The most common cause of difficulty in urinating in older men is an enlarged prostate, states National Institutes of Health's MedlinePlus. Another cause is an infection of the urinary tract or prostate. This condition tends to be worse in the morning or at night.
Difficulty in urinating can also occur due to side effects of surgery, scarring in the bladder, nervous system disorders and certain medications, such as tricyclic antidepressants, notes MedlinePlus. The medical name for this condition is urinary hesitancy, and it affects people of all ages and both sexes. It tends to grow slowly, and it takes a while for a person to notice the presence of the condition. This leads to discomfort and swelling in the bladder. Related symptoms may include cloudy urine, frequent urination, burning urination or an urgency to urinate.
Home care measures include keeping track of urination patterns and reporting to a doctor. Applying heat to the lower abdomen helps to relax the muscles and improves urination, states MedlinePlus. Massaging or placing light pressure on the bladder helps in emptying the bladder. It is necessary to seek medical attention if a person notices urinary hesitancy or a weak urine system. Some tests that a person may undergo includes catheterization, cystometrography or urinalysis.
