Early-stage cancers may simply be monitored closely, while others might require surgery, radiation, or hormone therapy, or a combination of treatments.
Don’t Delay Getting Help…
Urinary symptoms can be embarrassing to talk about, but they are important signals. Early evaluation can relieve symptoms and identify serious conditions early.
Remember, frequent urination is rarely a sign of cancer on its own, but it does warrant a professional check-up.
Prostate health matters, and changes in urination can come from many causes.
Don’t guess or delay—seek medical advice if you notice changes.
Staying informed and proactive about your health is the best way to protect yourself.
